The latest generation of advanced customised controls and conversational programming systems feature on the first Harrison manual/CNC lathe to have a milling facility.

The new Alpha X Series lathes from British lathe manufacturer T S Harrison, which was premiered at EMO 2005, features the latest generation of advanced customised controls and programming systems developed by Harrison design engineers in partnership with the industry-leading automation technology specialist, GE Fanuc. The Alpha X Series, comprising the XT, XS and top-of-the-range, 3-axis XM - the first Harrison lathe produced with milling capability - takes the Harrison range into a new era of performance, with significant enhancements in the crucial parameters of turning speeds, power and reliability. All new Alpha X Series lathes incorporate Fanuc's latest conversational programming software facility and offer the fastest, easiest set-up of any lathes in the market.

* Controls and control features - the 'entry-level' Alpha XT models (comprising the 1350XT, 1400XT, 1460XT and 1550XT) are all equipped with the GE Fanuc Oi Mate TC control.

This is loaded with the new Fanuc Turn Mate i conversational system.

The new controls for Harrison Alpha XT lathes feature: * 7.2in LCD mono operator touchscreens.

* ISO standard CNC.

* Full Fanuc CNC keyboards.

* One-click-one-micron feel handwheels.

* Sliding operator console for maximum convenience during loading and set-up.

* Rapid traverse joystick.

The Turn Mate i system on the XT models enables up to 40 separate operations to be stored in the software, allowing multiple options for profiling, grooving, facing, threading, drilling and tapping, radii and chamfers, boring, tapering and simple stops.

For the first time on the Alpha T range of machines it allows full contour programming at the control.

Another 'first' for the Alpha XT range, compared with the previous Alpha T models, is the ability to switch the control to full ISO functionality (CNC).

This empowers more experienced operators to run programmes previously used on other machines and/or to generate programs in the CNC format.

This is also the first time that any Alpha T model has been available with an eight-station bi-directional turret which increases its automation capability.

As with all previous Alpha machines, Harrison's Alphalink CAD/CAM software is supplied to customers free of charge.

The Windows-compatible system allows simple generation of standard ISO (CNC) programs and the use of previously-generated DXF files.

David Smith, Harrison's sales director, explained that the customized control system for the Alpha XT models has been extensively developed to provide a 'total system solution' for optimum integration of all key systems: servos, spindle, drives, control, operator panel and electrical components.

'Like all versions of the X Series, the Alpha XT lathes are perfectly suited to producing 'one-offs' and small-batch turned parts.

No other lathes on the market today, including full CNC machines, can compete with the X Series for speed of production when it comes to these small volume turning applications,' he said.

The new Harrison Alpha XS line-up (comprising the 1350XS, 1400XS, 1460XS, 1550XS, and 1800XS), was similarly developed between Harrison and GE Fanuc.

The Alpha XS lathes have the GE Fanuc 21i TB control, loaded with custom-written Alpha mode programming software, which is unique to Harrison Alpha lathes, and the Fanuc Manual Guide i conversational programming system.

The key specifications are: * Ultra high-speed GE Fanuc 21i TB CNC control.

* 10.4in colour operator touchscreen.

* Two software systems (Alpha system + GE Fanuc Manual Guide i).

* Industry standard ISO programming.

* High-speed fibre optic data transfer.

* PCMCIA (flash card) and RS232 communication ports.

* Twin MPG handwheels.

* Rapid traverse joystick.

'The Alpha system software is well-recognised as the easiest control in the world to both learn and operate by a manual-lathe trained operator.

Its functions start with electronic stops, which directly mimic the familiar manual stops, and progress to automatic machining of complex forms.

At no time does the operator require any knowledge of CNC programming,' explained Smith.

'Manual Guide i is an easy-to-use, intuitive programming system designed to assist the less experienced operator to gain full advantage of the features of even the most complex of machining functions.

It is important to note this has been customised by Harrison to make the Manual Guide i fitted to these XS machines absolutely unique to the Alpha products and faster to programme than any other similar lathe.' The customised control system fitted to all Alpha XS lathes are designed to allow operators to utilize the machines to their full potential and capability with minimal training.

The Manual Guide i system offers a full range of easy, conversational cycles for direct 'at the machine' component set up.

Following programming the cycles may be simulated using 3D solid model graphics.

The new Alpha 1550XM lathe is identical in operation to the XS range, but has the additional functionality of a C axis and driven tool capability.

These machines utilise a standard headstock and newly-developed servo-driven worm and wheel drive.

Engagement of the drive to establish C-axis control is achieved via an electrically-driven actuator.

The tool-mounting options offered with the Alpha 1550XM are a Duplomatic 8-station turret (4 driven tool positions) or a Sandvik Capto driven tool-post allowing manual change of standard, Capto or driven tool holders.

To utilise the total C-axis capabilities of the machine, comprehensive C-axis programming cycles are available through both the Manual Guide i conversational system and the enhanced version of AlphaLink CAD/CAM software.

This total C-axis functionality allows milling, PCD (pitch-circle-diameter) and radial drilling, tapping, keyways, cam profiles etc to be generated off-line.