Heidenhain TNC Connectivity

• Overview
• Applicable Controls
• Prerequisites
• Network Configuration
  • Connecting to Company Network
  • Configuring Network Settings
  • Testing Network Connection
• MachineMetrics Connector Setup
  • Adding Machine in MachineMetrics
  • Heidenhain Connector Configuration
  • Testing Connection
• Part Counting Configuration
  • Understanding PLC WORD Table
  • Finding Part Counter Location
  • Configuring Part Count Address
  • M-Code Configuration for Part Counting
  • Verifying Part Count
• Troubleshooting
• Additional Resources
• Getting Help

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Overview

Heidenhain TNC control panel. Heidenhain controls (iTNC 530, TNC 640, TNC 730) connect via proprietary Ethernet protocol or OPC-UA (Option 56), providing real-time machine status and PLC data access for part counting.

MachineMetrics connects to Heidenhain TNC controls using a proprietary connector that communicates directly with the control over Ethernet. This native integration provides real-time machine data including status, programs, tools, and part counts.

Key Features:

• Direct Ethernet communication with TNC controls
• Real-time machine status and production data
• PLC data table access for part counting
• Support for iTNC 530 / TNC 530, TNC 640, and TNC 730 controls
• Alternative OPC-UA connectivity available (Option 56) for TNC 640 / TNC 730
• No additional hardware required (Ethernet connection only)

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Applicable Controls

This guide covers connectivity for the following Heidenhain controls:

Supported Controls:

• iTNC 530 / TNC 530 - All versions
• TNC 640 - Requires connectivity option (see below)
• TNC 730 - Requires connectivity option (see below)

Recommended Connectivity Options for TNC 640 / TNC 730

For TNC 640 and TNC 730 controls, we recommend:

✅ Recommended: OPC-UA Option 56

Option 56 provides better data quality, more comprehensive data access, and easier part counting configuration compared to Option 18. If you need to purchase a connectivity option, choose Option 56 instead of Option 18. See the HEIDENHAIN OPC UA NC Server product page for details.

Available Options:

Option	Description	Recommendation	Data Quality	Part Counting
Option 56 (OPC-UA)	OPC-UA server connectivity	✅ Recommended	Better data access and quality	Easier configuration
Option 18	Proprietary Ethernet protocol	⚠️ Alternative if Option 56 unavailable	Standard data access	Requires PLC WORD mapping

90-Day Free Trial:

Customers can try OPC-UA Option 56 for free for 90 days. Contact Heidenhain directly (not MachineMetrics) to request the trial license.

iTNC 530 / TNC 530:

The iTNC 530 / TNC 530 does not require any additional options for connectivity.

Alternative Connectivity for TNC 640 / TNC 730:

If neither option is available, you can use the proprietary Heidenhain connector (this guide). However, we strongly recommend upgrading to Option 56 for better data quality.

Checking Installed Options (SIK Page):

To verify which options are installed on your control:

For iTNC 530 / TNC 530:

1. Power on the control and let it boot fully

2. Press the Programming and Editing operating mode softkey (right-arrow icon at the top-right of the softkey panel)

   

3. Press the MOD key

   

4. Press MOD again → navigate to Machine parameters / Diagnosis (menu wording varies by software version)

5. Choose Option management or Software options

6. Cursor into the input field and type SIK on the keyboard

7. Press ENT

For TNC 640 / TNC 730:

1. Power on the control and let it boot fully
2. Press the Programming and Editing operating mode softkey (right-arrow icon)
3. Press the MOD key
4. Press MOD again → navigate to Machine parameters / Diagnosis (menu wording varies)
5. Choose Option management or Software options
6. Cursor into the input field and type SIK on the keyboard
7. Press ENT

You'll see the SIK page listing installed options and license status (Option 18, Option 56, etc.).

