HEIDENHAIN: a pioneer in measurement and control technology with a long tradition

The company was founded in Berlin in the 19th century, in 1889. Today, HEIDENHAIN products serve the most innovative industries of the 21st century. Technological advances from the company’s early days still play a key role in its market success and positioning within certain fields. The history of the company’s graduation products paved the way for its leading role in high-accuracy measurement technology. HEIDENHAIN also shaped the machine tool industry as an early pioneer in state-of-the-art technology for CNC controls.

History of the company

  1. Founded in Berlin

    The metal-etching company is founded

    HEIDENHAIN had its beginnings in the W. HEIDENHAIN metal-etching company in Berlin.

  2. Dr. Johannes Heidenhain joins his father’s company

    Dr. Johannes Heidenhain joins his father’s company

  3. 50th anniversary of HEIDENHAIN

    50th anniversary of W. HEIDENHAIN

    The W. HEIDENHAIN company employed 700 workers at this time.

  4. A new beginning in Traunreut

    New beginnings in Traunreut

    In 1948, Dr. Johannes Heidenhain relaunches the company with three employees.

  5. Subsidiary opens in the U.S.

    Subsidiary opens in the U.S.

  6. Founding of the DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN-STIFTUNG GmbH, a non-profit foundation

  7. Subsidiary opens in Japan

  8. 100th anniversary of HEIDENHAIN

    HEIDENHAIN has 4,200 employees at this time.

  9. Subsidiary opens in China

  10. HEIDENHAIN is integrated into DIADUR SE

    HEIDENHAIN is integrated into DIADUR SE, a holding company of the owner.

  11. New logistics center opens in Traunreut

    Our new logistics center is built on 164,000 sq m of land in Hochreit near Traunreut, Germany. There are now more than 8,100 employees.

  12. 75 years in Traunreut

    75 years in Traunreut

    Construction of our new R&D center begins in Traunreut 75 years after the company was restarted there.

HEIDENHAIN history and technology collage

Milestones in product development

  1. Optical linear and angle encoders

    Optical linear and angle encoders that read positions via a transverse field are developed for the first time at HEIDENHAIN.

  2. Photoelectric linear and angle encoders

  3. Absolute angle encoder

    Absolute angle encoder

  4. Sealed incremental linear encoder

    Sealed incremental linear encoder

  5. Bidirectional counter

    For photoelectric encoders

  6. Numerical straight-cut controls

    Enabling keypad entry of machining positions, these controls are named TNC (Touch Numerical Control).

  7. TNC numerical contouring control

    TNC numerical contouring control

    For three axes

  8. Interferential exposed linear encoders

  9. Numerical contouring controls

    Along with drives and motors

  10. iTNC contouring control

    With the alternative smart.NC operating mode

  11. Interferential angle encoder

    Interferential angle encoder

    For wafer probers and large-surface grids

  12. TNC contouring control

    For combined mill-turn machining

  13. 2Dplus multi-dimensional linear encoder technology

  14. MULTI-DOF TECHNOLOGY

    MULTI-DOF TECHNOLOGY

    Multi-dimensional encoder technology tracks movement in up to six degrees of freedom for nanometer-level position accuracies.

  15. The process-oriented TNC7

    The process-oriented TNC7

  16. PP 6000 two-coordinate incremental encoder

    PP 6000 two-coordinate incremental encoder

R&D for the future

Research is integral to who we are. Driven by curiosity, precision, and innovation, we develop technologies that set standards for tomorrow’s industries.

Our sustainability mindset in practice

Sustainability is one of our core responsibilities. With innovation and efficient technology, we offer resource-saving solutions for a better future.

Find a representative

Find the right HEIDENHAIN contact person for your sales, servicing, or technical support needs. We’re ready to support you around the world.

Sustainable processes

A variety of raw materials go into making our products. We take measures to conserve resources and make use of high-value recycling.