Market Research:: Siemens VS Heidenhain Controllers

[zhichien]

Hi all, am doing a homework research. Understand that 2 very famous cnc controllers in European market are Siemens and Heidenhain. A few big cnc OEM outside Europe has been installing these controllers for their machines to be selling especially in US and China. This 2 controllers are said to be very good in 5 axis machining especially Heidenhain. From my other research, they said Siemens is catching up very fast with various new functions and improved finishing. I would like to gather a summary comment on how do you feel for both controllers in term of their user friendliness, customer support and ofcos which one you like more :-) Thanks.

[broussard]

A LNC 520 controller is better

[segengineering]

Hi,
Well your looking for which of these two controls are the best, well Heidenhain is good, but Siemens controls with the shopmill interface is miles better, all the cycles are so easy to use. We have both controls in my workshop, and we would pick Siemens every time.
Just to let you know I have used most big popular systems that there are from Fanuc and all the simular systems, through Haas controls, (poor and old fashioned), upto and including the latest Heidenhain and Siemens, I have over 30 year experiance of CNC Machining, including turning.

[broussard]

Heidenhain and Siemens controls are big ticket cost controllers but LNC 520 Controllers are Easy wiring, high performance and low price.

take a look at the link.


CNC Controller T510IP - CNCzone.com-Classifieds Buy and Selling

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Are you referring to 5-axis controllers? I'm confused by your opening statement.

Dick Z

[zhichien]

Originally Posted by RICHARD ZASTROW Are you referring to 5-axis controllers? I'm confused by your opening statement. Dick Z

Hi Dick, in general both 3 and 5 axis, because some users not using 5 axis. So experience in 3 axis also very important. Lastly is their service. Thank you for your attention. Do you use which type of machine more?

[J Hill]

Both are good controls and I use both depending on the application.I have found that when it comes to turning I prefer Siemens. For 5-axis one is as good as the other. when it comes to controlling more than 5-axis the Siemens tends to come into its own. I usually have machines rebuilt and then retrofit them for CNC. I going to take a Bullard VTL and convert it to a CNC GMT and the control I will use will be Siemens.

[RevEdo]

The general consensus has been, Heienhain for milling and Seimans on turning.

[Brakeman Bob]

I agree with RevEdo. We use Heidenhain for five axis milling and it is a superb controller for that application and whilst researching a new Mill/Turn machine, we came to the conclusion that our preferred control was Siemens.

Can't comment on user-friendliness as all our programs are CAM generated.

[LEARN]

I would have to not go with seimens

we have a couple of eumachs that are always broken down only due to the drives and motors

[scurr]

Don't know about every one else but I think it is a bit narrow minded just compareing 2 controllers There are plenty more out there on the market. I admit some are generic to particular machines I don't know much about Siemens but wouldn't put Heidenhain up the top.

Cheers

[LEARN]

Originally Posted by scurr Don't know about every one else but I think it is a bit narrow minded just compareing 2 controllers There are plenty more out there on the market. I admit some are generic to particular machines I don't know much about Siemens but wouldn't put Heidenhain up the top. Cheers

well this is true I can't say anything about Heidenhain really but I can say I am not happy with the Siemens at all.