LFV technology goes large

Citizen Machinery UK
Citizen Machinery UK

With the launch of its L32-VlllLFV sliding head turn-mill centre, Citizen Machinery UK brings its patented Low Frequency Vibration (LFV) machining technology to aid production of larger size components on its sliding head machines having up to 38mm bar size.

Citizen’s deputy managing director Darren Wilkins comments: “The L-Series is the most popular machine globally in the Citizen portfolio for its overall flexibility and value-for-money production capability on certain part types. Now developing the largest capacity in the series capable of handling 38mm bar size, introducing a modular construction, adding LFV programmable management of chip size and the latest Mitsubishi control, provides users with even greater opportunities to raise productivity in small part turn-milling cycles.”

Also available with a removable guide bush, the Cincom L32-VlllLFV has a maximum machining length of 320mm in a single chucking. With the guide bush removed, it can accommodate shorter parts up to 80mm in length, thus providing major material savings due to reduced bar end length requirements enabling more parts to be obtained per bar length.

LFV is not a macro-based operation but has the required stability to perform built into the machine construction then by initiating selectable sequences, programmed at the machine control through G-codes to impart the size of chip to be produced. Oscillation is then introduced to the routine action of the cutting tool through the servo axes of the drive system in the direction of feed. This is in phases of tens of microns which are precisely synchronised with the rotation of the machine spindle.

The resulting controlled ‘air-cutting’ breaks the swarf into a designated chip size which prevents bird-nesting and can be applied to turning, drilling and even threading cycles. LFV can be switched in or out of the programmed cycle as required and helps reduce the onset of built-up edge on the tool tip, extending its in-cut life. It also allows deeper depths-of-cut and enhances the achievement of improved surface quality through a wiping action of the tool.

Main and back spindle speeds of 8,000rpm with the main powered by a 7.5kW and the back by 3.7kW motors. Driven tools are 1 kW giving 6,000rpm and rapid traverse rates are 32m/minute.

Up to 30 tools can be carried on the new machine with four available on the gang tool post for cross, face and multi-spindle operations. As an option, four driven tools with one position having a manual setting adjustment between 0 and 90° can be applied.

The opposite toolpost has four fixed tools with options for these to be driven positions and the back toolpost has five fixed tools with options for four driven positions and one fixed.

A 60mm workpiece conveyor is fitted as standard and fully opening front guard plus improved side access through a sliding door aids machine setting.

Citizen Machinery http://citizenmachinery.co.uk

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