Identify the Control Variant Before You Program
The Boehringer VDF DUS 560 was delivered with more than one control configuration, and the operating procedure differs between them. Field reports confirm at least three variants:
| Variant | What the operator sees | Underlying system |
|---|---|---|
| Boehringer proprietary mask | Boehringer's own operator screens | Sinumerik 805 running in the background |
| CNC-Keller surface (CNC-Plus) | Keller conversational interface | Reported as simpler to operate than the Boehringer mask; exact base control not confirmed in the evidence |
| NUM control | NUM operator interface | One long-term operator reported persistent difficulty with the NUM variant |
The evidence does not state whether the Keller interface and the NUM control are the same installation or two separate machine builds. Before applying any programming procedure, confirm which mask is on your machine from the startup screen and the control cabinet labeling. Procedures written for one variant will not map one-to-one onto another.
Manual Positioning with the Stop (Anschlag) Function
The machine's stop function works as an absolute position target: enter a position value and the carriage travels exactly to that position. This was verified in manual mode and is the fastest way to build confidence with the axis behavior before attempting cycle-based work. Use it to confirm that commanded and actual positions agree on your machine before debugging more complex moves.
Cutting an External Thread Without a Turret
The target setup is a machine without a turret, using a threading tool in a simple toolpost. The operator's intended sequence is to touch the threading tool on the workpiece in X and set the zero point there. The evidence confirms the goal but does not document the exact threading-cycle syntax, zero-point keystrokes, or whether the full raw-part/finished-part conversational input is mandatory. The decision path is:
- Confirm the control variant (see table above). Whether a simplified manual threading entry exists depends on the mask: the Keller surface was described as easier than Boehringer's own, and the NUM variant requires its own operating logic.
- Obtain the machine and control manual from Boehringer if not already on hand; the threading cycle parameters and zero-offset procedure are documented there.
- If the conversational cycle forces full part definition, look for a manual or single-cycle threading mode in the control manual rather than bypassing offsets by hand — the evidence contains no verified shortcut.
Do not assume a threading routine from another control family transfers directly; the Sinumerik 805, Keller, and NUM interfaces use different program structures.
Troubleshooting: Second Pass Stops ~2 mm Short in Z
Reported symptom: turning a shaft with a shoulder, the first cut was correct, but on the second cut the carriage traveled roughly 2 mm too little in Z+ before feeding back in at X-. The root cause was not identified in the evidence. The following are hypotheses to test, not confirmed causes:
- Run the program in single-block mode and log the commanded Z position against the actual position at each block. This separates a programming error (wrong target in the block) from a machine or offset error (correct target, wrong travel).
- Check the second-pass block for a Z target that omits the shoulder length or references a different datum than the first pass — a common cause when a program mixes absolute and incremental moves.
- Verify tool offsets and any wear offset active on the second pass; an unintended offset change of 2 mm would produce exactly this symptom.
- Repeat the first-pass setup and re-measure; if the error is repeatable at exactly 2 mm, suspect the program or offsets, not lost motion.
Post the program text or a screenshot when seeking remote help — experienced operators of this control requested exactly that before diagnosing.
Documentation, Training, and Support Path
Operators who worked on this machine consistently point to the manual as the prerequisite: the control is learnable with the documentation in hand. Order the machine and control manuals directly from Boehringer if they are missing. Commercial CNC-Plus control training was quoted in Germany in 2012 at several thousand euros for a three-day course, which pushed the operator toward self-study and peer support instead. For NUM-equipped machines, NUM AG (Teufen, Switzerland) offers direct manufacturer support through its official channels at num.com, with service reachable via [email protected].
FAQ
Which control does the Boehringer VDF DUS 560 use?
At least three variants exist: Boehringer's own operator mask with a Sinumerik 805 in the background, a CNC-Keller (CNC-Plus) conversational surface, and a NUM control. Confirm your variant from the startup screen before applying any programming procedure.
Why does my second turning pass stop about 2 mm short in Z?
The cause was not confirmed, but the structured check is to run single-block and compare commanded versus actual Z at each block, then inspect the second-pass block target and any active tool or wear offsets. A repeatable, exact 2 mm error points to the program or offsets rather than lost motion.
Where can I get manuals or training for the VDF DUS 560 control?
Order the machine and control manuals directly from Boehringer. Three-day CNC-Plus training was quoted at several thousand euros in Germany (2012), and NUM-equipped machines can be supported by NUM AG in Teufen, Switzerland via num.com.
