GM CNC is introducing the NP26 horizontal turning lathe, the most advanced addition to the NP series. Known for its compact design and high performance, the NP26 takes productivity further by offering increased bar capacity, larger swing and upgraded chuck size – all while maintaining a space-saving footprint. With a swing over bed of 740mm, a distance between centres of 640mm and an increased bar capacity of 75mm (optional 77mm), GM CNC says the NP26 delivers big performance in a small package. The 87mm diameter spindle bore further enhances its capability to handle larger components.

Compared with the NP16 and NP20, the NP26 stands out with a range of upgraded features. It is the only model in the series to offer a programmable tailstock, providing greater precision and automation for complex turning tasks. The FANUC 0i-TF Plus control system with a 10.4-inch screen comes standard, but an optional 15-inch screen is available exclusively for the NP26, enhancing user visibility and programming convenience. According to GM CNC, the compact footprint of just 2877 x 2282 x 1990mm ensures it fits into any production environment while delivering the power and precision of a larger lathe.

The NP26 comes equipped with standard accessories such as a hydraulic chuck with soft jaws, rear-disposal chip conveyor, fully enclosed splash guarding, tool holders, coolant flush on the Z-axis cover, and a three-step warning light. The addition of a programmable tailstock further enhances the machine’s versatility.

For those looking to customise their setup, the NP26 offers an array of optional accessories, including a manual or automatic tool presetter, swing-type parts catcher, Kitagawa power chuck, high-pressure coolant system, bar feeder interface, automatic door, and even a robot system for automated loading and unloading.

More information www.gm-cnc.com

SFC (Europe) manufactures, stocks and supplies safety-critical stud-bolts, bolts and nuts in ASTM and ASME grades for onshore, offshore and subsea applications. The Wolverhampton-based company has enjoyed impressive growth, from a turnover of £1m when it was formed in 2013 to £15m in 2024, boosted by notable investments in CNC turning machines.

Since 2019, operations director Mark Edmonds and his colleagues had been considering sliding-head bar turning owing to its suitability for producing large quantities of components, including unattended overnight. The Covid-19 pandemic delayed things somewhat but by mid-2022 SFC (Europe) was ready to make its first investment in new turning centres. It was, however, a pair of fixed-head lathes (Miyano BNA-42DHY twin-spindle, twin-turret, bar-fed models from Citizen Machinery) that arrived, as machinists at Wolverhamptonwere unfamiliar with operating sliding-head equipment and management wanted modern, productive lathes that would come on-stream quickly.

A couple of years later, SFC (Europe) was ready to revert to the idea of introducing sliding-head, bar-fed lathes. The Miyano machines had performed so reliably in terms of uptime and accuracy that Edmonds looked no further than Citizen for the supply of two Cincom L32-VIIILFV turn-mill centres. Delivered and commissioned in April 2024, the Cincom machines mainly fulfil orders for higher volumes of parts. As traceability is often important, the ability to engrave components in-cycle saves a separate operation and contributes to maximising production output.

“Everyone from our founder and chairman Allan Stennett to machine tool operators on the shop floor are committed to acquiring and using the best production equipment possible,” says Edmonds.“Continued purchase of machines like the Miyano and Cincom lathes will undoubtedly underpin our continued growth for years to come.”More information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk