After a thorough analysis of the combination CNC/manual machine tool market, Airbus UK decided on a Proturn 350 lathe, a Proturn 420 lathe and a DPM 4000 bed mill.

Things are really buzzing at Airbus UK's site at Broughton in North Wales. For as well as being extremely busy assembling the wings for the highly successful Airbus family of aircraft (A300, A310, A320, A330 and A340), the company is also planning wing assembly facilities for the world's first twin-aisle, twin deck passenger aircraft -- the A380. The first wing is scheduled for delivery in 2004 and this major new project is helping to create some additional 1700 jobs.

Behind the front line activity, other support type functions have also been streamlined at Broughton to meet the current challenges.

One key section which has invested in several new CNC machine tools to improve its performance is the Aero Tooling Product unit.

After a thorough analysis of the combination CNC/manual machine tool market, the company finally decided that a Proturn 350 lathe, a Proturn 420 lathe and a DPM 4000 bed mill were the machines which would best meet its requirements.

All three CNC machines for this upgrading project were supplied as a package by XYZ Machine Tools.

Employing 80 people, Aero Tooling produces turned and milled components for the repair, manufacture, modification and re-certification of jigs, fixtures and templates used in the assembly of aircraft wings.

With batch quantities being small for new tooling and much work involving modifying existing components, the company needed versatile, flexible and easy to use equipment.

However, it also wanted to progress from its reliance on purely manual machines and decided that combination CNC/manual machines were the way to go - as this would capitalise on the skill of its operators, improve repeatability and boost productivity.

After carefully studying the market, Airbus UK specified the three combination machines from XYZ and these were installed at Broughton in March of last year.

As team leader Paul Franchetti explained: 'We carried out a thorough assessment of the department's requirements and compiled a detailed financial justification for this project.

Our initial list of suitable machine tool suppliers was whittled down to just two and XYZ got the vote due to the performance, cost and ease of use and programming of its machines and the high level of on-site training provided.

In addition, we also liked the tracking facility on the Proturn lathes whereby an operator can go through a CNC programme step-by-step by simply winding the handwheels.

This is useful for proving out new programs and it also helps build up operator confidence.' Both the Proturn lathes are used to produce a wide variety of new tooling in small batch sizes (typically from 1 to 25 off) and for reclamation work on existing tools such as pins, bushes and sleeves.

Production is split between manual and CNC depending on the type of work (new or re-certified parts) and the operations involved.

In CNC mode using the ProtoTrak LX3 control, the combination lathes have reduced cycle times by some 30% compared with manual turning and repeatability within the batch has also been improved.

While on some new tooling work, the accuracy of the Proturns has helped eliminate certain grinding operations, so further reducing costs and lead times.

On a batch of new jig pins, for example, the Proturn 350 has really streamlined production cycles.

Required in batches of up to 50 off, these 20 mm diameter by 75 mm long mild steel pins have to be faced off, profile turned, centre drilled and screw cut.

While machining operations used to take over 3.5 min per component manually (and involved the use of a die box for the thread), the Proturn lathe can now produce each complete pin in a cycle time of just 2 min using CNC.

It is a similar story with larger components and smaller batch sizes, too.

For 35 mm diameter by 75 mm long tooling pins are now being produced some 1.8 times faster with CNC.

Operations include machining three step diameters, a thread and a knurled section and batch sizes are between six and 10 off.

Cycle times on the Proturn 350 are 3 min/part compared with almost 6 min on a manual lathe.

While on the reclamation front, one recent job on the Proturn 420 involved modifying panel clamps.

This entailed reducing the length of the threaded clamp by some 60 mm and turning a new small plain diameter at the leading end.

Measuring 24 mm diameter by 142 mm long, these clamps were machined manually as this was considered to be the quickest production solution.

But that's the beauty of XYZ's combination lathes, they can be used in different control modes depending on the nature (and volume) of the work.

And with the increased production capacity they provide, the Proturns will be able to meet scheduled increases in tooling demands and provide faster response times for breakdown style work.

When High Wycombe-based Hempstead and Johnson needed to replace an ageing CNC lathe a few years ago, it chose a Gildemeister CTX 500.

