HEIDENHAIN TNC 128 User manual
TNC 128
User's Manual
Conversational Programming
NC Software
771841-06
English (en)
10/2017
Controls and displays
2HEIDENHAIN | TNC 128 | Conversational Programming User's Manual | 10/2017
Controls and displays
Keys
Keys on visual display unit
Key Function
Selecting the screen layout
Toggle the display between
machine operating mode, program-
ming mode, and a third desktop
Soft keys for selecting functions on
screen
Shifting between soft-key rows
Machine operating modes
Key Function
Manual operation
Electronic handwheel
Positioning with manual data input
Program run, single block
Program run, full sequence
Programming modes
Key Function
Programming
Test run
Entering and editing coordinate
axes and numbers
Key Function
. . .
Select coordinate axes or enter
them in a program
. . .
Numbers
Decimal separator / Reverse
algebraic sign
Polar coordinate entry /
Incremental values
Q parameter programming /
Q parameter status
Capture actual position
NO
ENT
Skip dialog questions, delete words
Confirm entry and resume dialog
Conclude block and exit entry
Clear entries or error message
Abort dialog, delete program
section
Tool functions
Key Function
Define tool data in the program
Call tool data
HEIDENHAIN | TNC 128 | Conversational Programming User's Manual | 10/2017 3
Managing programs and files,
control functions
Key Function
Select or delete programs and files,
external data transfer
Define program call, select datum
and point tables
Select MOD functions
Display help text for NC error
messages, call TNCguide
Display all current error messages
Show calculator
Show special functions
Navigation keys
Key Function
Position the cursor
Go directly to blocks, cycles and
parameter functions
Navigate to the program start or
table start
Navigate to the program end or end
of a table line
Navigate up one page
Navigate down one page
Select the next tab in forms
Up/down one dialog box or button
Cycles, subprograms and
program section repeats
Key Function
Define and call cycles
Enter and call labels for subpro-
gramming and program section
repeats
Potentiometer for feed rate
and spindle speed
Feed rate Spindle speed
Fundamentals
Fundamentals | About this manual
6HEIDENHAIN | TNC 128 | Conversational Programming User's Manual | 10/2017
About this manual
Safety precautions
Comply with all safety precautions indicated in this document and
in your machine tool builder's documentation!
Precautionary statements warn of hazards in handling software
and devices and provide information on their prevention. They are
classified by hazard severity and divided into the following groups:
DANGER
Danger indicates hazards for persons. If you do not follow the
avoidance instructions, the hazard will result in death or severe
injury.
WARNING
Warning indicates hazards for persons. If you do not follow the
avoidance instructions, the hazard could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION
Caution indicates hazards for persons. If you do not follow the
avoidance instructions, the hazard could result in minor or
moderate injury.
NOTICE
Notice indicates danger to material or data. If you do not follow
the avoidance instructions, the hazard could result in things
other than personal injury, like property damage.
Sequence of information in precautionary statements
All precautionary statements comprise the following four sections:
Signal word indicating the hazard severity
Type and source of hazard
Consequences of ignoring the hazard, e.g.: "There is danger of
collision during subsequent machining operations"
Escape – Hazard prevention measures
Fundamentals | About this manual
HEIDENHAIN | TNC 128 | Conversational Programming User's Manual | 10/2017 7
Informational notes
Observe the informational notes provided in these instructions to
ensure reliable and efficient operation of the software.
In these instructions, you will find the following informational
notes:
The information symbol indicates a tip.
A tip provides important additional or supplementary
information.
This symbol prompts you to follow the safety
precautions of your machine tool builder. This symbol
also indicates machine-dependent functions. Possible
hazards for the operator and the machine are described
in the machine manual.
The book symbol represents a cross reference to
external documentation, e.g. the documentation of your
machine tool builder or other supplier.
Would you like any changes, or have you found any errors?
We are continuously striving to improve our documentation for you.
Please help us by sending your requests to the following e-mail
address:
Fundamentals | Control model, software and features
8HEIDENHAIN | TNC 128 | Conversational Programming User's Manual | 10/2017
Control model, software and features
This manual describes functions and features provided by controls
as of the following NC software numbers.
