Anew range of computer numerically controlled (CNC) lathes is available on the market and is three times quicker than conventional CNC lathes, according to lathe manufacturer FAS Machine Tools.

The company recently started production of its Synchroturn six-axis, multislide range of CNC lathes.

“Design and development of these machines have spanned three years and we are confident that we have a product that meets the manufacturing sector’s need for a cost-effective production lathe,” says FAS Machine Tools CEO Peter Frow.

The Synchroturn can accommodate up to four tools working simultaneously on the workpiece. The machines also have fast feed-and-chuck times owing to their electromechanical chucking system.

The lathes are available in 60 mm or 42 mm spindle sizes. They have a feed-and-chuck time of one second, while the eight- station turret with 0.5 second index time, which can move in two axes, is used mainly for internal working.

The independent turning slide moves in two axes and is used for external working, the independent forming slide moves in one axis for plunge working and the independent parting slide moves in one axis for parting off. The lathe comes with a parts separator and Swarf conveyor.

The Synchroturn uses a Galtec multi- processor controller, which has the ability to execute four programmes simultaneously, enabling the parallel working of several tools.

The lathe accepts industry-standard G-Codes for programming tool movements and is regarded by users as very user-friendly, says FAS.

“The Synchroturn is a logical drop-in replacement for the many ageing cam-operated automatic lathes still in service,” says Frow.

The product is aimed at any industries that use turned parts in quantity. Such industries include the automotive, plumbing and bathroom fitting, electrical equipment, appliance, and irrigation sectors.

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