When High Wycombe-based Hempstead and Johnson needed to replace an ageing CNC lathe a few years ago, it chose a Gildemeister CTX 500. It met the all important physical requirement for one-metre between centres capacity and was available with powered tooling/C-axis capabilities, while the Manual Plus control system provided a high level of local manual programming capability. 'It has proved pound for pound certainly the best machine for the job,' recalls managing director Roy Langley, 'and its performance led us to buy two further CTX 400 lathes and two Deckel Maho machining centres - a 63V and a 103V.

We've developed a good relationship with DMG, to the extent that we rarely go elsewhere for a machine tool.

The variety of work that we do means that we place a high value on the flexibility and reliability which the DMG machines provide.' Hempstead and Johnson, which is ISO 9002 registered, began as a manufacturer of jigs and fixtures but has evolved into a more general high precision subcontractor.

It produces both discrete components and basic sub-assemblies; one of its key capabilities is the manufacture of components using ceramic for which it has specialist diamond grinding facilities; around 40 per cent of output has some ceramic content.

In addition the company is the UK agent for the Benz range of taper tooling, speeders and angle heads.

It shares its premises with an associated business, Special Drills and Cutters, which produces custom-manufactured drills and reamers.

'We have a lot of expertise and a high level of skills within the company,' says Mr Langley.

'That allows us to take on a very wide variety of work.

Most of our throughput currently relates to components for pneumatic equipment, as well as defence, automotive and aerospace-related work.

Batch quantities of 20-off are typical and most jobs include a significant amount of value added.

Though we supply customers on a just-in-time or kan ban basis we tend to manufacture economic batch quantities based on our own forecast of likely customer requirements.' Hempstead and Johnson regularly deals with cast iron mild and stainless steels, titanium, light alloy, plastics and ceramics.

General turning tolerance is +/-25 microns with six microns roundness and 10 microns flatness and squareness required on turning operations.

Milling capacity is available for up to 500mm cube while turning capacity for bar up to 75mm by 1000mm is available.

Although its turning machines are installed as chucking machines, bar work can be accommodated by supporting the material in the spindle tube and using a bar puller on the turret.

'The defining job when we bought our CTX 500 was a piston rod for a pneumatic cylinder which demanded a meter between centres and facilities for cross drilling and milling.' Mr Langley recalls.

'A lot of the turning work that we do - around 50 per cent - needs second operation capability for generation of end features or flats and cross holes so the availability of powered tooling on the machines keeps our production costs competitive.

Our latest turning machine, the CTX 400 Series 2 also has this facility.

One of the things that we like about the Gildemeister machines is that they have plenty of main spindle power.

As a result they can handle a very wide range of work, combining high metal removal rates with very good accuracy.' A similar line of reasoning led to installation of the two Deckel Maho machining centres, which were bought in successive years to replace existing older CNC machines.

David Lander, works manager, explains.

'On the DMU 103V in particular there is enough space on the table for multiple sets of fixtures so we can achieve a productivity advantage on jobs requiring more than one set-up.

We also like the Heidenhain CNC controls fitted to both machines; the conversational input is well thought out while the remote controller is a very useful feature for setting up; it means that the operator can remain closer to the job throughout.' A recent job completed on the DMU 63V was machining of a prototype air manifold from a solid billet of material as opposed to the more common cast route.

Successful completion of this type of work demonstrates both the capabilities of the machine and the engineering skills of Hempstead and Jonson's setter/programmer operators.

It also illustrates the savings available to OEMs in respect of flexibility, elimination of pattern making costs, foundry charges and shortened lead times.

Both the DMU 63V and the DMU 103V have 8000 rev/min spindles and 24-tool capacity tool changers.

Hempstead and Johnson has also used them with Benz spindle speeders - which can be interchanged from the tool magazine - to achieve up to 25000 rev/min for machining ceramic.

Depending on the hardness of the ceramic material the machines are used either to complete machining of specific features or to provide accurate spot locations for manual drilling.

Mr Langley concluded.

'We've been very happy with the performance and reliability of the equipment that we've purchased from DMG.

It has certainly helped to maintain our competitiveness over a period of years by maximising the amount of machining that we can complete in each set-up.'

Almac Engineering has seen its investment in a Harrison Alpha 550 PlusS two-axis CNC/manual lathe pay off in terms of its accuracy, flexibility and productivity.

