XYZ Machine Tools is putting on a series of two-day events at its UK showrooms/demonstration centres for October and November, with an emphasis on explaining the benefits the company's new ProtoTRAK LPM lean manufacturing system.

The events will be held at Waltham Abbey, Herts, 5-6 October; Blackburn, Lancs, 12/13 October; Burlescombe, Devon, 2/3 November; or Nuneaton, Warks, 16/17 November.

The XYZ range of machine tools covers manual machines and CNC/manual ProtoTRAK-equipped mills and lathes to full-CNC vertical machining centres, turning centres, large capacity bridge mills and extra-large/oil country lathes. However, the new ProtoTRAK LPM lean manufacturing system is the first ProtoTRAK-equipped machine to feature an automatic tool changer and, says Nigel Atherton, managing director, it is a development that is already attracting considerable interest (See feature article here).

Unlike a conventional machining centre, the productivity-enhancing ProtoTRAK LPM has several features specifically designed to speed setting-up in prototype and small batch applications.

Allied to this is the ease-of use of the ProtoTRAK PMX control, which combines the simplicity and flexibility of manual machining with the computer-based capability of integrating programming, workholding, tooling and job management. The result is a versatile machining option that will appeal to a much broader audience than the current ProtoTRAK user base of 12,000 machines.

The same easy-to-program approach applies to XYZ's full-CNC machines, which are equipped as standard with Siemens ShopMill and ShopTurn conversational controls. These can be programmed either on- or off-line without any requirement for the operator to have 'G coding' knowledge.

"It's an open invitation to find out more about affordable ways to lower the cost of production jobs taking anything from a few hours to a few days," says Mr Atherton, adding: "And there's no need to book: just turn up on the preferred day at any one of the four venues – Waltham Abbey, 5-6 October; Blackburn, 12/13 October; Burlescombe, 2/3 November; or Nuneaton, 16/17 November."