The latest fourth generation of the successful M-Series top-of-the-range Citizen CNC sliding head turn/mill centre is not only faster, aided by the latest version of Citizen’s Cincom control incorporating higher speed arithmetic processing and software developments, but also features increased levels of versatility from additional axes and tool positions.

As a result, ever more complex component features and overlapped cutting cycles can now be included in its single operational capability, thus further increasing the competitive advantage of reductions in the cost per part produced.

Available through Citizen Machinery UK, the M-Series is launched in a 16mm capacity M16-Type VIII version. When the new 12-axis machine is compared against the third generation model, gains to the order of 30% can be made when machining the same component using identical settings and tooling as a result of reductions in non-cutting times.

Up to 26 driven tools can now be applied to a component machining sequence. In addition by incorporating a 135° (90° to -45°) swivelling B-axis applied to the gang tool post, front and back machining can be carried out using four tools to serve each spindle with the added ability to contour under simultaneous 4-axis control. A third Y3-axis feed to the back tool post has nine tool positions pitched in three rows of three tools of which two rows are driven by a 0.75kW, 8,000rpm motor.

A wide variety of secondary machining operations can be carried out from the upgraded 3-axis,10 station turret which has intermediate station positioning with Y2-axis cross feed control. This aids setting and tool adjustment while maximising the choice to use up to 60 tool positions. Tools are driven by a 1.5kW, 8,000rpm motor with a maximum drilling capability of 10mm to the main spindle and 8mm to the sub-spindle.

The turret can now be indexed without returning to the back position which shortens the tool change time further by 0.5 seconds per index. Each turret position is able to accommodate multiple tool holders, either driven or fixed giving even greater flexibility and adding to the versatility of application.

In order to optimise cutting speeds to accommodate a wide range of material types and sizes up to 16 m diameter, the main spindle is now powered by a 3.7kW drive and the sub-spindle by a 1.5kW motor. Both are able to run at up to 12,000rpm. Up to 200mm can be machined in a single stroke and as part of the development to influence reduction in cycle times, rapid traverse rates are now 32m/minute.