Control model NC software number
TNC 128 771841-06
TNC 128 Programming Station 771845-06
The machine manufacturer adapts the usable features of the
control to his machine by the setting machine parameters. Some of
the functions described in this manual may therefore not be among
the features provided by the control on your machine tool.
Control functions that may not be available on your machine
include:
Probing functions for the 3-D touch probe
In order to find out about the actual features of your machine,
please contact the machine manufacturer.
Many machine manufacturers, as well as HEIDENHAIN, offer
programming courses for the HEIDENHAIN controls. Participation
in one of these courses is recommended to familiarize yourself
thoroughly with the control's functions.
Fundamentals | Control model, software and features
HEIDENHAIN | TNC 128 | Conversational Programming User's Manual | 10/2017 9
Software options
The TNC 128 features various software options that can be enabled by your machine tool builder. Each option is to
be enabled separately and contains the following respective functions:
Additional Axis (option 0 and option 1)
Additional axis Additional control loops 1 and 2
Touch Probe Functions (option 17)
Touch probe cycles:
Presetting in the Manual operation mode of operation
Tools can be measured automatically
Touch probe functions
HEIDENHAIN DNC (option 18)
Communication with external PC applications over COM component
Fundamentals | Control model, software and features
10 HEIDENHAIN | TNC 128 | Conversational Programming User's Manual | 10/2017
Feature Content Level (upgrade functions)
Along with software options, significant further improvements of
the control software are managed via the Feature Content Level
upgrade functions. If you install a software update on your control
you do not automatically have the functions available as covered by
the FCL.
All upgrade functions are available to you without
surcharge when you receive a new machine.
Upgrade functions are identified in the manual as FCL n. The n
signifies the serial number of the development status.
You can purchase a code number in order to permanently enable
the FCL functions. For more information, contact your machine tool
builder or HEIDENHAIN.
Intended place of operation
The control complies with the limits for a Class A device in
accordance with the specifications in EN 55022, and is intended for
use primarily in industrially-zoned areas.
Legal information
This product uses open source software. Further information is
available on the control under:
Programming operating mode
MOD function
LICENSE INFO soft key
Fundamentals | Control model, software and features
HEIDENHAIN | TNC 128 | Conversational Programming User's Manual | 10/2017 11
New functions
New functions 77184x-02
New special operating mode RETRACT, see "Retraction after a
power interruption", page 454
New graphic simulation, see "Graphics ", page 432
New Tool usage file MOD function in the machine settings
group, see "Tool usage file", page 472
New Set system time MOD function in the systems settings
group, see "Set the system time", page 474
New Graphic settings MOD group, see "Graphic settings",
page 468
With the new cutting data calculator you can calculate the
spindle speed and the feed rate, see "Cutting data calculator",
page 164
With the jump commands new if/then decisions have been
introduced, see "Programming if-then decisions", page 253
New Cycle 233 Face Milling, see "FACE MILLING (Cycle 233)",
page 583
In the drilling cycles 200, 203 and 205 the parameter Q395
DEPTH REFERENCE has been introduced in order to evaluate
the T ANGLE
Modified functions 77184x-02
Up to 4 M functions are now allowed in an NC block, see
"Fundamentals", page 336
New soft keys for transferring values have been introduced in
the pocket calculator, see "Operation", page 161
The distance-to-go display can now also be displayed in the
input system, see "Select the position display", page 475
Several input parameters have been added to Cycle 241
SINGLE-LIP DEEP HOLE DRILLING, see "SINGLE-LIP DEEP-
HOLE DRILLING (Cycle 241)", page 551
In the thread milling cycles 26x an approaching feed rate has
been introduced
In Cycle 205 Universal Pecking you can now use parameter
Q208 to define a feed rate for retraction, see "Cycle
parameters", page 546
Fundamentals | Control model, software and features
12 HEIDENHAIN | TNC 128 | Conversational Programming User's Manual | 10/2017
New functions 77184x-03
Programs with .HU and .HC extensions can be selected and
processed in all operating modes
The functions SELECT PROGRAM and
CALL SELECTED PROGRAM have been introduced, see "Calling
any program as a subprogram", page 229
New FEED DWELL function for programming repeating dwell
times, see "Dwell time FUNCTION FEED", page 358
The FN18 functions have been expanded, see "FN 18: SYSREAD
– Reading system data", page 268
USB data carriers can be locked with the SELinux security
