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Heidenhain Controller
Servo/Axis · Intermediate · 30-120 minutes
HEIDENHAIN 231-C420 - C420 Uncontrollability caused by incorrect parameters
Alarm 231-C420 indicates servo axis uncontrollability due to incorrect control loop parameters, typically manifesting as oscillation, instability, or inability to maintain position. This alarm fires when the servo controller cannot maintain stable axis control due to improper tuning parameters or hardware issues affecting the control loop.
HEIDENHAIN 231-C420 - C420 Uncontrollability caused by incorrect parameters
C420 Uncontrollability caused by incorrect parameters
This TNC7/TNC 640 system error indicates Feedforward-control parameters are set incorrectly (accel- eration, friction). The control has detected an abnormal state that requires attention.
Root Cause Summary
Alarm 231-C420 indicates servo axis uncontrollability due to incorrect control loop parameters, typically manifesting as oscillation, instability, or inability to maintain position. This alarm fires when the servo controller cannot maintain stable axis control due to improper tuning parameters or hardware issues affecting the control loop.
Safety
Causes and Fixes
Access Servo Parameters
Navigate to MOD function → Machine Parameters → CfgAxisServo → Select affected axis to access controller parameters.
Document current values before making changes for rollback capability
Check Current Loop Parameters
Verify MP1420 (Kv factor), MP1421 (Ki factor), and MP1422 (Kd factor) against machine documentation or Heidenhain recommended values for your motor type.
Incorrect values can cause violent machine movement
Perform Servo Optimization
Use TNC servo optimization function via MOD → Machine Parameters → CfgServoOpt to automatically tune controller parameters.
Run optimization with machine unloaded and all axes properly referenced
Validate Stability
Execute slow positioning moves and monitor for oscillation or following errors using the position monitor display.
Start with very slow feedrates and gradually increase
Call a technician if:
Prevention
Common Mistakes
Seeing Multiple Alarms?
Seeing another alarm with this one? Enter the code.
AxisMD logs alarms against your actual machines, tracks patterns, and gives AI context your manual doesn't have.
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Always verify with your machine manual or a certified technician before performing service procedures.