CNC/manual lathes now feature a 10.4 in wide colour touchscreen, keypad and system selection key, for simple and effortless mode selection and cycle input that increases programming speed.

British lathe builder Harrison has re-engineered its flagship Alpha U' range of CNC/manual lathes with the incorporation of touchscreen speed and user-friendliness. Already hailed as one of the most advanced lathes on the market, the two-axis, slant bed machine now benefits from the introduction of a Fanuc 21i-T-based touchscreen to provide the ultimate in simplicity, cutting performance and production flexibility. Specifically developed for Harrison's revolutionary new Alphas, the new '1000 series' control features a 10.4 in wide colour touchscreen, keypad and system selection key, for simple and effortless mode selection and cycle input, while high response vector control technology ensures an instantaneous response to program/cycle demands.

Power and simplicity are matched by enhanced production flexibility, with four modes of operation including HPG handwheel/DRO (manual) control, Alpha System, ISO programming and the innovative new Manual Guidance System.

The Manual Guidance System is a touchscreen accessible cutting program enabling the full generation of simple cutting profiles and complex automatic programs directly at the machine.

A teach facility is available, allowing hand wheel initiated moves to be recorded as a program and re-run automatically after completion of the first component, while all programs generated can be stored to memory for later use or saved to AlphaLink software.

Additionally, all programs generated in the comprehensive 'Cycle Cutting' mode may be converted to a full CNC program if required.

The introduction of the touchscreen control brings even more 'user-friendliness' to what is one of the most advanced two-axis lathes on the market today.

The Alpha is constructed with a composite base assembly, which is matched to a 30-degree box section slant-bed to form a single, rigid unit.

This configuration offers outstanding thermal, kinematic and dynamic damping characteristics that relate directly to the quality of component surface finish and accuracy of cut.

When this radical slant-bed design is allied to a powerful spindle motor, ultra efficient digital drives, silk-smooth two-speed automatic gearbox and Fanuc digital electronics, the Alpha offers better cutting performance and greater accuracy than any other lathe in its class.

The Alpha U with 1000 series control 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, with choice of 1m, 1.5m or 2m bed); and Alpha 1550U (550mm swing over 1m, 1.5m, 2m or 3m bed).