What to Look For:

• Option 56 (OPC-UA) - ✅ Recommended for TNC 640/730 (better data quality)
• Option 18 - ⚠️ Alternative connectivity option
• Check the license status shows as active/enabled

Notes:

• You typically need service-level access or higher to enter or change SIK codes; viewing may be allowed at lower access levels
• On some builds, step 3 is labeled Diagnosis → Software options instead of machine parameters
• If typing SIK does nothing, you're either in the wrong menu depth or logged in with insufficient access rights
• A keyboard is required - softkeys alone won't expose the SIK field

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Prerequisites

Before beginning setup, ensure you have:

Hardware Requirements:

• Heidenhain iTNC 530 / TNC 530, TNC 640, or TNC 730 control
• Ethernet port on the control:
  • iTNC 530 / TNC 530: Standard (no option required)
  • TNC 640 / TNC 730: Requires connectivity option
    • Recommended: OPC-UA Option 56 (better data quality)
    • Alternative: Option 18 (if Option 56 unavailable)
• Network cable (Cat5e or Cat6)
• MachineMetrics Edge device on the same network

💡 Tip: For TNC 640/730, request a 90-day free trial of Option 56 from Heidenhain before purchasing.

Network Requirements:

• Available IP address on company network (static or DHCP)
• Network switch or router with available port
• Access to control's network configuration menu
• Ping access between Edge device and machine

Access Requirements:

• Physical access to the machine control
• Knowledge of machine's network configuration (if applicable)
• Administrator or operator password (if password protection enabled)

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Network Configuration

Connecting to Company Network

The Heidenhain control must be connected to your company network to communicate with the MachineMetrics Edge device.

Step 1: Physical Connection

1. Locate the Ethernet port on the Heidenhain control
   • iTNC 530 / TNC 530: Typically on rear of control panel
   • TNC 640 / TNC 730: On control panel or machine electrical cabinet
2. Connect network cable from control to network switch/router
3. Verify link lights on Ethernet port are active

Step 2: Access Network Settings

For iTNC 530 / TNC 530:

1. Press the Programming and Editing operating mode softkey (the right-arrow icon at the top-right of the softkey panel)

   

2. Press the MOD key on the control keyboard

   

3. Enter password NET123 then press ENT to access the network settings menu

4. Navigate to Network or Ethernet Settings

iTNC 530 network configuration dialog (Programming & Editing mode → MOD → NET123 → Network). Select Automatically procure IP address (DHCP) or Set the IP address manually and enter the Address and Subnet mask. Click OK → Apply → Save to commit.

For TNC 640 / TNC 730:

1. Press the Heidenhain button (logo button) to bring up the Linux menu
2. Navigate to Network Settings or Ethernet Settings

Configuring Network Settings

For Static IP Address (Recommended):

1. In Network Settings, select Manual or Static IP
2. Enter the following network information:
   • IP Address: (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
   • Subnet Mask: (e.g., 255.255.255.0)
   • Gateway: (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
   • DNS Server: (optional, e.g., 192.168.1.1 or 8.8.8.8)
3. Save settings and reboot control if prompted

For DHCP (Dynamic IP):

1. In Network Settings, select DHCP or Automatic
2. Control will automatically obtain IP address from network
3. Note the assigned IP address for later use
4. Recommended: Reserve this IP in your DHCP server to prevent changes

Important Network Configuration Notes:

• Use static IP or reserved DHCP to ensure consistent connectivity
• Ensure IP address is on same subnet as Edge device
• Document the IP address for MachineMetrics configuration
• Verify no IP conflicts exist on the network

iTNC 530 alternative — editing TNC.SYS directly: Network settings can also be viewed and modified via the File Management screen. Press PGM MGT, navigate to TNC:\, and locate the TNC.SYS file (type SYS). This file stores the network configuration and can be edited in text mode if the graphical network menu is not accessible.

