Tokn from Heller: Machine tool in miniature Experience and shape the world of machine tools

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Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH

Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA)

Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

SIMTOS (Seoul International Machine Tool Show)

In September 2024, Heller celebrated the premiere of the Tokn at AMB show. The name "Tokn" stands for the symbolic key, which is intended to provide access to the world of machine tools at an understandable level. The small counterpart to a large CNC-controlled Heller machine tool offers the same functionalities, but also has additional advantages when it comes to the qualification of skilled workers.

In the 1980s, Heller developed a completely new teaching and training device, the CNC Profi Trainer, the predecessor of today's Tokn, to better demonstrate and impart knowledge of NC technology. To this day, numerous young people have been trained on the equipment in Heller's training program. At the Heller Academy training center, various users from both Heller and customers have personally experienced the benefits of the training system.

In order to further improve identification, acceptance and usability, the Nürtingen-based company decided to give the space-saving and mobile device a modern look as part of a design facelift. This has already been rewarded with the German Design Award 2025 in the "Excellent Product Design—Industry" category for outstanding design quality.

"We created the Tokn to give young people the opportunity to experience and actively shape the world of machine tools," says Achim Hammley, who is responsible for the project within the Heller training program. On the one hand, the Tokn is used to assemble a complete miniature machine tool with the trainees in a small, manageable space. It is also used for CNC training. "Each of our trainees learns how to use the machine to produce workpieces in the CNC course," continues Hammley.

The device is also used in the Heller Academy for customer training courses. This allows customers to train their specialists in the optimum use of a Heller machine. This not only opens up new avenues in technical training, but also promotes cooperation between educational institutions, industrial companies and technology providers. These partnerships are critical to meeting the demands of modern manufacturing environments and ensuring that training programs remain current and relevant.

Small machine with a big impact

The Tokn is portable and—unlike the "big" Heller machine tool and other training systems—can be transported to the operator and his workplace. The Tokn is developed, manufactured and commissioned by trainees at Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH in Nürtingen. The linear axes move the tool, rotary axes move the workpieces. Like the machining centers in the current model series, the control system and control cabinet are equipped with real control components. The Tokn is equipped with the latest CNC control system from Siemens, the Siemens Sinumerik One, combined with an intuitive user interface that enables trainees to work with high-performance machines right from the start. This generation of controls also introduces previously unheard-of possibilities such as the digital twin into everyday working life. Programs can be tested and executed on the training device, just like on the original machines. And components can be machined in real life. All operating functions of the Heller machines are integrated. Machine functions that cannot be executed are simulated in the control system during runtime.

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Other special features of the 5-axis machine are the integrated workspace lighting and the external control panel, which is height-adjustable. By using this CNC training system, skilled workers can be trained in a targeted, practical and hands-on manner. With the system, they are trained in the safe operation of machining centers and can carry out real machining with a full machine configuration. According to the manufacturer, the concept is designed to help overcome reservations and fears.

Tokn on tour

In order to continue to communicate the benefits and the concept in the future, the "Tokn on tour" campaign was launched, with which Heller presents and explains the Tokn at numerous trade fairs and training events. The small "teach-and-learn" machine is in high demand and travels a lot. In fall 2024, it was at the Siane trade fair in Toulouse and then at Precisibeurs in the Netherlands. This year, the Tokn will be present at more than ten events in various countries—including China, the USA, Poland, France, England and Germany.

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The article was first published on our sister website https://www.maschinenmarkt.ch (SMM—Switzerland)