software, see "SELinux security software", page 99
The machine parameter posAfterContPocket (no. 201007) that
influences positioning after an SL cycle has been introduced,
see "Machine-specific user parameters", page 640
Protective zones can be defined in the MOD menu, see
"Entering traverse limits", page 471
Write protection is possible for individual lines in the preset
management, see "Saving presets in the table", page 396
New manual probing function for aligning a plane, see
"Measuring 3-D basic rotation"
CAD files can be opened without option number 42, see "Data
Transfer from CAD Files", page 217
Fundamentals | Control model, software and features
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Modified functions 77184x-03
FZ and FU feed rate input possible in the Tool Call block, see
"Calling the tool data", page 202
The input range of the DOC column in the pocket table has
been expanded to 32 characters, see "Pocket table for tool
changer", page 199
Commands FN 15, FN 31, FN 32, FT and FMAXT from
predecessor controls no longer generate ERROR blocks during
import. When simulating or running an NC program with these
commands, the control interrupts the NC program with an error
message that helps you to find an alternative implementation
The maximum file size of files output with FN 16: F-PRINT has
been increased from 4 KB to 20 KB
The Preset.PR preset management is write-protected in
Programming operating mode, see "Saving presets in the table",
page 396
The input range of the Q parameter list for defining the QPARA
tab on the status display consists of 132 input positions, see
"Displaying Q parameters (QPARA tab)", page 90
Manual calibration of the touch probe with fewer pre-positioning
movements, see "Calibrating 3-D touch probes (option 17)",
page 412
The position display takes into account the DL oversizes
programmed in the Tool Call block, selectable as an oversize of
the workpiece or tool, see "Delta values for lengths and radii",
page 187
In single block mode the control executes each point individually
with point pattern cycles and CYCL CALL PAT, see "Program
run", page 447
Rebooting the control is no longer possible with the END key
but with the RESTART soft key, see "Switch-off", page 379
The control displays the contouring feed rate in manual mode,
see "Spindle speed S, feed rate F and miscellaneous function
M", page 394
Deactivate tilting in manual mode is only possible via the 3D-
ROT menu, see "Activating manual tilting:"
Machine parameter maxLineGeoSearch (no. 105408) has
been increased to max. 50000, see "Machine-specific user
parameters", page 640
New and modified cycle functions 77184x-03
Cycle 253 SLOT MILLING has been added (option 19), see
"SLOT MILLING (Cycle 253, DIN/ISO: G253)", page 575
Fundamentals | Control model, software and features
14 HEIDENHAIN | TNC 128 | Conversational Programming User's Manual | 10/2017
New functions 77184x-05
New function FUNCTION DWELL for programming a dwell time,
see "Dwell time FUNCTION DWELL", page 373
New function FUNCTION S-PULSE for programming pulsing
shaft speeds, see "Pulsing spindle speed FUNCTION S-PULSE",
page 356
The column KINEMATIC has been added to the tool table, see
"Entering tool data into the table", page 188
The column OVRTIME has been added to the tool table, see
"Entering tool data into the table", page 188
When importing tool data the CSV file may contain additional
table columns not recognized by the control. During import a
message is displayed indicating the unrecognized columns and
informing that these values will not be adopted, see "Importing
and exporting tool data"
Manual probe functions create a line in the preset management
if the specified line does not exist yet, see "Writing measured
values from the touch-probe cycles to the preset table",
page 411
Manual probe functions can write in a password-protected line,
see "Recording measured values from the touch probe cycles",
page 410
During a manual touch probe cycle, control can be transferred
to the handwheel, see "Traverse movements with a handwheel
with display", page 406
Several handwheels can be connected to a control, see
"Traverse with electronic handwheels"
In Electronic handwheel mode of operation, the handwheel
axis for an HR 130 can be selected with the orange axis keys
If the control is set to the INCH unit of measure, the control also
includes movements traversed by the handwheel in INCHES,
see "Traverse with electronic handwheels"
The control differentiates between interrupted or stopped NC
programs. In the interrupted status, the control offers more
intervention options, see "Interrupting, stopping or aborting
machining", page 449
With active structuring the structure block can be edited in the
structure window, see "Definition and applications", page 159
The FN18 functions have been expanded, see "FN 18: SYSREAD
– Reading system data", page 268
The FN16 functions have been expanded, see "FN16: F-PRINT –
