HEIDENHAIN History: The Current Chapter

HEIDENHAIN has been in existence for over 125 years, with an illustrious history. Originating in Europe and now with approximately 10,000 employees worldwide, HEIDENHAIN continues to serve as an important and significant force in the precision measurement and motion control industry. This article is the eighth and final installment in a series of eight to share its background.

Example of a functionally safe machine. Highlighted areas are equipped with HEIDENHAIN components.

LIC 4000 linear encoder

The late 1900s showed tremendous growth of DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH as a company, including multiple international corporate acquisitions of motion control product companies. The last 14 years have continued to produce significant advancements in this field.

Of particular note is the development of rotary encoder products designed to comply with “Functional Safety” systems. The requirements of Functional Safety include redundant position information in order to perform the corresponding safety functions. As of 2007, HEIDENHAIN introduced rotary encoders with the purely serial EnDat interface, a single encoder solution for safety related position measuring systems. Encoders with EnDat are available with SIL2/PL d. These systems continue to evolve.

LC 200 sealed linear encoder

And the linear encoder lines also present some breakthrough developments. In 2010, the LIC 4000 linear encoder is introduced as an exposed-design type that is effective to measuring lengths up to 27 m (almost 90 feet)! This absolute encoder designed for machine tools and general motion applications has two tracks, pseudo random code and a resolution of 1 nm.

TNC 640 Computer Numeric Control

Then in 2011, HEIDENHAIN introduced a sealed linear encoder capable of measuring lengths up to 28m, called the LC 200. This becomes HEIDENHAIN’s longest length absolute linear encoder to date and offers a resolution to 10 nm.

That same year, HEIDENHAIN’s premiere CNC (Computer Numeric Control) is introduced, the TNC 640. A contouring control capable of combining milling and turning operations, the TNC 640 is fast becoming the control-of-choice for simultaneous 5-axis machining applications.

Traunreut, Germany

Now, in 2017, HEIDENHAIN is a strong force in the motion control industry, and is proud to be represented in all industrialized countries. Starting with its humble beginnings in 1889 to tremendous growth in Traunreut, Germany, HEIDENHAIN is a significant participant in the industry.

Including the many daughter companies now owned by DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN, GmbH, this Foundation is now over 10,000-employees strong, and its presence offers promise of the ability to obtain sales, service and support worldwide.