Code 280-0618: Tool life expired
Issue Description & Safety Warning
The Heidenhain TNC Series CNC has triggered a critical Tool life expired 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 remaining tool life is not enough for the precalculated machining time. - The service life of the called tool is insufficient and you haven’t defined a sister tool. - The tool-usage file is not available or not up to date. [Error correction] - The tool is to be used anyway: acknowledge the message and continue the NC program with NC start. - The tool is not to be used: cancel the NC program with an INTERNAL STOP. o Check the tool and, if necessary, exchange it or define a replacement tool. o Create or update a tool-usage file. Run the desired program in the Test Run mode of operation. Ensure that creation of a tool usage file is activated in the configuration.
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 280-0618 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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