Formatted output of texts and Q parameter values", page 261
The file saved with SAVE AS is now also found in the file
management under LAST FILES, see "Editing an NC program",
page 119
If you save files with SAVE AS, you can select the target
directory with the SWITCH soft key, see "Editing an NC
program", page 119
It is possible to search quickly for a file in file management by
entering the first letter, see "Selecting drives, directories and
files", page 131
Fundamentals | Control model, software and features
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File management displays vertical scrollbars and supports
scrolling with the mouse, see "Calling the file manager",
page 130
New machine parameter for recreating M7 and M8, see
"Machine-specific user parameters", page 640
The function STRLEN checks whether a string parameter has
been defined, see "Finding the length of a string parameter",
page 326
The function SYSSTR enables the NC software version to be
read out, see "Reading system data", page 323
The function FN 38: SEND can now be programmed without a
code number
Undefined Q parameters can now be transferred with the
function FN 0
For jumps with FN 9, QS parameters and texts are permitted as
conditions, see "Programming if-then decisions", page 253
Cylindrical workpiece blanks can now also be defined with
a diameter instead of a radius, see "Defining the blank: BLK
FORM", page 113
In operating modes Program run, single block and Program
run, full sequence the screen layout PROGRAM + SECTS can be
specified, see "Structuring programs", page 159
In operating modes Program Run Full Sequence, Program Run
Single Block and Positioning w/ Manual Data Input, the font
size can be set to the same size as the Programming operating
mode, see "Machine-specific user parameters", page 640
The functions in the Positioning w/ Manual Data Input mode
were expanded and adapted for improved operation, see
"Positioning with Manual Data Input", page 425
In the RETRACT operating mode, feed-rate limitation can be
deactivated with the CANCEL THE FEED RATE LIMITATION soft
key, see "Retraction after a power interruption", page 454
In the Test Run operating mode a tool usage file can also be
created without simulation, see "Tool usage test", page 205
In the Test Run operating mode you can hide the rapid traverse
movements with the FMAX PATHS soft key, see "3-D view in the
Test Run operating mode", page 437
Fundamentals | Control model, software and features
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In the Test Run operating mode you can reset the solid-model
view with the RESET THE VOLUME MODEL soft key, see "3-D
view in the Test Run operating mode", page 437
In the Test Run operating mode you can reset the tool paths
with the RESET TOOL PATHS soft key, see "3-D view in the Test
Run operating mode", page 437
In the Test Run operating mode the MEASURING soft key
displays the coordinates if you position the mouse on the
graphics, see "3-D view in the Test Run operating mode",
page 437
In the Test Run operating mode the STOP AT soft key simulates
up to a predefined block, see "Test Run up to a certain block ",
page 446
Active basic transformation is shown in the status display on the
POS tab, see "Positions and coordinates (POS tab)", page 89
The status display now also shows the path of the active main
program, see "Overview", page 87, see "General program
information (PGM tab)", page 88
Mid-program startup can now be continued, see "Entering the
program at any point: Mid-program startup", page 457
With functions NC/PLC Backup and NC/PLC Restore you can
save and restore single directories or the complete TNC drive,
see "Backup and restore", page 102
The new HR 520 and HR 550FS handwheels are supported, see
"Moving with the electronic display handwheels", page 383
Fundamentals | Control model, software and features
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Modified functions 77184x-05
When editing the tool table or tool management, only the
current table line is blocked, see "Editing the tool table",
page 193
When importing tool tables, nonexistent tool types are imported
as type undefined, see "Importing tool tables", page 197
Tool names can now also include the special characters % and ,,
see "Tool number, tool name", page 186
When importing tool tables the numerical values are adopted
from the R-OFFS column, see "Importing tool tables",
page 197
In the LIFTOFF column of the tool table the default is now N,
see "Entering tool data into the table", page 188
The L and R columns of the tool table are empty when a new
tool is created, see "Editing the tool table", page 193
In the tool table, the SELECT soft key is now available for the RT
and KINEMATIC columns, see "Entering tool data into the table",
page 188
You cannot delete the tool data of tools still stored in the pocket
table, see "Editing the tool table", page 193
In all manual probing functions, quicker selection of the start
