ALPHA XM gives mill/turning capability to small batch runs

Citation

(2007), "ALPHA XM gives mill/turning capability to small batch runs", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 79 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2007.12779fab.004

ALPHA XM gives mill/turning capability to small batch runs

ALPHA XM gives mill/turning capability to small batch runs

It is reported that simple milling-type operations can now be combined within the same cycle as turning on a flat bed manual/CMC lathe following the development by Colchester-Harrison of the latest Alpha 1550 XM. The new machine incorporates a C-axis spindle drive with either a Capto toolpost or an eight position indexing turret that are both able to carry driven tools.

According to Colchester-Harrison central to the Alpha success has been the combination of control and software interface for turning single components with the added advantage of performing repeat cycles under CMC direct from memory. Now, with the added capability to perform tasks such as pitch circle drilling, tapping, milling, slotting or profiling off-centre line, in the same cycle as turning the component, this provides a totally new opportunity for users, to improve efficiency and quality, especially in the toolroom, workshop or subcontract machine shop.

The company explains that by providing the capability to turn components and produce other features within the same setting, the Alpha XM concept enables geometric relationships of these features to be maintained to the main datums. Not only does this improve quality, it eliminates the need for resetting the job on other machines, simplifies inspection and reduces jig and fixturing requirements.

The Alpha 1550 XM has a swing over the bed of 554mm and options of 2m or 3m distances between centres. It is powered by a 15kW spindle motor with C-axis having a maximum speed of 105 revs/min and a resolution of 0.001 degrees. The high torque drive of 152Nm through an all-electric three speed gearbox enables the correct ratio to be automatically selected from the Fanuc 21/TB control. Speed ranges are 1 to 224 revs/min, 1 to 672 revs/min and 1 to 2,000 revs/min.

The Capto toolpost provides a quick- change, three-way toolpost for turning and milling with internal coolant supply while the optional 360mm diameter Duplomatic eight-station indexing turret, has four driven tool positions and four fixed tools.

It is the control and manual Guide/ software combination that separates the Alpha from other machine types and with the 1550 XM, the off-line programming software AlphaLink is included as part of the machine package. Included is full simulation and toolpath animation available to view in any direction or full 3-D model format that can be cut, sectioned or zoomed on the 10.4 in. LCD screen.

Included in the software are rigid tapping and continuous thread cutting cycles as well as constant surface speed, 32 pairs of tool offset and 64K of part program memory with an option to extend this to 128K.

Details available from: Colchester- Harrison, Tel: +44 (0)1509 600600; E-mail: mail@colchester.co.uk; web site: www.colchester.co.uk