Alan Cox, Managing Director of Almac Engineering, Peterborough, has seen his investment in a Harrison Alpha 550 PlusS two-axis CNC/manual lathe from Derek Robinson Machine Tools, Leicester, pay off in terms of its accuracy, flexibility and productivity, particularly on a demanding contract to manufacture precision components for a machining centre. The contract, to machine a rotary hydraulic manifold for the 'C' axis milling/boring head on a very large machining centre, placed demands on Almac which would have made the contract extremely difficult and uneconomical without the Alpha. The rotary manifold, part of a set of three rotor/stator sets completed by Almac, was manufactured in EN9 alloy steel with dimensions of 705mm long x 474mm (largest diameter) and weighing in at approximately 200kg.

The sheer size of the component brought some problems, with it having to be secured in the lathe using a Pratt Burnerd International four-jaw chuck, tool steady and specially made adapter.

The internal detail was also extremely complex, incorporating a series of internal grooves of various widths, designed to accept electrical cables and seals, and the passage of fluids.

These fluid transfer grooves incorporate radial drillings at their base, which interconnect with axial drillings in the casing for the passage of hydraulic oil and coolant.

The grooves were particularly demanding to machine, with surface finish levels of 0.8mm and filleted corners of 1,3mm radius.

Access to some of the internal faces was extremely restricted, however Almac found a way round the difficulties: 'Modified 'throwaway' carbide tooling was used and attached to a special holder and locally made boring bar.

This was easier than using special form tooling, as two or three form tools would have had to be manufactured for each groove,' says Alan Cox Machining the groove radii was made easier by calling-up tools from the Alpha software tool library.

Once the tooling is registered in the library, the software (for future reference) records tool characteristics and offsets.

When the tools are then subsequently called-up during lathe programming, tip and corner radii are automatically compensated for.

The rotary manifold work was programmed and executed using the lathe's AlphaLink CAD/CAM system and AlphaSystem semi-automatic, autocycling and electronic handwheel (manual) modes of operation.

These systems are accessed through a twin keypad configuration, providing the operator with the choice of ISO CNC operation from the right-hand keypad and AlphaLink and AlphaSystem interactive operation from the left-hand keypad.

The right-hand ISO keypad has full CNC facilities, utilising canned cycles G70 to G76, tool nose radius and wear offsets, tool path graphics, inch/metric conversion and background editing.

Programs can be entered and/or edited directly at the machine.

The left-hand keypad generates on-screen programmed sequential operations in simple question/answer page format for parallel turning, chamfer, radius, taper and multi-start threads.

Another powerful 'user-friendly' feature of the Alpha 550 is that graphical representation and CNC control is through the super compact GE Fanuc 21i-T controller, featuring a grey-scale TFT (thin film transistor) flat screen.

The 21i-T has a powerful memory, providing instantaneous response to program commands through ultra high-speed serial communications (single optic fibre).

Troubleshooting and data input/output are accommodated with a PCMCIA modem slot.

The Alpha 550, selected at MACH 2000, has brought considerable production flexibility to Almac Engineering, a BS EN ISO 9002 company that has gained an enviable reputation for manufacturing close tolerance components.

The Alpha's abilities are not lost on Alan Cox: 'The Alpha has far exceeded my expectations with regard to the accuracy achievable, particularly when you are stretching the machine's capacity as we are.

XYZ Machine Tools will be highlighting examples from its range of affordable and easy to program CNC machine tools at Tooling 2001 on Stand 1162.

XYZ Machine Tools will be highlighting examples from its range of affordable and easy to program CNC machine tools at Tooling 2001 on Stand 1162. The company's range of value for money CNC lathes and mills has been designed for the rapid production of one offs and small batch work and features simple on-machine programming which is both fast and effective. Four different types of machine will be exhibited: a Proturn 420 manual/CNC combination lathe, an Edge 1500 CNC turret mill, a DPM CNC bed mill and the Fast Tap tapping unit.

Featuring the powerful yet easy to use LX3 control system, the Proturn 420 manual/CNC combination lathe has been developed for general jobbing shop type work.

In terms of specification it provides spindle speeds up to 2500 rev/min, a 480mm swing over the bed (700mm in the gap), a 10HP motor and an 80mm spindle bore.

The lathe comes as standard with an air assisted 'floating' tailstock, constant surface speed and fully interlocked, guarding.

The EDGE 1500 CNC turret mill is a highly versatile and cost effective two axis machine.

