The Process Monitoring software option makes analyzing and optimizing complex processes easy by automatically recommending settings and detecting process deviations exactly where they arise.

In software version 21 for the TNC7, Process Monitoring has been considerably enhanced, becoming even easier and more practical to operate than before. A new, simplified operating mode focuses on the specific task at hand rather than on all the technical details of the monitoring process. These tasks include:

• Tool-breakage monitoring
• Edge-breakage monitoring
• Process-deviation detection

The functions of a tool presetter, tool microscope and visual tool inspector can now be handled by a single system: the VT 122 measuring camera with smart VTC software from HEIDENHAIN. Taken from within the machine envelope, the images shown on the screen of your control provide an accurate look at the tool’s cutting edge accompanied by reliable facts for a holistic evaluation of your tools. The vision system can automatically measure a tool’s length, diameter and wear width, transmitting this data to the TNC control. Leverage detailed tool inspection without a trip to the metrology lab.

The VT 122 measuring camera and the new Visual Tool Check (VTC) software enable automated, AI-driven flank wear measurement for faster and more reliable tool monitoring. Automated process documentation is also part of the workflow—a key benefit for industries such as aerospace and medical tech.

Flank wear measurement is guided by user-friendly VTC cycles. The control starts by moving the slowly rotating tool in front of the camera for panoramic imaging. Based on this image, the VTC software automatically determines the amount of flank wear. The AI-determined results for each tool edge are displayed in a user-friendly visualization. Maximum and average flank wear levels are shown and automatically saved. Users can also define specific warnings, configure tool locking thresholds, track wear levels over time, and export wear data as CSV files.

Reduce your non-cutting time and improve your process reliability through efficient tool inspection. The new HEIDENHAIN TD 110 tool breakage detector is a compact and robust device installable within the machine envelope as a retrofit. From its position next to the machine table, the TD 110 performs breakage inspection for tools with at least 2 mm in edge length as they pass by under full operational rotation. The resulting signals are sent to the control over the machine’s touch probe interface. The control can then send a message, trigger an NC stop or perform a user-specified reaction, thereby improving process reliability.