xLeading British lathe manufacturer, Harrison, welcomes two exciting new arrivals to its comprehensively re-engineered 2003-product range at this year's Productivity Partnerships Exhibition. The eagerly awaited new Alpha 1350S and 350T models offer world-beating performance, technology and ease-of-use in their market sectors. The introduction of the Alpha 1350S is an important milestone, as it forms the foundation model for Harrison's all-new S1000 series of two-axis CNC/manual flat bed lathes, combining maximum power, functionality, economy and versatility in a toolroom-standard design.

The Alpha 1350S incorporates the most advanced and easy-to-use CNC/manual lathe touchscreen control in the world.

Based on the highly successful GE Fanuc 21i-T system, it features a 260mm (10.4 in) wide touch panel, alphanumeric keypad and a system selection key for effortless switching between turning options.

This allows all operators - including student engineers undergoing training - to progress with ease from simple manual turning functions to highly sophisticated CNC programming and machining.

Like all other lathes in the Harrison S1000 range, the 1350S (which offers 350mm swing) features a Manual Guide System.

This touchscreen-accessible cutting programme, allows complete generation of simple cutting profiles and complex automatic programmes directly at the machine.

A 'teach' facility allows handwheel initiated moves to be recorded as a programme and re-run automatically after completion of the first component.

All programmes generated can be stored to memory for later use or saved to AlphaLink CAD/CAM software while, additionally, all programmes generated in the comprehensive 'Cycle Cutting' mode can be converted to a full CNC programme if required.

Harrison's second important new lathe being unveiled at Productivity Partnerships 2003, is the most straightforward and easy-to-operate electronic lathe in the world, the Alpha 350T.

As with the Alpha 1350S it has an even larger swing than previous models, plus an impressive line-up of further upgrades including a 250 per cent increase in control user memory and an automatic, three-range, variable-speed headstock.

The use of an uprated drive train, running on ultra-high load-bearing capacity Gamet bearings, further increases cutting performance.

Complementing these brand new lathes, Harrison is also exhibiting an example of its flagship Alpha 'U' CNC/manual large capacity lathes range, an Alpha 400U.

Combining the speed of advanced GE Fanuc 21i-T-based touchscreen control system, with optimum simplicity, cutting performance and production flexibility, the Alpha 'U' Series is widely hailed as one of the most advanced lathes on the market.

Four modes of operation are available to the 'U' Series customer - HPG handwheel/DRO (manual) control, Alpha System, ISO programming and Fanuc's innovative Manual Guidance System.

The Alpha 'U' Series is available in four models: the Alpha 1330U (330mm swing over 0.76m bed); Alpha 1400U (400mm swing over 1.25m bed); Alpha 1460U (460mm swing over a choice of 1m, 1.5m or 2m bed); Alpha 1550U (550mm swing over a choice of 1m, 1.5m or 2m bed).

The worldwide popularity of Harrison's variable-speed centre lathes has led the company to develop special editions of its renowned 'V' Series models, including the world-class V390, which is also being exhibited at Productivity Partnerships 2003.

The V390 offers customers maximum cost saving in a top specification lathe, with infinitely variable spindle speeds up to 3250 rpm (with digital display) for optimum cutting performance.

Three gear ranges are incorporated for maximum metal removal rates, as well as a powerful 7.5kW (10HP) spindle motor with AC inverter drive and 33:1 constant power range.