Its easy to use control provides the functions machinists really need to increase production without all the 'extras' which make other CNC systems complicated.

EDGE can handle arcs, diagonals and pockets and this 'no nonsense' system provides an easy transition between manual and CNC operation.

Brief specification of the machine includes: axis travels of 660 (X) by 330 (Y) by 406mm (Z), 3HP spindle drive and work table area of 1066 by 228mm.

Developed for larger components and two or three axis CNC milling, XYZ's DPM CNC bed mills provide a higher capacity than the turret mill series.

While DPM machines are more powerful and rigid, they still use the same shop floor programming concept (AGE2 or 3 system) for speed and ease of use.

With a working envelope of 750 (X) by 550 (Y) by 500mm (Z axis), the DPM has a 5HP variable speed head, spindle speeds up to 3600 rev/min and a table measuring 1372 by 355mm.

Finally, Fast Tap machines provide a simple, cost effective solution to threading holes up to M24 in steel and aluminium.

They are designed around a simple pantographic arm carrying an air motor which will tap blind holes and well as through holes, both vertically and horizontally.

With a standard 1200mm reach, the five-model series allows larger fabrications or plates to remain stationery while the tap can be positioned within a 3400mm circle.

Hessapp has further developed its pick-up spindle vertical turning lathe (VTL) concept for machining shafts.

Shafts turned confidently in a pick-up spindle VTL Hessapp has further developed its pick-up spindle vertical turning lathe (VTL) concept for machining shafts. The VDM 250 R has a tailstock mounted on the pick-up spindle and a tailstock on a separate slide. The concept, says Hessapp, ensures better accuracy and rigidity.

It also allows a pneumatic parts gripper to be integrated into the tool turret, which also facilitates exact positioning of the gripper.

The VDM 250 R machines differential housings, steering knuckles, drive shafts, lay shafts, main shafts, pinion shafts and similar parts such as electric motor and small turbine shafts.

Maximum turning diameter is 200mm and maximum swing is 315mm diameter.

Workpiece height (or length if you like) is 400mm, including chuck.

Maximum drive power at 40% duty cycle is 31kW, and torque, 200Nm.

Maximum spindle speed is 6000 rev/min and spindle nose is A6.

Fast traverse rates are 60m/min (X-axis) and 30m/min (Z-axis).

The tool turret has 12 tool locations and accepts 40mm diameter tool shanks (DIN 69880).

Colchester's top-selling Tornado slant bed CNC lathe is now available with driven tools. The three-axis 'M' version has six driven positions on the Sauter 12 station turret.

Colchester's top-selling Tornado slant bed CNC lathe is now available with driven tools. Launched at EMO 2001 and initially based on the new generation medium size 220, the three-axis 'M' version has six driven positions on the Sauter 12 station turret. It has a full C-axis with disc brake positioning fitted to the spindle which ensures maximum productivity can be achieved when heavy duty cycles are demanded.

The new three-axis 220 M fills an important gap in the Tornado range and with the latest engineering design changes is available for the same price as the standard two-axis version of the outgoing, but highly successful Tornado 210 slant bed lathe.

It is available with 210mm or 254mm chuck size, 65mm bar capacity and in the growing in popularity for unmanned running, the Tornado 'Lights Out' package.

Central to 220 M performance is its patented 'Duo-Stable' construction provides a highly stable, true 60 degrees slant bed turning platform.

The base foundation with its engineered polymer concrete fill, strategic reinforcement and integral cast iron bed, reflects an increase in machine weight of 50 per cent which is coupled with a 25 per cent improvement in damping.

Larger headstock and a stiffer, five-bearing spindle design, wider, lower and heavier slideways and improved thermal characteristics set the stability factor for high performance two and three-axis machining.

Use of the proprietary Sauter VDI 40 driven turret sets the credibility standard for the 220 M which has a 3.7kW tool drive through a Fanuc 1 Series motor with a torque rating of 9.55Nm, up to its 4,000 revs/min.

As standard, a Heidenhain linear scale is fitted to the X-axis to ensure high accuracy tool positioning in conjunction with the Fanuc 21iTB control and a 360,000 position integral Heidenhain encoder on the spindle giving a full C-axis capability.

Once a fixed C-axis position is determined, the high power disc brake on the spindle locks the programmed position to provide a rigid workholding datum for operation of the third-axis tooling.

