A heavy duty flat bed 'combination' lathe - with 800mm swing and 170mm bore - has Fanuc 210i-TA control with its single screen program creation software and six methods of programming.

Colchester Lathe's heavyweight Combi 6000 flat bed combination lathe, with a massive 800mm swing over the bed and a 170mm large bore that is ideal for oil and gas industry type applications, has bed length options of 2000; 3000 and 4000mm between centres and will be under power on the Colchestersales (UK) stand at MACH 2006 featuring its optional eight-station VDI 50 disc turret. While having a muscular specification, it is the Fanuc 210i-TA control with its single screen program creation software and six methods of programming that really set this flat bed combination machine apart from the competition. It has the flexibility for cost-effectively producing single cycle turning operations using the intuitive menu selection and extensive 960 tool library memory with simple to use macros giving step by step operation sequences.

However, most important is its ability to re-enact programmed cycles in automatic mode for batch production.

Having some 26kW of power available at the spindle with a low and high range providing speeds between 10 and 1,500 rev/min according to specification, it is the control system that enables the versatility of the machine to be fully explored according to the skill level available or type of machining required.

For instance, the Fanuc 210i-TA control can act as a simple digital readout in conjunction with electronic handwheels, be used in a teach and repeat mode or the operator can make full use of the on-screen icon-based command CADCAM capability and virtual tool and solid modelling programs.

In addition, the system will accept off-line created program download via DNC.

With each method, the control will automatically convert the input data into G-code format which means editing at the machine is very simple using copy and paste similar to a PC editor.

Once created, programs can be transferred or used with any Fanuc compatible machines.

Programs can be stored on the hard drive in the control and once prepared can be subjected to 'fast-check' simulation cycles involving the tool tip shape depicting the relevant toolpath.

The Combi 6000 has a swing in the gap bed of 870mm, ideal for face plate work and has a cross slide travel of 400mm.

The quill diameter of the power operated tailstock is 120mm with 210mm travel and there is a choice of toolposts from Multifix (size C) or Parat size 3 or 4.

As an aid to batch machining, the machine can be specified with a choice of two types of VDI 50 automatic indexing turret, an eight-station disc or four-station head unit.

Both are fully programmable.

There is also a range of stationary or travelling steadies, face plates up to 790mm diameter and three jaw self-centring 400mm or 535mm chucks or four jaw independent chucks of either, 460mm or 610mm diameter.