Testing Network Connection

Step 1: Verify IP Configuration

On the Heidenhain control:

1. Navigate to Network Settings
2. Verify IP address is displayed and valid
3. Check connection status shows "Connected" or "Active"

Step 2: Test from Control (if available)

Some Heidenhain controls have built-in network diagnostics:

1. Access Network Settings → Diagnostics (if available)
2. Try pinging the Edge device IP address
3. Verify successful response

Step 3: Test from Edge Device

From the Edge device or another computer on the network:

ping [MACHINE-IP-ADDRESS]

Example:

ping 192.168.1.100

Expected Result: Continuous successful ping responses with low latency (< 10ms typical)

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MachineMetrics Connector Setup

Adding Machine in MachineMetrics

Step 1: Create Machine Record

1. Log into MachineMetrics at app.machinemetrics.com
2. Navigate to Assets → Machines
3. Click Add Machine
4. Enter machine details:
   • Machine Name: (e.g., "Hermle-C40U-01")
   • Machine Type: (Mill, Machining Center, etc.)
   • Make: (e.g., Hermle, DMG Mori, Starrag)
   • Model: (e.g., C40 U, DMU 50, etc.)
   • Serial Number: (optional but recommended)
5. Click Next

Step 2: Select Edge Device

1. Choose the Edge device that will connect to this machine
2. Ensure Edge device is on same network as the Heidenhain control
3. Click Next

Heidenhain Connector Configuration

Step 1: Select Connection Method

1. In Data Collection Method, select Heidenhain
2. If "Heidenhain" is not visible in the dropdown, contact MachineMetrics support

Select Heidenhain from the Data Collection Method dropdown. If you have a TNC 640 with Option 56 (OPC-UA), use the OPC-UA connector instead — see the OPC-UA guide.

Step 2: Enter Machine IP Address

1. Enter the Heidenhain control's IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
2. The connector will automatically detect the control type and available data

Step 3: Save Configuration

1. Review the IP address for accuracy
2. Click Test Connection to verify connectivity
3. If successful, click Save

Note: The Heidenhain connector automatically discovers available data items from the control. No manual configuration of data items is required.

Testing Connection

Step 1: Verify Adapter Status

1. Navigate to machine page in MachineMetrics
2. Check connection status indicator:
   • Green: Connected and receiving data
   • Yellow: Connecting or intermittent
   • Red: Connection failed

Step 2: Check Data Items

1. Go to Diagnostics tab on machine page
2. Verify data items are populating:
   • execution - Should show current machine state
   • program - Should show active program name
   • spindle_speed - Should show real-time spindle RPM
   • tool_number - Should show current tool

The iTNC 530 Manual Operation screen. At the bottom status bar, ST shows the current part count — the value circled here (ST:22) means 22 parts have been completed. MachineMetrics reads this counter to track production. When connected and data is flowing, verify the part count in MachineMetrics Diagnostics matches the ST value visible on the control.

Step 3: Verify in Machine View

1. Navigate to Machines → Select your Heidenhain machine
2. Verify machine status displays correctly:
   • Status (In Cycle, Idle, etc.)
   • Current program
   • Spindle speed
   • Tool information

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Part Counting Configuration

💡 Note for TNC 640 / TNC 730: If you're using OPC-UA Option 56, part counting is much easier and typically works automatically without manual PLC WORD configuration. The instructions below are primarily for machines using Option 18 or the proprietary Heidenhain connector.

Understanding PLC WORD Table

Heidenhain machines often do not have a dedicated, standard part counter location that MachineMetrics can read directly. Instead, part count data is typically stored in the PLC WORD table, which is a memory area within the control that stores various machine variables.

What is the PLC WORD Table?

The PLC WORD table is a data structure in the Heidenhain control that contains:

• Machine status flags
• Counters (including part counts)
• Process variables
• Custom user data

Why Different Locations?

Part counter addresses vary by:

• Control model (iTNC 530 vs TNC 640)
• Machine builder customization
• Auxiliary equipment (pallet changers, multi-spindle setups)
• Custom macros or programs

Finding Part Counter Location

To identify where the part counter is stored in the PLC WORD table, access the PLC diagnostic menu through the following steps. This procedure applies to the iTNC 530 / TNC 530.

