Full production models of the Harrison Alpha X Series, which includes the all-new 3-axis Alpha 1550XM model - with full C-axis and milling capability
Harrison Lathes' eye-catching new Alpha X Series, which attracted worldwide interest from the media, industry analysts and global customers alike at EMO 2005 in September, has now had its official launch in the domestic market. Full production models of the Alpha X Series, which includes the all-new 3-axis Alpha 1550XM model - the first Alpha lathe ever produced with full C-axis and milling capability - were unveiled in the Midlands courtesy of Harrison principal distributor, Datamach of Coventry. The late 2005 event attracted unprecedented interest in the new lathes from many of the distributor's large existing customer-base, and potential customers, who started arriving early in the day to view the new Alpha line-up and other advanced-technology Harrison lathes.

These included independent engineering companies, representatives from the manufacturing sector and other engineering specialists.

Datamach's sales director, Lorraine Lloyd, said: 'It was easily our best-ever customer event.

We had representatives from approximately 30 companies throughout the central region, including Lincoln, Oxford, Northampton also the Birmingham and Leicester areas.

There is huge interest in the new machines and customers we had invited were arriving from 8.30am until after 8pm.' She said that a string of important orders had been placed for Harrison Alpha machines at the Datamach launch event, including a V390 centre lathe, an Alpha 1550XS and an Alpha 1800S (3m 120mm spindle bore lathe); the latter being from Summit Precision Engineering , of Solihull, West Midlands.

The company had earlier in the month become the first in the UK to take delivery of a massive 4m Alpha 1800S (170mm spindle bore) lathe, following a major contract win for Scottish offshore oil industry equipment.

Dr Stephen Le Beau, Product Strategy and Marketing director said: 'The introduction of the new Alpha X Series is already making a big impact on the international lathes market, with orders being received from across the globe, most notably in Europe, the USA and Australia.

The launch and availability of the Alpha X range in the UK represents another major step forward for Harrison and the undoubted success of Datamach's launch day, with so many customers coming to see the machines for themselves, clearly demonstrates their enthusiasm for Harrison's lathe technology and quality manufacturing.

It also reflects the importance of the trust and confidence which customers have in Datamach , not only to supply market-leading lathes which deliver maximum engineering performance with lower component production costs, but also to provide a complete programme of after-sales support for total peace of mind following the initial investment.' * About Harrison - Harrison - a member of 600 Group, the UK's largest machine tool company - has successfully combined new, market-leading touchscreen technologies and designs with traditional manufacturing quality in the Alpha X Series.

Harrison design engineers have incorporated no fewer than 85 individual technical enhancements with the result that the new range provides even faster turning speeds and more power plus the very latest G E Fanuc-based control system available.

This highly advanced new 'total system solution' has been specially developed by Harrison and Fanuc for optimum integration of all key systems: servos, spindle, drives, control, operator panel and electrical components.

The full Harrison Alpha X Series, officially launched at EMO 2005, comprises the following lathes: ALPHA XT - Alpha 1350XT, Alpha 1400XT, Alpha 1460XT, Alpha 1550XT, Alpha 1800XT; ALPHA XS - Alpha 1350XS, Alpha 1400XS, Alpha 1460XS, Alpha 1550XS, Alpha 1800XS; ALPHA XM - Alpha 1550XM.