New eco-friendly sliding-head steals the show
Published:
Roger Barber reports from the recent Citizen Open House
The history of the L20 machine goes back almost 30 years, but one of the advantages of the new 3rdgeneration model is accessibility. Access was restricted on the previous models but, on the latest machine, the front door can be fully opened and a door is provided on the back of the machine to improve working inside the machining chamber. In addition, the units inside the machine have been made as compact as possible and the coolant nozzles arranged to allow a brighter and more spacious working area. This improves working conditions during setup changes and other operations.
The new L20 model helps reduce downtime by enabling the use of Citizen’s proprietor LFV (low frequency vibration cutting) technology for both front and back machining. In addition, the improved acceleration/deceleration, due to the higher output of the back spindle helps to shorten cycle times. Tool shortages have been eliminated by increasing the maximum number of turning tools that can be mounted on the gang post to six.
The high end L20XIIB5 supports simultaneous 5-axis control and can perform complex machining in conjunction with a CAM system. A new 50 inch touch panel greatly improves use-of-ease.
As far as environmental protection is concerned, the L20 has evolved toward sustainable manufacturing, with its improved environmental performance that supports Citizen’s efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, including the reduction of air consumption through optimal air control and visualisation of environmental information.
Citizen’s compactly designed B-axis ATC tooling can be mounted on the gang tool post to enable the use of a total of 13 x B-axis tools, comprising 12 x ATC tools for front machining and one tool built into the tooling. In addition to the capability for machining complex parts, for example medical components, the ATC unit/tooling provide an environment where tool setting for machining several types of workpieces can be completed in a single setup. The ATC tooling can also be used in a wide range of applications, such as cross and end face machining as well as slitting and hobbing.
Tony Sorloth, UK & Ireland sales manager, said at the show: “The advantages of sliding head machines is that they offer one hit machining and unattended 24 hour production. Our market is anything sub 38 mm turned in one operation, so the L20 machines are particularly suited to medical and automotive applications, as well as aerospace and connectors. We have had the B5 model with 5-axis control for just over a year now, and this with two other new machines will be displayed at the EMO 2025 exhibition in Hannover in September.”
Citizen Machinery UK Ltd
