Leader CNC announces European CNC Lathe Agency

2 February 2012

Leader CNC is proud to announce that it has been appointed as the UK distributor for European built FAT-Haco CNC turning centres. The new distribution agreement will see the introduction of a diverse range of high quality CNC lathes to complement the existing Toshiba, Kitamura, KDM, Unamuno, PFG and DMC range of machining centres, turning and boring machines already distributed by Leader CNC.

Nuneaton based Leader CNC is able to offer UK manufacturers a series of FCT/FTM (slant-bed) and TUR MN (flat-bed) CNC lathes ranging from a swing of Ø560 to Ø1550mm with up to 8 metres between centres and in a variety of configurations that cater for many diverse applications.

FAT has been producing lathes since 1945 and in 1992 it delivered its 50,000th machine whilst the Haco Group started designing and manufacturing machine tools in 1965. In 1998 the two companies combined with an investment in general production facilities, a new machine shop and a new sales strategy for world-wide distribution. The FAT-Haco Group now employs over 950 people and has a turnover in excess of €150M.

The FCT/FTM range of slant-bed lathes offers selectable options including various configurations of Sauter discs/turrets with driven tools, hydraulic chucks/tailstocks/steadies, contouring C-axis, linear scales, tool pre-setters, Y-axis, milling head B-axis with 40 station ATC, long boring bar attachments, large spindle bores and various CNC control options.

The FCT/FTM1000 and big-bore FCT/FTM1000A have an over-bed swing of Ø1000mm with centre distances up to 4.5M, whilst the FCT700 and FCT700A swing Ø700mm over the bed and cater for parts up to 3100mm in length. These models are built around a solid induction hardened cast bed structure that utilises large diameter ball screws, heavy duty pre-loaded roller guides and spindles that are supported on double-row cylindrical/double-direction angular contact bearings. These are all features and assemblies designed to ensure high geometric accuracy, dampen vibration and provide extremely high metal removal rates with a gear driven spindle developing 2980N.m of torque with constant 33kW of power at the S6 rating.

Complementing the FCT/FTM series is the TUR MN range of turning centres with both full CNC and manual capability for producing simple to complex components in one-offs or small batches. The TUR range is user friendly and offers easy operation with its Siemens 840D SL Shop Turn control. Sizes range from Ø560 to Ø1550mm swing, with distances of 1000mm to 8000mm between centres.

The TUR series of lathes can also be configured as required from a range of features to suit the application and budget – selectable items include hydraulically operated power chucks and tailstocks, chip conveyors, live tooling and automatic tool posts/turrets.

The FAT-Haco FCT/FTM and TUR MN ranges are typical of Leader CNC's commitment to providing high quality and productive machine tools at competitive prices. Their highly precise and heavy duty design and build ensures that these turning centres deliver remarkable rigidity, power and high productivity whilst maximising tool life – all at a very affordable price.