Programming Station for Lathe Controls

Heidenhain Corporation (Schaumburg, IL) offers the DataPilot MP 620 for MANUALplus 620 control and the DataPilot 640 for CNC PILOT 640 control, a programming station that runs on the latest software of the respective lathe control. This programming station for lathes gives the operator the capability to program away from noise and distractions of the shop floor and is an ideal method to prepare trainees to skillfully and safely operate lathes. The software for the DataPilot CP 640 / DataPilot MP 620 programming station is provided on the same DVD which includes the software release module, documentation (such as operating instructions and user manuals  in many languages), as well as a printable keyboard strip.

The DataPilot CP 640 / MP 620 is available in a demo version and three full versions: one for a single workstation or two for networks of 14 or 20 workstations. The full versions allow the same number of programming lines and cycles as the lathe controls and have the capability to generate NC programs during Automatic Workplane Generation (AWG). For multiple workstations, a license manager makes sure that the programming station is available on every licensed PC in the network through a USB dongle. If all network licenses are being used, the demo version is still available on any additional PCs. As programming with the DataPilot CP 640 / MP 620 works in the same way as on the lathe, machine idle times can significantly be reduced. The smart.Turn and DIN PLUS programs, or programs generated with CAD/CAM systems, can be tested and optimized on the PC with the help of high-resolution program verification graphics. Setup functions such as defining the workpiece datum or tool measurements can be simulated too.

The control components feature USB and Ethernet interfaces that enable the user to easily integrate the DataPilot into the existing network. Customers who purchased older versions can upgrade to the new version free of charge. The DataPilot CP 640 / MP 620 is operable with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.

The MANUALplus 620 contouring control for CNCs and cycle lathes is compact and versatile and is characterized by its simple operation and programming, with end-user features that complete support of the opposing spindle during automatic program generation. Its cut-off cycle G859 permits entering a default diameter at which a pick-up device is activated, and the rotational speed can also be limited. In the ICP editor, a calculator for fits and internal threads is offered with the respective input fields for the parameterization of holes and threads. With this lathe control, machine builders welcome a new generation of main computers with more powerful processors and performance reserve for future expansions. Due to the reduction in structural width to 22 nm, the Intel Celeron processor with Ivy Bridge architecture provides increased computing power while consuming less electrical power. There are also sufficient performance reserves for future expansions of the MANUALplus 620.

A PROFIBUS interface card can be plugged externally via PCI express slot. It features a USB 3.0 interface and an 8 GB CFR with CFast (S-ATA interface) for faster data access. The CFR MANUALplus 620 is based on the CFast standard (CFast = CompactFlash ATA Serial Transfer). Compared to the previous CFR memory cards, the faster S-ATA protocol is used for the new mass storage device. These cards have significantly shorter access times that are convenient, for example, during startup of the MANUALplus 620 and handling of large NC programs. OEM cycles and OEM subprogram dialogs can now be shown with language-sensitive texts. Special working-space limits (area limit switches) can now be defined for machines with inclined kinematics (e.g. oblique axis).

Heidenhain Corporation, 333 East State Parkway, Schaumburg, IL 60173, 847-490-1191, www.heidenhain.us.