In September 2024, HELLER celebrated the premiere of the Tokn at AMB trade fair. The name ‘Tokn’ stands for the symbolic key that opens the door to the world of machine tools in an easy-to-understand way. The Tokn is both the tool that is used and the machine to be designed and assembled. Development and production processes and conditions become real-life experiences. The small-size version of a large HELLER CNC machine tool offers the same functionalities as its larger siblings, with additional benefits for the training of skilled workers.
In the 1980s, HELLER developed a completely new educational and practice tool to improve the presentation and transfer of NC technology knowledge: the CNC ProfiTrainer, the predecessor of today’s Tokn. To date, numerous young people have received professional training on the educational tools at the HELLER training department. In the HELLER Academy training centre, a wide range of users from HELLER or its customers have experienced the benefits of the training system first hand.
With the aim of further improving identification, acceptance and operability, the Nürtingen-based company decided to give the space-saving, mobile tool a modern look as part of a design facelift. In recognition of these efforts, the design received the German Design Award 2025 in the category ‘Excellent Product Design – Industry’ for outstanding design quality.
“We created the Tokn to give young people the opportunity to be able to experience and actively shape the world of machine tools,” says Achim Hammley, who is responsible for the project at HELLER Training. With the Tokn, trainees assemble a complete miniature machine tool with a small, manageable size. At the same time, the Tokn is used for CNC training. “In the CNC course, each of our apprentices learns how to use the machine to manufacture workpieces,” continues Hammley.
The tool is also used in the HELLER Academy for customer training. It allows customers to train their specialists in the optimal use of HELLER machines.
This not only opens up new ways of delivering technical education, but also encourages collaboration between educational institutions, industry and technology providers. These partnerships are critical to meeting the demands of modern production environments and ensuring that training programmes remain current and relevant.
Big impact from a small machine
Unlike the original HELLER machine tool and other training systems, the Tokn is mobile and can be taken to the operator’s workplace. The Tokn is designed, manufactured and commissioned by apprentices at Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH in Nürtingen, Germany. The linear axes move the tool, the rotary axes move the workpieces. As with the machining centres from the current model range, the control system and control cabinet are fitted with real control components. The Tokn is equipped with the latest CNC control from Siemens, the Siemens SINUMERIK ONE, combined with an intuitive user interface that enables trainees to work with high-performance machines right from the beginning. With this generation of the control system, unprecedented possibilities such as the digital twin are finding their way into everyday working life. The programs can be tested and run on the training tool in the same way as on the original machines. Even actual machining of components is possible. All operating functions of the HELLER machines are integrated. Machine functions that cannot be performed are simulated via runtimes in the control.
Other features of the 5-axis machine include integrated work area lighting and an external, height-adjustable control panel. The use of this CNC training system allows skilled workers to be trained in a targeted, practical and hands-on manner. The system trains them in the safe operation of machining centres and allows them to carry out real machining operations on a fully configured machine. The concept helps to overcome fears and reservations, as people are often less intimidated by small things than by the large originals.
Tokn on tour
In order to communicate the benefits and the concept, HELLER has launched the ‘Tokn on tour’ campaign, where the Tokn will be presented and demonstrated at numerous trade fairs and training events. The small teaching and learning machine is very popular and frequently on the road. In the autumn of 2024, it was presented at the Siane exhibition in Toulouse and then at Precisibeurs in the Netherlands. This year, the Tokn will take part in more than ten events in various countries, including China, the USA, Poland, France, England and Germany.
