Open Mind partners with Heidenhain to provide ‘exclusive first-use’ virtual machining

Open Mind Technologies, a provider of computer-aided manufacturing software, has partnered with Heidenhain TNC controls to provide exclusive first use of their new numerical control code-based simulation solution, hyperMill virtual machining.

The Connected Machining module allows networked Heidenhain TNC controls to be run from remote locations, a key component for digital production systems.

The new simulation solution is available with the hyperMill 2018.1 release. 

Alan Levine, Open Mind managing director, North America, says: “We are thrilled to begin roll-out of this unique new virtual machining feature in conjunction with the powerful Heidenhain TNC 640 control.

“Open Mind’s bi-directional virtual software will allow the user to start or stop the machine tool, review or override some settings, run simulations, synchronize the machine simulation to the actual machine position and modify the Heidenhain control from anywhere our software is networked.

“This promises to increase machining efficiency by optimizing machining productions, and reduces the chance of errors while connecting a CAM programming environment with the shop floor machining world.”

Heidenhain’s workshop-oriented TNC 640 mill-turn contouring control is well known for HSC and 5-axis machining on machines with up to 18 axes.

Guiding basic to advanced machining, the TNC 640 pairs well with Open Mind’s virtual software by connecting with Heidenhain’s DNC software and TNC Remo SDK options.

Levine says: “Heidenhain has a well-engineered control and its programming interface was a perfect match with our system.

“We are excited to begin implementation at some end users and help expand their virtual manufacturing networks.”

Three new system modules of the hyperMill Virtual Machining – the Center, Optimizer and Connected Machining – will help to decisively step up communication between the hyperMill CAM suite and the machine tools.