Citizen K-series sliding-head lathes beat previous generation performance

As a result, machining cycles, especially on more complex multi-featured components, can be reduced even further, using the same tooling and settings, against the previous generation of Citizen's K-Series machines. The K16E-VII, launched at MACH 2010 this week, demonstrates the results of reducing processing time that is able to slash tool selection, the switching of machining patterns, faster chuck opening and closing and spindle indexing. Already on trial components, Citizen has reduced non-cutting (idle) times by 9.4 secs, equal to a 45 per cent saving on a 45 sec turn-mill cycle, against the time taken on a non-Evolution K16. Improved overlapping functions and direct spindle indexing are key elements in the new control, enabling the positioning of the next tool as the previous tool starts to retract, and by eliminating the time for the normal process waiting for the spindle to stop, reference and index. This is now replaced by controlled spindle deceleration to its programmed position, which contributes major savings on cycle time, especially when multi-featured elements such as flats, slots and off-centre positions are required on a component. The new control has faster start-up and quicker screen switching, and introduces automatic listing of G and M codes, accompanied by pictorial explanations. Easy to understand program editing can be performed by copy and paste between synchronised displays. The K16E-VII has a maximum machining diameter of 16 mm by 200 mm machining length in a single chucking. The main spindle is powered by 3.7 kW motor producing 15,000 rpm, while and the 0.75 kW sub-spindle has a top speed of 10,000 rpm. The machine can carry up to 23 tools, which are set on Citizen's pyramid tool layout that helps reduce tool change time and, through an independent back tool post, parallel front and back machining can be carried out. The back tool post can also be used to create eccentric drilling and slitting features required on the end face of a component by specifying an optional driven tool unit. In total, seven tools can be used for turning, up to eight are driven for cross/face machining tasks with four fixed for front machining and four for fixed back operations, with the option of these being driven. Rapid traverse rates are 32 m/min with high acceleration and deceleration.