Step 1: Select Programming and Editing mode

Press the Programming and Editing operating mode softkey (the right-arrow icon at the top-right of the softkey panel).

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Step 2: Press the MOD key

Press the MOD key on the control's physical keyboard.

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Step 3: Enter the access code

When the Code number: prompt appears, type 807667 then press ENT.

Note: If 807667 does not work, the machine builder may have set a custom PLC password — contact the machine builder for the correct code.

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Step 4: Open the TABLE view

Use the arrow softkeys (◄ ►) to scroll the softkey bar until TABLE appears, then press TABLE.

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Step 5: Switch to WORD view and DECIMAL mode

In the table view, press W (WORD) to show WORD-size values, then toggle HEX ↕ DEZIMAL to switch to decimal display. This makes it easier to match values with the machine's part counter readout.

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Step 6: Locate the part counter in the WORD table

Scan the WORD table for a value that increments when a part completes. On most iTNC 530 machines the part counter is at W20, labeled WG_WERKSTUECK_ZAEHLER (German for "workpiece counter") in the status bar at the bottom of the screen when that cell is selected.

W20 = WG_WERKSTUECK_ZAEHLER is the most common part counter location on the iTNC 530. Run a cycle and watch the value at W20 increment to confirm.

Step 2: Search for Part Counter Terms

Look for labels containing the following terms (in English or German):

English Terms:

• work or workpiece
• piece counter or part counter
• parts made or parts count
• counter or count
• production counter

German Terms:

• werkstück zähler (workpiece counter)
• teilezähler (parts counter)
• arbeitszähler (work counter)
• zähler (counter)
• stückzahl (piece count)

Step 3: Note the WORD Address

Once you locate the part counter:

1. Note the WORD address number (e.g., WORD 20, WORD 10, WORD 19944)
2. Verify the value increments when parts are completed
3. Document this address for MachineMetrics configuration

Common Part Counter Locations:

Control Type	Typical Address	Notes
iTNC 530	WORD 20	Most common default location
TNC 640	WORD 10 or WORD 19944	Varies by machine builder
With Pallet Changer	Custom location	Often non-standard address
Multi-Spindle	Multiple addresses	Separate counter per spindle

If Part Counter Not Found:

If you cannot locate a part counter in the PLC WORD table:

1. Check machine documentation from manufacturer
2. Contact machine builder for PLC WORD map
3. Ask machine operator if custom macros track parts
4. Consider implementing M-code based counting (see below)

Configuring Part Count Address

Once you've identified the PLC WORD address for the part counter, configure it in MachineMetrics.

Step 1: Add Part Counting Configuration

In the MachineMetrics machine configuration, add the part counting JSON configuration:

For iTNC 530 / TNC 530 (WORD 20):

{
  "partcounting": {
    "plcPartCountMemAddressTNC640": "20"
  }
}

For TNC 640 / TNC 730 (WORD 10):

{
  "partcounting": {
    "plcPartCountMemAddressTNC640": "10"
  }
}

For TNC 640 / TNC 730 (WORD 19944 - Alternative):

{
  "partcounting": {
    "plcPartCountMemAddressTNC640": "19944"
  }
}

Note: Despite the parameter name referencing "TNC640", this configuration works for all Heidenhain controls (iTNC 530, TNC 530, TNC 640, TNC 730). Simply change the address value to match your control's part counter location.

Step 2: Configure Data Mapping

1. Go to Machine Settings → Data Mapping tab
2. Locate the part_count data item
3. Map it to:
   • Type: EVENT
   • Subtype: PART_COUNT
   • Component: Machine or Controller
4. Click Save

Step 3: Configure Data Rules

1. Go to Machine Settings → Data Rules tab
2. Locate Part Counting section
3. Set Part Count Source to part_count
4. Configure reset behavior:
   • Reset on Program Start: Optional (depends on your process)
   • Reset on Shift: Optional
5. Click Save

Verifying Part Count

Step 1: Run a Test Part

1. Load a program on the machine
2. Run the program to completion
3. Verify part counter increments on the control display

