A new range of European-built CNC lathes is now available from Lymington-based Ajax Machine Tools International Ltd (www.ajax-mach.co.uk). The Ajax Evolution 3 series comprises six machine capacities.

Included in the specification is an automatic eight-station turret, tailstock, automatic speed range change and Fanuc drives to match the Fanuc OiTD Mate touch-screen control with Turnmate i software; the control also offers full ISO programming and an RS 232 communication port. Moreover, the machine can be used in manual cycle mode via an electronic hand-wheel.

The machine range is built on heavy-duty beds, each with hardened and ground ways. It spans centre heights from 180mm on the Evolution 3 AJEV 180 to 500mm on the largest AJEV 500. Bed widths and lengths range from 250 x 750mm to 500 x 5,000mm. The largest machine in the series weighs 10 tonnes.

Main-drive motors are rated from 7.5kW 4,000rev/min for the AJEV 180 to 22kW 1,400rev/min on the AJEV 500; constant surface speed is standard. Spindle bores go from 42 to 130mm; tailstock diameter/strokes go from 58 x 180mm to 120 x 300mm.

There is a large range of options, including BOB CAD DNC Windows communication software and CAM, travelling and fixed steadies, a range of high-quality chucks,
and tooling sets.