Control and Control Features

Standard Control Features

Alpha Link CAD/CAM

Alpha Link Software

All Alpha XT lathes are fitted with the latest Fanuc control available on the market today.

The Fanuc 0i Mate TC control gives you the option of manual or automatic operation and includes over 200 standard features including Custom Macro B, Rigid Tapping and 256K Part Program Memory. This control will immediately increase your productivity and will continue to do so year on year.

In Manual mode it employs Fanuc’s latest version of Manual Programming Turn Mate i which is acclaimed to be the simplest and most user friendly teach lathe control in the world.

In Automatic mode we use Fanuc’s powerful CNC interface for the simple generation and execution of ISO programs.

The combination of these two systems on one machine means that the Alpha XT is the most capable lathe available in its class.

It will do virtually anything you ask of it!

Latest Control Features

• 7.2” mono LCD

• Operator friendly display

• Simple, clear touchscreen operation

• High-speed machining

• 256k part program storage capacity

• Canned cycles

• Custom macro B

• Rigid tapping

• Tool geometry and wear compensation

• Industry standard ISO programming

• Two MPG handwheels and rapid traverse joystick

 
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Control and Control Features

 
Op. Selection Screen

The Turnmate i software contains a full range of conversational cycles, (profile, taper, thread, bore, drill, tap etc.) and for the first time you can program full contour machining at the control. What’s more, the easy to understand shop floor language coupled with touch screen simplicity means that any turner can learn to machine parts quickly.

We use a touch screen so you can work directly on screen rather than spend time looking for the right button to press.  This system uses easily recognisable screen graphics along with simple question and answer prompts to guide you.

Data Input Screen

For ease of programming cycle data is input from a clearly defined input screen with large text and symbols. To retain continuity with previous Alpha T controls, all cycles can be used in semi manual mode (cut depth selected by hand wheel) by simply omitting the cut depth from the cycle being used.

Most turners will learn how to use this system in less than half a day!

Profile Programming Screens

Complex contours can be easily produced using clear and understandable icons. Contours are generated using simple elements such as line, arc and chamfer commands.

Tool Setting

Tool positions can be easily and quickly set using simple to understand icon driven input screens to assist non-experienced operators.

ISO Programming

Another first for the Alpha XT range is the ability to switch control to full ISO functionality (CNC). This allows more experienced operators to run programs previously used on other machines and/or generate new programs themselves.

This now allows the 8 station Duplomatic turret to be offered as an option enabling full automatic machining when used in CNC mode.

 
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Standard Control Features

• Thread cutting retract

• Continuous thread cutting

• Rigid tapping

• G code system B/C

• Custom macro B

• Additional custom macro variables

• Chamfering corner R

• Inch/metric conversion

• Multiple repetitive cycles

• RS232 interface

• Tool offsets, 64 pairs

• Tool geometry/wear compensation

• Background editing

• Machine alarm diagnostics G10

• Tool path graphics

• Canned cycles for drilling

• Tool nose radius compensation

• CSS

• Stored stroke limit 2/3

• Stroke limit before move

• Direct drawing program

• Run/hour part count

• Part program memory 256 kB

• Chuck and tailstock barrier

• Program restart

• Optional block skip 9

• Workpiece co ordinate system

• Spindle orientation

• Extended part program edit

• Conversational programming with graphics function

• 10 languages available

• Turnmate i

 
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Alpha Link CAD/CAM

All Alpha XT lathes are supplied with free Alphalink CAD CAM software which is a fully Windows compatible system (previously only available as an extra charge option) which is primarily intended to increase the flexibility of the lathe.

AlphaLink provides a simple yet powerful CAD/CAM system for off-line programming, G code outputting and mass storage back up of programmes for our XT series models.

The software can also be installed onto your own computer for use in the office or home or link directly to the machine.

 
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Alpha Link Software

1. SIMPLE TO USE

2. FREE WITH ALPHA XT

3. DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE ALPHA XT LATHE

4. FULL COMMUNICATION PACKAGE

5. EASY TO USE ISO EDITOR

6. PACKAGE INCLUDES BOTH SOFTWARE DISC AND CABLE

7. FULL ON SCREEN SIMULATION

8. TOOL LIBRARY

9. FULL RANGE OF DRAWING COMMANDS

10. FULL RANGE OF MACHINING CYLES

11. PRINT FACILITY

12. CONVERTS DXF (Data Exchange Format) FILES INTO ALPHALINK DRAWINGS

 
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