Step 2: Check MachineMetrics Data

1. Go to machine page in MachineMetrics
2. Navigate to Parts tab
3. Verify part count matches control display
4. Check that timestamp is accurate

Step 3: Check Diagnostics

1. Go to Diagnostics tab
2. Locate part_count data item
3. Verify value updates when part completes
4. Check for consistent updates (no missed counts)

Step 4: Monitor Over Time

1. Run multiple parts
2. Verify count increments correctly
3. Check for reset behavior (if configured)
4. Confirm data is flowing to MachineMetrics Cloud

Troubleshooting Part Count Issues:

If parts are not counting correctly:

1. Verify PLC WORD address is correct (double-check on control)
2. Check M-code execution (review program for M53/M54)
3. Verify Data Mapping settings in MachineMetrics
4. Check adapter logs for errors or warnings
5. Confirm part counter is enabled on the control
6. Test manual increment on control (if possible)

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Troubleshooting

Connection Issues

Problem: Cannot Connect to Control

Possible causes:

• Incorrect IP address
• Network connectivity issue
• Firewall blocking communication
• No connectivity option installed (TNC 640/730 requires Option 56 or Option 18)
• Control not powered on or Ethernet disabled

Solutions:

1. Verify IP address is correct and control is reachable (ping test)
2. Check physical Ethernet cable connection
3. Verify connectivity option is installed:
   • TNC 640/730: Requires Option 56 (recommended) or Option 18
   • Check SIK page to confirm option is active
4. Check network settings on control (IP, subnet mask, gateway)
5. Verify firewall rules allow port 19090 communication
6. Restart control and Edge device

Problem: Intermittent Connection

Possible causes:

• Network instability
• DHCP IP address changing
• Control restarting during production
• High network traffic or latency

Solutions:

1. Use static IP address instead of DHCP
2. Check network switch/router for errors
3. Verify network cable quality (replace if old/damaged)
4. Monitor network latency with continuous ping
5. Check for IP conflicts on network

Data Collection Issues

Problem: No Data Items Populating

Possible causes:

• Adapter configuration incorrect
• Control not exposing data
• Polling interval too high
• Data mapping not configured

Solutions:

1. Review adapter configuration for typos or errors
2. Verify control type matches configuration (TNC530 vs TNC640)
3. Check Data Mapping settings in MachineMetrics
4. Review adapter logs for specific errors
5. Reduce poll_interval to 1000ms (1 second)

Problem: Specific Data Items Missing

Possible causes:

• Control does not support specific data type
• Data item not configured in adapter
• PLC data not exposed

Solutions:

1. Verify control model supports requested data
2. Check adapter configuration includes all desired data items
3. Review Heidenhain control capabilities documentation
4. Contact MachineMetrics support for control-specific limitations

Part Counting Issues

Problem: Part Count Not Incrementing

Possible causes:

• Incorrect PLC WORD address
• Part counter disabled on control
• M-code not executing
• Data mapping not configured

Solutions:

1. Verify PLC WORD address is correct (check on control)
2. Ensure part counter is enabled in control settings
3. Check CNC program includes M53 (or appropriate M-code)
4. Verify Data Mapping and Data Rules are configured
5. Review adapter logs for part count events
6. Test manual increment on control

Problem: Part Count Incorrect or Resetting Unexpectedly

Possible causes:

• Reading wrong PLC WORD address
• Multiple counters in use (pallet changer, etc.)
• Data Rules reset behavior misconfigured
• Control resetting counter on program start

Solutions:

1. Verify correct PLC WORD address with machine documentation
2. Check for multiple part counters (select appropriate one)
3. Review Data Rules reset configuration
4. Disable automatic reset if not desired
5. Consult machine operator on expected behavior

Problem: Cannot Find Part Counter in PLC WORD Table

Possible causes:

• Part counter stored in different location
• Custom machine configuration
• No native part counter implemented

Solutions:

