With the arrival of the new RLX ProtoTRAK control, Burlescombe-based XYZ Machine Tools was able to offer large capacity turning with the ease-of-use of ProtoTRAK with its heavy-duty RLX 780 lathe.

The machine, with its 3,000mm between centre distance and 780mm swing over the bed, has proved extremely popular with customers from a range of industries, including rail, oil & gas and general sub-contract.

Having established itself as the lathe of choice for large capacity, low-to-medium volume and turning, XYZ Machine Tools has now introduced a range of options to further enhance the appeal of the RLX 780 lathe.

The first option, which is of particular interest to the oil & gas sector, is the availability of a 180mm spindle bore (160mm standard). This larger bore diameter makes the machine ideal for turning 6in API pipe, which has a standard 168mm outside diameter.

For customers not familiar with the benefits of ProtoTRAK, XYZ Machine Tools has added the option of a Siemens 828D ShopTurn control. Customers opting for this control will also benefit from an eight-station turret with live tooling using a 30 VDI connection.

Nigel Atherton, XYZ Machine Tools managing director, said: “The RLX 780 has exceeded all of our sales forecasts, which we made prior to Covid-19. It has proved extremely popular across industry sectors where large capacity mixed with flexibility is required.

“These latest updates and options will extend its appeal as a cost-effective solution to turning large, long components, but with the flexibility to machine smaller parts when required.”

The standard specification of the RLX 780 includes a 40HP spindle with Yaskawa inverter drive that delivers infinitely variable speeds across two ranges of 20-417rev/min and 580-1,300 rev/min.

Machine stability comes from its 8,600kg overall weight, with the one-piece solid ribbed cast base, with a 500mm wide vee and flat bed, ensuring accuracy and longevity.