Robust lathe brings big bonuses

2nd Feb 2018, 10:00 • In Features

Medley Precision Engineering has recently bought a Harrison Alpha lathe for machining a complete variety of turned parts for the oil and gas, defence, rail and power generation sectors.

The Mansfield, Nottinghamshire-based manufacturer is no stranger to machining difficult to cut materials and this is why it opted for the robust platform of the Harrison Alpha 1550XS from 600 UK.

The Harrison Alpha XS is a 2-axis manual/CNC lathe designed for fast, high-quality repeatability, accuracy and surface finish to exacting toolroom accuracy standards, which significantly reduces component production costs.

Medley Precision Engineering’s production manager Stuart Solomon states: “It’s the best machine we have in the factory. This is because it is remarkably easy to program as it has its own Alphalink system that can be programmed on the laptop and I can draw parts and send them straight to the machine.”

The Alpha XS lathe benefits from the ultra-high-speed Fanuc CNC control along with Harrison's own developed Alphalink software. This software makes the Alpha ideal for new and experienced operators alike.

The flat-bed CNC lathe retains a conventional element. Mr Solomon explains: “We often do low quantities of work and this machine can be up and cutting in a matter of minutes. This is a big bonus for our business.”

He continues: “The machine has never caused us any issues or problems, so support isn’t a factor we’ve needed to be concerned about. It’s a very solid machine that is well built and extremely reliable. We are often cutting difficult materials like super duplex and the Alpha XS generates an excellent surface finish, something that is credit to the build quality. It’s a flexible and versatile machine; there isn’t anything I wouldn’t feel comfortable putting on the Alpha.”

The Alpha ranges are backed up by some attractive low-cost finance and lease options on the XS and the 3-axis XC ranges, which can all be built in a wide variety of sizes, with XS bed lengths up to a maximum of 6m. Alpha XS and XC lathes are not only fitted with a wealth of standard features, but also have a list of options available to suit every turning application.

A video of the Harrison Alpha 1550XS is available at: