The new lathes, ordered to meet Precision Component Manufacturing’s expansion plans bring a range of benefits including ease of programming, an essential consideration given the company’s need for quick changeovers. 

Precision Component Manufacturing manufactures for a diverse industrial customer base, although its speciality is in the creation of bespoke valve parts.  Having reliable, high-quality lathes is critical to the successful completion of orders and, for the company’s director, Ian Salter, the choice of lathe supplier was easy. 

“We have had an M400 manual centre lathe since the day we opened and 10 years ago installed a Harrison Alpha lathe at our manufacturing site which has always done what we wanted from it, so when the opportunity arose to renew the machines at our facility, we simply asked 600 UK to recommend the latest models most suitable to our requirements.

”The recommended choices were the Alpha 1400XS CNC lathe and the large capacity V550 manual lathe.   

The Alpha 1400XS is ideal for creating detailed, intricate components with fast, high-quality repeatability, excellent accuracy and surface finish.  Features include a 400mm swing over bed, 1250mm between centres and a 7.5kW main spindle motor, alongside a wide range of advanced turning features. 

A critical consideration is the speed and ease of programming capable with the Alpha.  The lathe’s intuitive Alpha system guides the operator through a series of questions, in order to automatically generate a program to turn each part.   

“Typically, each part we manufacture is a one-off, meaning that we would potentially lose a lot of time setting up each turn – however, the Alpha is so easy to program that we can generate accurate results in only a short space of time,” confirms Ian Salter. 

“More importantly, the quality of the finished product is always to an impeccable standard, which is vital to our continued credibility with customers.” 

The Harrison V550 lathe provides Precision Component Manufacturing with the ability to create larger components beyond the capacity of the Alpha, as well as permitting use by several operators at the facility who are not CNC-trained.  Its heavyweight credentials provide high spindle stiffness, stability and accuracy at all speeds, loads and temperatures. 

After a 22 year relationship with the Harrison brand, Precision Component Manufacturing can vouch for the exceptional customer support that 600 UK provides.  “On the rare occasions we’ve had an issue with our existing lathes – usually because we’ve done something wrong! – the customer service team has reacted rapidly to resolve things.  We can’t fault their commitment.” 

Salter adds that, given that 600 UK is based down the road in Heckmondwike, picking up spares for the Harrison machines is a particularly straightforward process. 

“Why would we go anywhere else? We’re very lucky to have such a reputable supplier on our doorstep.” 

For further information, contact: 

Howard Bamforth - 600 UK Sales Director
Philip Cullen - 600 Group Marketing Manager 

Tel: +44 (0) 1924 415000