In a collaborative effort to best enable 5-axis machining for users with Heidenhain TNC controls and Mastercam CAD/CAM software, a new collaborate post-processor is now available. Called the Heidenhain TNC 5X Mill post-processor, CNC Software Inc., developers of Mastercam software, introduced it after coordinating development efforts between the two companies. Collaboration also included beta testers and industry resellers in order to best meet the worldwide demand of providing a consistent, high-quality Heidenhain translation post.

All Heidenhain control users that use Mastercam CAD/CAM software can now benefit from this newly developed processor, including those using iTNC 530, TNC 620 and TNC 640 controls.

"Heidenhain is committed to ensuring that our control customers have the tools they need during any 5-axis machining application, and this collaboration post-processor is just one example," explained Gisbert Ledvon, Heidenhain TNC business development manager. "We are now experiencing an increased demand in North America for our newest TNC 640 control for high-precision 5-axis machine tools, and we want those customers to know that if they have Mastercam software, we are dedicated to providing ongoing translation updates as needed!"

The TNC 5x Mill post-processor includes support for the following:

• iTNC 530, TNC 620, and TNC 640 controls
• PLANE commands (STAY, TURN, MOVE)
  • SPATIAL
  • VECTOR
  • EULER
• TCPM
  • TCPM (TNC640)
  • M128 (TNC530)
• Multiple-axis machining:
  • Rotary output
  • Vector output
• Drilling
  • CYCLE 200 (Drilling)
  • CYCLE 205 (Universal Pecking)
  • CYCLE 203 (Universal Drilling)
  • CYCLE 207 (Rigid Tapping)
  • CYCLE 202 (Boring)
  • CYCLE 201 (Reaming)
• Cutter comp (2D / 3D)
• Subprograms
• Safe Retract Routine
• Coolant (X-style)
• Canned text
• Manual entry
• HSM support (CYCL DEF 32)
• Axis clamping
• Work offsets (CYCL DEF 247 DATUM SETTING)
• Transform operations (No subroutine output)
• Rotary axis limit detection