Four-axis chip breaking takes productivity to the next level

In addition to reliable chip breaking, LFV lowers cutting resistance, prevents stringy swarf from damaging the component, inhibits the formation of built-up edge to prolong tool life, and extends the period between successive chip disposals, as the swarf volume is smaller

Last week’s MACH 2026, held at the NEC, Birmingham, was the first major UK exhibition at which Citizen Machinery’s patented LFV (low frequency vibration) chip breaking was demonstrated with four-axis simultaneous capability. While the functionality made its debut at the turn-milling machine supplier’s Open House in Brierley Hill last October, the event provided a first opportunity for a wider audience to see the new technology in action.

Citizen rolled out its original LFV chip breaking functionality to international markets more than a decade ago. Integrated into the operating system of the control driving the axis motions of Citizen Cincom sliding-head lathes, and more recently selected Miyano fixed-head models, it is designed to break stringy swarf into manageable chips. Distinct from programmed chip breaking macros offered by other suppliers, LFV synchronises high-frequency vibration in the direction of the cutting feed with spindle rotation to create intermittent air-cutting to break long swarf effectively.

Today, the technology has been further developed to enable the function to be programmed to start and stop in four separate axes at the same time, the X and Z movements of both the main and sub spindles. Four-axis LFV is a major step forward, as it greatly enhances flexibility, reduces cycle times and eliminates operational bottlenecks, since there is no need to stop the machine to remove tangled swarf, however complex the program. It is particularly advantageous during lights-out production when working with malleable materials like copper, some stainless steels, aluminium, titanium, nickel alloys, lead-free eco-brass, and plastics.

Application engineers at Citizen Machinery are always on hand to assist in optimising machining strategies and several specialists were present at MACH 2026 to provide advice. Notably, at the show there were five turn-mill centres with four-axis LFV. They included three new Miyano fixed-head lathes, a BNJ-51SY7 and a BNX-65MSY (pictured left) with workpiece unloader, and an ANX-42SYY also with an unloader.

The other four-axis LFV models were sliding-head Cincoms, a brand new L32-X series 2 and an M32-VIII (pictured below) that combines the speed of a gang toolpost with the versatility of a 10-station turret. Both machines, along with the Miyano models on show including a BNE-65 with automatic tool change, are capable of superimposed machining with up to three tools in cut simultaneously, significantly reducing cycle times.

While the spotlight at MACH 2026 was on the latest advances in multi-axis LFV chip breaking on Miyano fixed-head and Cincom sliding-head lathes, Citizen Machinery also highlighted the sheer breadth of its machine portfolio by demonstrating two turn-mill centres that represent the opposite ends of the manufacturing spectrum in terms of workpiece size.

High-precision, efficient production solutions
Visitors were able to see an 80mm bar capacity Miyano ABX-80THY producing a large-diameter component and a Cincom R04-VI of 4mm capacity machining a 2mm diameter part. Both twin-spindle lathes illustrate Citizen’s ability to provide high-precision, efficient production solutions regardless of whether the component is large or small, even during lights-out running.

Powerful prismatic machining is a defining feature of the ABX-80THY, as all 36 tool positions in the three turrets are rated at 4.5kW, deliver up to 40Nm of torque and achieve a rotational speed of 6,000rev/min. Simultaneous cutting with the three turrets drastically reduces cycle times and the lathe maintains Miyano’s hallmark rigidity and precision for high accuracy machining.

Thermal stability was key in the development of the ABX-80THY. Temperature variation across the machine structure is constantly monitored by integrated sensors and intelligent software automatically adjusts the axes to compensate for any movement, reducing thermal displacement to just 10 microns. It ensures round-the-clock accuracy, even during extended periods of unattended operation.

In contrast, the Cincom R04-VI sliding-head lathe demonstrated micro-machining precision. Designed for small, intricate work where extreme tolerances and consistent dimensional accuracy are needed, the machine features a compact footprint and specialised configuration tailored for high-speed, ultra-precise production. It employs a backlash-free linear motor in the X-axis to ensure absolute positioning accuracy.

The robust structure supports vibration-free cutting, enhancing surface finish and prolonging tool life. The main spindle reaches 20,000rev/min, resulting in clean, accurate cuts in materials like stainless steel, titanium and aluminium. The machine supports flexible tooling configurations for handling complex geometries. Excellent accessibility reduces setup time and helps operators make fast adjustments with minimal downtime. Ideal applications are found in multiple sectors including watchmaking, medical, electronics and aerospace.

The R04-VI demonstration served as a perfect contrast to the ABX-80THY, showing that whether a manufacturer needs high power for machining 80mm bar or finesse for producing small, complex parts, even down to sub-mm diameters, Citizen has the technological solutions to meet every challenge.