Furthering the specification of the 220 M is the inclusion of a CAM package within the control software to help on-machine programming.

This can also be supplied as an off-line system option to support higher productivity requirements of customers wishing to minimise changeover times.

Swing over the bed of the Tornado 220 M is 510mm with a maximum turned diameter of 260mm by 540mm long.

The 22kW Fanuc spindle is available in 3,500 revs/min or 5,000 revs/min specifications and rapid traverse rates are 25m/min in X and 30 m/min in Z.

Combining high speed turning operations with fast acceleration and deceleration provided by linear motors has resulted in the successful sales of its Twin Spindle Tu.

Twin-spindle VTL has linear drives Combining high speed turning operations with fast acceleration and deceleration provided by linear motors has resulted in the successful sales of its Twin Spindle turning machine DV-Transfer 250 in Europe, said Hessapp at EMO. The twin spindle VTL offers a linear X-axis feed of up to 75m/min with an acceleration of 6m/sec2, so minimising idle time between operations by up to 50% compared with conventional ballscrew drives, said Hessapp. The company now produces a larger version with more power and a maximum swing diameter of 320mm.

The existing machine has a maximum turning diameter of 200mm and swing of 250mm by 250mm workpiece length, including chuck.

The new version has a maximum turning diameter and swing of 320mm and workpiece length, including chuck, of 300mm.

It has a 36kW/386Nm/5000 rev/min spindle as compared with the smaller machine, which has a 31kW/200Nm/6000 rev/min main spindle.

Both machines have 12-tool turrets.

Machine design is based on a box configuration with a common cross rail supporting the two pick-up spindle heads.

Workpiece conveyors deliver/despatch components from each side of the machine.

Either the two spindles can work independently, or together, with a turnover/buffer station in between.

The truck industry is foreseen as a potential buyer for the DV-Transfer 550, Double Spindle Turning Machine, a twin pick-up spindle VTL, which can balance the workpieces as well.

Twin pick-up spindle VTL balances too The truck industry is foreseen as a potential buyer for the DV-Transfer 550, Double Spindle turning machine - a twin pick-up spindle VTL - said Hessapp at the recent EMO. This heavy duty machine features a common cross-rail on which are mounted two 65kW/1028Nm/2800 revs/min, A6 nose pick-up spindles to machine - and balance - heavy truck components. These include brake rotors, hubs, flywheels, ring gears and brake drums.

Hessapp said that the high rigidity of the machine allows the turning, milling, drilling and balancing in an optimum way.

The in-machine balancing equipment was developed in close co-operation with Hofmann Auswuchttechnik in Pfungstadt, Germany.

Balancing is based on integrating a computer system with a traditional balancing spindle, only this time using the machine spindle of the DV-Transfer 550.

Maximum turning diameter is 500mmand maximum swing, 550mm or 600mm diameter.

Maximum workpiece length, including chuck, is 450mm.

The spindle is rated at 65kW (40% duty cycle)/1028Nm/2800 revs/min.

Traverse rates are 45m/min in X, or with linear motor actuation, 60m/min and 30m/min in Z.

The 12-tool turret accepts tool shanks of 50mm diameter (DIN 69880) and live tooling is optional.

Sequential machining of the front and reverse ends of one component or simultaneous machining of two separate components are equally effective on the new Takamaz XW-180 twin-spindle CNC lathe.

Sequential machining of the front and reverse ends of one component or simultaneous machining of two separate components are equally effective on the new Takamaz XW-180 twin-spindle CNC lathe from Yuasa Warwick Machinery. The majority of Takamaz lathes, in particular the twin-spindle models, are supplied to world markets with automatic component load / unload equipment, and the UK is no exception, hence the importance which Yuasa places on the introduction of this new machine. It has a number of features, which enhance precision and its configuration can be customised with a choice of automation according to end user requirements.

A key development is the machine's special bed structure, which incorporates a vibration damping system.

This is said to allow widely different machining operations to be carried out at the two identical spindles without accuracy being compromised.

Vibrations caused by roughing at one spindle will not, it is said, affect the finish obtained at the other.

A further aid to accuracy is the use of large diameter bearings in both spindles.

Configuration of the machine is as two fixed-headstock lathes sharing a common bed, with work transfer effected either manually or by an integrated gantry system.

