Mansfield-based Medley Precision Engineering has bought a Harrison Alpha 1550XS lathe to machine a complete variety of turned parts for the oil and gas, defence, rail and power generation sectors.

The firm is no stranger to machining difficult-to-cut materials, and that is why it chose this machine from 600 UK (www.600uk.com).

The Alpha XS is a two-axis manual/CNC lathe designed for fast high-quality repeatability, accuracy and surface finish to exacting tool-room standards.

Medley Precision’s production manager, Stuart Solomon, said: “It’s the best machine we have in the factory, because it is remarkably easy to program.

“It has its own Alphalink software, which can be programmed on a laptop; I can draw parts and send them straight into the machine.

“We often do low quantities of work, and this machine can be up and cutting in a matter of minutes, which is a big bonus for our business. It’s a solid machine that is well built and extremely reliable.

“We are often cutting difficult materials like super-duplex, and the machine produces an excellent surface finish, which is due to its build quality.

“It’s an extremely flexible and versatile machine, and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t feel comfortable turning on it.”