Hi all!
As in the subject - I've got an access to a new lathe with mentioned control and I'm about to start learning how to deal with this machine/control and how to start creating my own parts. Of course I have to learn how to programm etc...

What indications could you point me for the beginning??
I've already found some related links (link1 (http://filebase.heidenhain.de/doku/manualplus4110/html/de/index.html), link2 (http://filebase.heidenhain.de/doku/english/serv_0.htm) and link3 (http://filebase.heidenhain.de/public/?open[]=64&open[]=58#GROUP58)) but I'd like to get some more "practical" suggestions.

Any reply would be much appreciated, thanks in advance

If you're new to G-code I would get familiar with the basic codes first (G1, G2, G0, G41, etc). Then concentrate on the machine/control specific codes. The best way to learn one machine is to read the manuals that came with it. Be ready though, the older Heidenhain controls were a bear to program and use.

:cheers:

Greetings Grezeniua,

I cannot speak directly about Heidenhain's CNC programming interface, but
your question seems to be asking more about practical suggestions to
begin learning CNC programming. I hope I am right . . . .
First I took a look at your Links and right away Link1 looks super cool.
What it will allow you to do (if I reviewed correctly) is map your G code
moves on a test plot (the pilot) before the actual machine implements
the resulting G code. This looks like a great way to start the learning
process.
Now, for what I would do as a first part scenario. What is it you wish
to make? Something simple and basic is a great choice, but it should
be something relevant to your goals.
Try this:
1. Get a piece of Aluminium stock in your hands. Something close
to desired shape. Put it right there on your desk. Make it an
oversized piece too. Hopefully, its round too!
2. Imagine 10 to 50 mm held by the lathe chuck or collet. Here is
good rule of thumb -- extend your stock max of 3x stock OD beyond
your workholding device and have .3 of OD as minimum to grip.
I like this for my own needs (it varies of course) and others
will have theirs. You will develop your own intel as your experience
grows.

3. Begin to see how you would initiate a ROUGHING sequence to
FACE the front of the part to a desired length before a final finish
face length.
4. Next make a similiar ROUGHING sequence to Turn the outside OD
to a desired dimension. I go for something like .015 over final finished
dimension on the part OD (oops --- .05mm!).

Now for the Roughing of the face and OD you can select a specific Tool.
I use a lot of VNMG/A tooling and have found a CNMG/A insert is great
as the Roughing tool.

5. You have the basic part "Roughed" to shape. Something like .05mm
over final finish dimension.

6. Select a new tool to begin your FINISH op. Follow the same paths
as applied in the Roughing steps above but all of your dimensions
should be set to create a finished machined part that matches the
respective print dimensions you also have conveniently placed
near your calipers and your stock.

Ok -- how was that? You got some metal, you have a print and you have
some way to measure and you have the heidenhain Pilot control to
teach you the science of part profiling the CNC way.

Here is some other bits to begin understanding:
1. Tool change clearance --- critical ! Start now to determine a safe
area to make all tool changes free of your stock. This will be implemented
with respective G code moves. I like X and Z moves in a single format.
Like this:
G01 X -2. ; part OD dimension times 2 (assume part OD is 1.0)
Z 5. ; face of part = Z0. so Z goes to 5.0 in front of part face
Now this is a safe place to index tool turret depending on your longest
tool extension.

2. tool offsets. Setting tool offsets according your
part's length beyond the workholding face this is the Z value from
a "home" position. And then an X value based on tool touching the
stock. Here many machines will do something unique. My machine
for example has all X moves as Radius values. Your machine may
or may not use this discipline. Find out right away and know it.

Get these 2 principles understood quickly and you will be on your way.


How have I done so far? I feel I am not helping too much, but maybe
confusing you more . . . . ;) I hope my rambling is right for your question!

Would like to hear how the Pilot application works out for you.
I have developed my own ritual for programming and can you show
you a basic layout for my own G code applications if it will help.
And others will have their individual rituals as well. As we say in
my workplace --- "its all good"

enjoy the learning, :)
scott

Don't get discouraged if it all seems very confusing; it takes some time for things to soak into your brain. I had a few decades of manual experience but I bought a Haas lathe without ever having done any programming. It took me six weeks puzzling through the manual and pushing buttons on the machine before I had a successful program.

OK! Thanks to all of you! I've just took part in a 2-days training for setting-up the machine and finally defining tools & programming...
I think I'm able to build my own programm and to create a desired component;)

Now I have more questions: could you advice me some PC programm to manage my NC programs/store them externally? Is there any free small application compatible with Heidenhain Manual Plus 4110? If so, then please send it to grzeniua@gmail.com.
I have a network connector, serial (RS232) and USB? Do the cables need to be "crossed"? I suppose yes, but wanna be sure!
How to configure the communication from Win2k system? If anyone has an experience exclusively in that control unit, please share your indications!

Thanks in advance, Greg