FAT, part of the Haco Group, is well established in its' production of CNC lathes and special purpose machine tools. Founded over 100 years ago and with its own foundry, comprehensive machine shop and sheet metal/paint sections, FAT produces flat-bed and slant-bed lathes from small servo-controlled teaching lathes to heavy duty 4 shear models for parts up to 100 tons in weight.
The new FCTS 900 is one of a range of CNC machine models manufactured in Europe by FAT-Haco. The FCTS, similar in construction to the established FTM range, is based on a slant bed design incorporating a double angle structure – 60º on the bed and 70º on the column. This design ensures optimum swarf removal, easy setting and operation, together with the best distribution of cutting forces. Constructed from high quality and high-tech components which offers U.K. manufacturers the highest level of machining with pure accuracy.
Having a high number of machining features is of great benefit with this lathe. The FCTS can be equipped with a C-axis and driven tools, tool measuring systems, hydraulic steady rest, Y-axis, milling head B-axis. Other benefits are the various options available, depending on the manufacturer’s requirements; for example, the heavy duty-spindle, with a standard bore of 105 mm, can be increased to 140 mm or 220mm. The machine is equipped with a Siemens 840 C SL with Shop Turn application for turning and milling or Fanuc with Manual Guide i. Due to a sturdy cast-iron machine bed with preloaded anti-friction linear guide ways the lathe has excellent anti-vibration characteristics.
This year Leader CNC Technologies have installed a similar machine, the FCT 700, at JCB in Rocester. The FCT 700 can handle parts up to Ø700mm in diameter by 5,100 mm long and has a reputation for its fast and precise turning and milling of large workpieces.