1. Review complete PLC WORD table for any counter-like variables
2. Contact machine builder for PLC WORD documentation
3. Check for M-code based counting instead (M53/M54)
4. Consider implementing custom macro for part counting
5. Contact MachineMetrics support for alternative methods

Network Configuration Issues

Problem: Control Not Obtaining IP Address (DHCP)

Possible causes:

• DHCP server not responding
• Network cable issue
• Control Ethernet settings incorrect

Solutions:

1. Check physical cable connection
2. Verify DHCP server is functioning (check other devices)
3. Try static IP configuration instead
4. Restart control and network switch
5. Check control Ethernet settings are set to DHCP/Automatic

Problem: Cannot Ping Control from Edge Device

Possible causes:

• Different subnets
• Firewall blocking ICMP
• Incorrect IP configuration
• Network routing issue

Solutions:

1. Verify Edge and control are on same subnet
2. Check firewall settings (disable temporarily to test)
3. Verify IP address, subnet mask, and gateway settings
4. Test with another device on same network
5. Check network switch configuration

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Additional Resources

MachineMetrics Resources:

• Machine Settings Guide - Configure machine settings and data mapping
• Connectivity Overview - Compare connectivity methods
• Network Requirements - Firewall and network configuration

Heidenhain Resources:

• HEIDENHAIN OPC UA NC Server - Product page for Option 56 (OPC-UA connectivity)
• Heidenhain TNC User Manual (consult your specific control model)
• Heidenhain PLC Programming Manual
• Machine builder documentation (Hermle, DMG Mori, etc.)

Related Guides:

• Edge Device Setup - Configure MachineMetrics Edge
• Transform Adapter Scripts - Advanced data transformation

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Getting Help

MachineMetrics Support:

• Email: support@machinemetrics.com
• Phone: 844-822-0664

Saving a Service File from the Control

When contacting support, Heidenhain (or MachineMetrics support) may ask for a service file — a ZIP archive exported directly from the control that contains NC programs, tool data, PLC state, and logs. The symbol.lst file inside the archive is particularly useful for identifying PLC WORD addresses on your specific machine.

Step 1: Press the ERR key

Press the ERR key on the physical keyboard to open the error/log menu.

Step 2: Press LOG FILES

Step 3: Press SAVE SERVICE FILES

Step 4: Confirm and save

A dialog will appear. Confirm the filename (default: service) and press OK.

Step 5: Locate the ZIP file

Navigate to PGM MGT → TNC:\service\. The service ZIP file (e.g., service-20240223-105005.zip) will appear in this folder.

Step 6: Copy the file to a USB drive

Select the ZIP file, press the COPY softkey, then use the folder-browse softkey to select your USB drive as the destination.

Step 7: Extract and locate symbol.lst

On your PC, extract the ZIP. Inside the SYS_\runtime\ path you will find symbol.lst — this file maps every PLC memory address to its label (e.g., WG_WERKSTUECK_ZAEHLER). Share this file with support to quickly identify the correct part counter address for your machine.

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Before Contacting Support:

1. Note the Heidenhain control type and model (iTNC 530, TNC 640, or TNC 730)
2. Verify connectivity option is installed:
   • TNC 640/730: Check for Option 56 (recommended) or Option 18
   • iTNC 530: No option required
3. Document IP address and network configuration
4. Note PLC WORD address used for part counting (if applicable)
5. Capture screenshots of configuration screens
6. Document any error messages from control or MachineMetrics

Information to Provide:

• Machine make, model, and control type (iTNC 530 or TNC 640)
• Network configuration (IP address, subnet, gateway)
• PLC WORD address for part counter (if known)
• Adapter configuration (YAML)
• Description of issue and troubleshooting steps already taken
• Screenshots of error messages or configuration screens

For Part Counting Issues:

• Provide PLC WORD table screenshot showing counter location
• Note M-codes used in programs (if applicable)
• Describe expected vs actual part counting behavior
• Include machine builder name (Hermle, DMG Mori, etc.)