angle of holes and studs is possible with soft keys (paraxial
probing directions), see "Functions in touch probe cycles",
page 407
When probing, after acceptance of the actual value of the 1st
point, for the 2nd point the soft key for the axis direction is
shown
In all manual probing functions, the direction of the reference
axis is suggested as a default
In manual probing cycles the hard keys END and
Adopt Actual Position may be used
The display of the machining feed rate has been changed
in manual mode, see "Spindle speed S, feed rate F and
miscellaneous function M", page 394
The FMAX soft key in Program Run not only limits the machining
feed rate during execution of the program but also the axis feed
rate for manual axis movements, see "Feed rate limit F MAX",
page 395
Soft key allocations were adapted for incremental positioning
The values entered for the traverse limits are checked for
validity, see "Entering traverse limits", page 471
Fundamentals | Control model, software and features
18 HEIDENHAIN | TNC 128 | Conversational Programming User's Manual | 10/2017
When the preset management is opened, the cursor is on the
line of the active preset
The feed rate potentiometer only reduces the programmed feed
rate and no longer the feed rate calculated by the control, see
"Feed rate F", page 184
Block editing no longer causes block marking to be canceled. If
a block is edited with active block marking and another block is
then selected via the syntax search, the marking is expanded
to the newly selected block, see "Marking, copying, cutting and
inserting program sections", page 122
The current structure block can be more clearly recognized
in the structure window, see "Definition and applications",
page 159
DHCP Lease Time is now also valid following power
interruption. When HEROS is shut down, the DHCP server
is no longer informed that the IP address is free again, see
"Configuring the control", page 486
In the status display the fields for the LBL names have been
expanded to 32 characters
The TT status display now also shows values if the user
changes to the TT tab later
Status displays can now also be switched over with the
Next tab key, see "Additional status displays", page 87
If a subprogram called with CALL PGM ends with M2 or M30 the
control outputs a warning
M124 no longer triggers an error message but only a warning.
This enables NC programs with programmed M124 to run
through without interruption
In the file management, the programs or directories at the
cursor position are also displayed in a separate field beneath the
current path display
Upper and lower cases for a file name can be modified in the
file management
If a larger file is transferred to a USB device in the file
management, the control displays a warning until file transfer is
completed, see "USB devices on the control", page 151
In the file management, the control also shows the momentary
type filter with the path
In the file management the SHOW ALL soft key is now displayed
in all operating modes
In the file management the function Select the target
directory was modified for copying files or directories. The soft
keys OK and CANCEL are available on the first two positions
Fundamentals | Control model, software and features
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The colors of the programming graphics were changed, see
"Programming graphics", page 166
In the Test Run and Programming operating modes the tool
data is reset when a program is reselected or restarted with the
RESET + START soft key
In the Test Run operating mode the control displays the
datum of the machine table as the reference point when using
BLANK IN WORK SPACE, see "Showing the workpiece blank in
the working space", page 442
After modification of the active preset, resuming the program is
only possible after GOTO or mid-program startup, see "Moving
the machine axes during an interruption", page 452
Mid-program startup operation and dialog guidance has been
improved, also for pallet tables, see "Entering the program at
any point: Mid-program startup", page 457
Fundamentals | Control model, software and features
20 HEIDENHAIN | TNC 128 | Conversational Programming User's Manual | 10/2017
New and modified cycle functions 77184x-05
In Cycle 247 PRESETTING, the preset number from the preset
table can be selected with the corresponding parameter, see
"PRESETTING (Cycle 247)", page 601
With Cycles 200 and 203 the behavior of the dwell time at top
has been adapted, see "UNIVERSAL DRILLING (Cycle 203)",
page 534
Cycle 205 performs deburring on the coordinate surface, see
"UNIVERSAL PECKING (Cycle 205)", page 544
In Cycles 481 to 483, parameter Q340 was expanded with the
input option "2". This makes it possible to check the tool without
changing the tool table, see "Cycle parameters", page 633,
see "Cycle parameters", page 635, see "Cycle parameters",
page 637
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