As well as being served by an 8-station turret, either spindle can be optionally equipped with a 2-station end drilling unit and/or a programmable tailstock.

This offers the possibility of complete machining of long, shaft-type components.

Maximum turning diameter on the machine is 210 mm with turning length up to 160 mm.

Power of the spindles is 7.5 kW maximum, offering steplessly variable speeds in the range 200 to 3,500 rev/min.

Two versions of the Takamatsu áW load/unload system are available for use with the machine.

The 'CR' model has been developed for components up to 80 mm diameter by 160 mm long and 1.5 kg in weight, while the 'SRQ' version can handle components up to 120 mm diameter by 50 mm long and weighing 2.0 kg.

Each offers a load time cycle of under eight seconds and a quick-change gripper system to suit different components.

Various other component handling systems including bar magazines and part stockers allow the machine to be customised for a wide range of production applications.

In designing the RL-203 front-loading twin-spindle chucking lathe, Mori Seiki set out to double the productivity of previous models and reduce the required floorspace by two-thirds.

In designing the RL-203 front-loading twin-spindle chucking lathe, Pollard Mori Seiki set out to double the productivity of previous models and reduce the required floorspace by two-thirds. Mori Seiki has achieved this by increasing the speed and accuracy of the two-axis front-loading parts-handling gantry, increasing the indexing and traversing speeds of the tool turrets and improving the acceleration/deceleration characteristics of the main spindle drives. Consequently, the twin 11/7.5kW spindles accelerate to 4500 rev/min in just 3.8sec and decelerate in 3.6sec.

The eight or 12-tool turret heads traverse at up to 24m/min in the X and Z-axes and index, tool-to-tool, in 0.8sec.

Axes travels are 130mm and 150mm for X and Y respectively.

The optional parts loading gantry performs load/unload operations in 6.6sec, turnover in 5.4 sec, and pick-up from a stack in 3.7sec.

These times add up to a total loader tactical time of 27.6sec including machining time of 21 sec.

Longer machining cycles involve only 6.6 sec loading/unloading cycle time.

Machining capacity includes a 240mm turning diameter by 150mm turning length.

Pollard Mori Seiki has built in precision to the RL-203.

For a cutting depth of 6mm in steels, surface roundness is maintained typically at 0.59 microns.

The material is S45C carbon steel cut at 120m/min with a feedrate of 0.33mm/rev.

The RL-2031s volume production capacity has been neatly packed into a machine footprint of only 4.6m2.

The machine suits the processing of workpieces such as flanges, collars, brake drums, pipe joints, nozzles and the like.

Machine design is based on a one-piece cast bed which includes the slideways for the turret carriages either side of the two spindle heads.

The spindle heads are pitched at 340mm centres.

The CNC system used is Pollard Mori Seiki1s MAPPS.

It requires only dimensional input from which MAPPS will select the tooling, cutting conditions and the most efficient machining sequence.

Features include process simulation, tool lists, time studies, conversational programming and editing, periodic maintenance management and a special program for soft jaw turning.

Universal productivity rewards on offer with a user-friendly CNC lathe include the use in manual mode and then switching to CNC for production.

As well as revealing a number of spindle speed, main motor and between-centres capacity improvements across the complete range of Hankook Protec two-axis horizontal CNC lathes, at MACH 2002 Ward CNC will also be demonstrating the universal productivity rewards on offer with the Protec 7N semi-CNC model. With Fanuc 21iT CNC and dual electronic handwheel control, the Protec 7N combines the accuracy and productivity of user-friendly CNC turning with the simplicity and versatility of a manual machine via dual electronic handwheels - thus enabling users to quickly move into productive mode since minimal CNC training is necessary. Indeed, it was the combination of a large swing over the bed capacity and the easy programming on a Protec semi-CNC two-axis lathe proved the ideal solution for variable small batch steam turbine valve manufacture at Greville Hard Facing and Engineering Company.

According to Calvin Springer, managing director of the Redditch-based valve specialist, the Protec was installed as a cost-effective answer to customers' continuous demands for valves of different variations and in batches of usually one- to four-off.

'Its easy-to-use semi-CNC operation makes the machine a very versatile and useful asset to our company,' he says.

Other machines were considered for the application, continues Calvin Springer, but the Protec was chosen over its competitors because it also offered the necessary robustness to cope with the heavyweight components of predominantly high chrome alloy.

