Citizen Machinery UK (www.citizenmachinery.co.uk) has launched a new CNC sliding-head lathe — the 12mm bar capacity Cincom L12 Type X.

The new machine is intended primarily for the production of dental abutments and implants, but it is also well suited to manufacturing parts for the medical industry in general.

For efficient abutment machining, a minimum of five rear-facing end-working tool positions with driven stations are required, as well as the addition of a Y2 axis to the X2 and Z2 movements on the counter-spindle to match the three degrees of freedom on the main spindle.

All these prerequisites are provided on the L12-X.

Previously, to obtain this level of functionality, a user would have had to purchase a 16mm or even 20mm capacity lathe — unnecessarily large for the production of such small components.

Citizen’s patented LFV (low-frequency vibration) chip-breaking software in the control is optional — but recommended for machining the exotic materials prevalent in dental and medical applications.

By vibrating the X and Z servo axes in the direction of cutting in synchrony with rotation of the spindle, problems arising from stringy swarf entangling the workpiece and tool are avoided.

The function, which now has three modes, can be used with static and driven tools.

It is especially helpful when grooving, drilling deep small-diameter holes, and cutting internal and external threads.

A modular tooling system has been adopted for the gang and back tool-posts and an extensive variety of tooling layouts is possible.

This includes the ability to drill angled holes; the maximum number of tools that can be deployed is 38.

Unlike on other Cincom L12 models, a built-in 12,000rev/min motor drives the counter-spindle, reducing acceleration and deceleration times for higher productivity.

A rapid traverse of 35m/min in all axes contributes further to minimising idle times. The new machine is also wider, providing better access to the working area.

Rigidity of construction is evidenced by the 2.2 tonnes installed weight, and the footprint is compact at 1.84 x 0.97m.