Functionality increased for Manual Plus M lathe control

Citation

(1999), "Functionality increased for Manual Plus M lathe control", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771cab.015

Functionality increased for Manual Plus M lathe control

Functionality increased for Manual Plus M lathe control

Keywords Heidenhain, Software

Further development of the PC-based Heidenhain Manual Plus M contouring control for electronic two-axis lathes extends the ISO programming capability, program storage and tool inventory memory to 96 programs and 96 tools. New macros accommodate the roughing of freely definable contours through radial or face grooving.

The Manual Plus M control, launched in the UK at MACH 98, combines very simple on-screen graphics to support user-friendly machining cycles with the benefit of CNC-based repeatability and contouring practicality (Plate 6). By combining axis positioning via electronic handwheels with teach-in and ISO programming the Heidenhain system claims to provides as much, or as little, CNC assistance as the user requires for single part or small batch turning.

In manual mode, the control functions as a high quality digital read-out via 9.5 inch TFT colour flat panel display. This supports the operator as he creates the machine axis movements via the electronic handwheels. By doubling the tool memory to 96 tools with descriptions which include memory for length and off-set data, the versatility of the control is said to be further enhanced.

Plate 6 Heidenhain's Manual Plus M contouring control for CNC lathes

Manual routine including commonly required features such as tapers, or thread cutting (inclusive of undercuts) can be fully automated via a menu of easily programmed macro routines. This feature reportedly provides considerable increases in flexibility, for example a full range of metric and imperial, parallel or constant pitch taper threads, can be accurately cut without the use of change gears.

Likewise, contours and radii can be simply programmed and machined with single point tools, with grooving sequences enacted simply by dialling in the depth and any step-over width. Interactive contour programming geometry development is assisted by a graphic editor which allows the operator to input the information directly from the drawing and Manual Plus M will automatically calculate all necessary intersections and transitions.

The major strength of the system is that these cycles are set up in typical Heidenhain operator-friendly style, using terminology that is familiar to any skilled turner. Training therefore is very straightforward. In addition, CNC controlled cycles can either be combined into a seamless program requiring only pauses for tool changes, or used in isolation to solve a particular tricky stage of a manual turning operation.

In CNC mode, constant surface speed cutting is available within the capabilities of the machine spindle, which ensures a high standard of finish.

Standard features for the control also include toolpath simulation graphics, 2D graphic representation of the component and a very useful zoom-in and out facility. Further features allow the control to be used with driven tools and for "thread repair".

Further details from Heidenhain (GB) Limited, Tel: +44 (0) 1444 247711.