Two new sliding-headstock twin-spindle turn-milling centres with a 32mm bar capacity have been added to Citizen Machinery’s Cincom programme.

Available from Bushey-based Citizen Machinery UK Ltd (www.citizenma chinery.co.uk) and designated L32-X LFV and L32-XII LFV, they feature the firm’s patented low-frequency vibration (LFV) software, which acts in two axes to convert what would normally be long stringy swarf into short chips that are more manageable.

LFV is particularly helpful when machining stainless steels, plastics and copper; it can be applied not only to turning but also to grooving, thread cutting and drilling.

Unlike the two other L32 bar autos in the range, the eight-axis L32-X adds a Y2 axis to the Z2 axis on the back tool-post, as does the nine-axis L32-XII, which additionally has +90/-45deg B-axis swivel on the front gang tool post (the rotary tools at this position can work at either spindle to produce angled holes).

Both machines are available in 35mm and 38mm bar-diameter versions, and both can be used with or without the guide bush.

The new L32 has a modular design, allowing users to optimise their manufacturing costs by selecting functions that achieve the ideal machine configuration for their immediate needs, while retaining the option of adding extra functions later.

A workpiece conveyor is standard equipment.

Control is by the Industry 4.0-ready Mitsubishi 800 CNC system, which allows up to three tools to be in cut at the same time.

Up to 44 tools for front, back and cross machining are available in the L32-X model, while the L32-XII version accepts four fewer.

The 3.7/7.5kW main spindle and 2.2/3.7kW counter-spindle offer speeds up to 8,000rev/min, and both have a C axis for use in conjunction with driven-tool stations in the three tool carriers.

Rapid traverse in the linear axes is 32m/min — except in Y2, which moves at 24m/min.