Believed to have one of the most advanced control systems on the market yet, a two-axis, flatbed lathe is designed to operate across a wide spectrum of manual/CNC working parameters.

British lathe builder Harrison showcases three examples from its world-beating 'Alpha' ranges of CNC/manual and electronic lathes at MACH 2004, as well as a lathe from its classic, variable speed 'V' Series. Incorporating one of the most advanced control systems on the market yet is Harrison's Alpha 1550S - a two-axis, flatbed lathe designed to operate across a wide spectrum of manual/CNC working parameters. An Alpha 1550S x 2m (550mm swing over bed capacity by 2000mm distance between centres capacity) will be demonstrated at MACH 2004.

The lathe uses the Harrison/Fanuc Alpha 1000 Series control, which features a 260mm (10.4 in) wide colour touch panel, alphanumeric keypad and system selection key to provide effortless switching between powerful, but simple-to-use turning options.

This allows non CNC-trained operators to progress with ease from simple manual turning right through to sophisticated CNC programming and machining.

A major feature of the control is its Manual Guide System, a new addition to the comprehensive range of operating modes already available on the Alpha range.

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

The Manual Guide System complements the industry proven AlphaSystem which has gained wide popularity through its flexibility and ease-of-use.

The AlphaSystem provides a semi-automatic machining capability for stops, taper turning and automatic thread cutting, as well as an offline CAD/CAM programming facility.

Alongside the Alpha 1550S is an example from Harrison's Alpha 'U' range - the 1330U (330mm swing over bed capacity).

The foundation model for the range, the Alpha 1330U is a sophisticated, highly versatile, slant-bed manual/CNC lathe contained within a compact machine envelope.

The Alpha 1330U incorporates the state-of-the-art Alpha 1000 Series control.

The Alpha 'U' is engineered with a high performance 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.

Complementing the Alpha 'S' and 'U' is an example from the Alpha 'T' range of electronic lathes - a 400T.

Harrison's Alpha 400T has been developed to offer super quick drawing to component times without the complication or cost of a full CNC system.

With a machine swing over bed capacity of 400mm and 1250mm distance between centres, the Alpha 400T is ideal for any lathe user looking for a competitively priced replacement for the traditional centre lathe.

Harrison's variable-speed 'V' Series centre lathes remain ever popular and Harrison has an example of the range in the MACH line-up.

The V390 (390mm swing over bed capacity) offers customers maximum cost saving in a top specification lathe, with infinitely variable, digital display, spindle speeds up to 3250 rpm and constant surface speed [CSS] with DRO for optimum cutting performance.

Three gear ranges are incorporated for maximum metal removal rates, as well as a powerful 7.5kW (10hp) spindle motor with AC inverter drive and 33:1 constant power range.

The V390 design provides excellent rigidity and swarf clearance.

For the medium-to-heavy production environments the V390 - with heavy-duty bed and cast iron base - is ideal for both heavy metal removal and precision finishing.