Code 280-03EA: Tool radius too small
Issue Description & Safety Warning
The Heidenhain TNC Series CNC has triggered a critical Tool radius too small alarm. Immediate attention from a qualified operator or maintenance technician is required to prevent secondary damage to the equipment or spoiled parts during the manufacturing cycle. Always ensure standard safety and LOTO procedures are followed before accessing electrical cabinets.
Official Troubleshooting Steps
[Cause of error] - The tool radius is too small for the selected operation. - Cycle 3 "Slot": You defined a width greater than four times the tool radius. - Cycle 240: You entered a centering diameter greater than the tool diameter. - Cycle 210 "Slot" or Cycle 211 "Circular Slot": The slot width is six times greater than the tool radius. [Error correction] - Use a tool with a larger radius. - Cycle 3 "Slot": Define the slot width to be greater than the tool diameter and smaller than four times the tool radius. - Cycle 240: Use a larger tool. - Cycle 210 "Slot" or Cycle 211 "Circular Slot": Define the slot width to be greater than the tool diameter and smaller than six times the tool radius.
Source: HEIDENHAIN NC Error Messages — TNC7/640/620/320/128, CNC PILOT 640, MANUALplus 620 (10/2023)
Last reviewed: 2026-07-01 · Verified against the manufacturer’s official documentation.
About Heidenhain TNC Series CNC Alarms
Heidenhain controllers include extensive self-diagnostics that flag or halt the machine when a fault is detected. Error code 280-03EA on the TNC Series CNC identifies one specific fault condition — its documented cause and the official corrective steps are listed above, sourced from Heidenhain's service documentation. Always confirm against the manual for your exact machine configuration and follow LOTO procedures before servicing.
Complete Alarm List: 4497 Heidenhain TNC Series CNC codes.
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