Although Greville Hard Facing and Engineering Company is using the larger capacity Protec 9N, the model 7N on show at the NEC features similar double-walled and ribbed one-piece meehanite cast iron bed, and induction hardened and ground precision slideways for maximum stability and accuracy.

It has a swing over the bed of 750mm, a swing over the carriage of 480mm and a maximum turning diameter of 750mm.

Distance between centres is 3000mm and maximum turning length is 2900mm.

Spindle speeds of 3 to 1,000 revs/min are attainable and maximum traverse rates are 3m/min and 6m/min in X and Z axes, respectively.

Standard features include servo motors on both axes, four-jaw independent chuck, square tool post with curvic coupling, cooling equipment, machine lighting, two-speed tailstock quill adjustment and infinitely variable feed rates.

Options include various chucks (hydraulic and three-jaw scroll-type), automatic tool post and live centre.

Leading British lathe manufacturer Harrison will showcase its Alpha 'T' and Alpha 'U' line-up at MACH 2002 - two exciting new concepts in lathe design which offer unrivalled productivity.

Leading British lathe manufacturer Harrison will showcase its Alpha 'T' and Alpha 'U' line-up at MACH 2002 - two exciting new concepts in lathe design which offer unrivalled productivity and ease-of-use while being excellent value-for-money. The Alpha T (T for Touchscreen) will appeal to sub-contractors, toolrooms, mould and die, R and D and educational training establishments, particularly those wishing to replace traditional centre lathe machinery. A highly affordable and extremely easy-to-use lathe, the Alpha T offers the user the benefits of both fully automated cycles and manual operation.

Key to the Alpha T's appeal is its menu-driven Fanuc touchscreen control that uses shop floor symbols and logical step-by-step messages to access a diverse range of functions.

Functions include a fully manual mode, automatic internal and external parallel/taper roughing and finishing box cycles, as well as left and right hand single and multistart threads including Acme, DP and MOD.

Complex contours and repetitive cycles can also be performed; while a further function is that each tool has its own independent constant surface speed.

As well as being extremely easy-to-use, the Alpha T has another unique advantage in that all machine controls are ergonomically mounted on a single console, so that operators can see controls, tools, workpiece and cutting area all in a single line-of-sight.

The Alpha T also has its own Intelligent Help Diagnostics System (IHDS), developed by Harrison to provide on-screen diagnostic messages in plain language giving the operator instant information.

A separate diagnostic LED array is also incorporated.

Entry model is the 330T (330mm swing x 1m bed), which is complemented by the 400T (400mm swing x 1.25m bed), 460T (460mm swing x 1.5m) and 550T (550mm swing x 2m bed).

Following on from the highly successful Alpha Plus S, the Alpha U (U for Universal) is an advanced, large capacity two-axis lathe designed for manual, sequential or full CNC operation for almost any batch size.

Control is from an easy-to-use Fanuc console with a twin keypad configuration, providing the operator with the choice of ISO CNC operation from the right-hand keypad and 'AlphaSystem' interactive operation from the left-hand keypad.

The right-hand, ISO keypad has full CNC facilities, utilising canned cycles G70 to G76, tool nose radius and wear offsets, tool path graphics, inch/metric conversion and background editing.

Programs can be entered and/or edited directly at the machine.

The left-hand 'AlphaSystem' keypad is simplicity itself, generating on-screen programmed sequential operations in simple question/answer page format for parallel turning, chamfer, radius, taper and multi-start threads.

The AlphaLink CAD/CAM system is capable of drawing the component and preparing the machining sequences 'off-line'.

Once the machining cycles have been prepared, the program can be saved in either Alpha format or ISO format, both of which can be downloaded to the machine through the RS232 port.

The Alpha U is constructed with a composite base assembly matched to an all-new 30-degree box section slant-bed, to form a single, rigid unit with unbeatable thermal, kinematic and dynamic damping characteristics.

Features include a radical slideway configuration, and direct drive spindle operating through a gearbox for automatic high/low range selection.

There are four models in the range - the Alpha 330U (330mm swing x 1m bed), Alpha 400U (400mm swing x 1.25 m bed), Alpha 460U (460mm swing, with choice of 1m, 1.5m or 2m bed) and Alpha 550U (550mm swing with choice of 1m, 1.5m, 2m or 3m bed).