The use of Heidenhain TNC 320 control systems (www.heidenhain.co.uk) on RK International Machine Tools’ Europa Milltech turret-type milling machines gives users a seamless transition from training and prototype machining through to full production milling (www.rk-int.com.

Two of the Milltech machines feature the TNC320 control. The 2000VS features a 2.2kW 3,800rev/min R8 spindle, a 1,244 x 230mm table and a work envelope of 755 x 300 x 110mm — plus a vertical traverse of 405mm.

Meanwhile, the larger 5000VS features a 3.75kW 3,550rev/min ISO 40 spindle, a 1,370 x 254mm table, a work envelope of 850 x 380 x 110mm, and a vertical traverse of 430mm.

The entry-level TNC 320 has a 15in TFT colour monitor that presents clear overviews of all relevant information for programming and operating, including program blocks, comments and error messages. More information is provided through graphic support during program entry, test run and machining.

Furthermore, a selectable split-screen display shows the part-program blocks on one half of the screen and graphics — or the status display — on the other half. While the program is running, status displays offer information on tool position, active cycles and co-ordinate transformations, for example.

RK International’s sales director, Dick Aldrich, says: “The education and training sector is an important part of our business and one we support with a wide range of machines, from manual lathes through to CNC machining centres.

“The development of the Europa Milltech range with the Heidenhain CNC system allows users to develop CNC skills and transfer their knowledge — and machining programs — into a production environment.”