Citizen to present new turning technology at MACH 2022

Citizen Machinery’s ground-breaking LFV (low frequency vibration) chip-breaking software which forms part of the operating system in the controls on some of the manufacturer’s sliding and fixed head mill-turn centres, will feature strongly at MACH 2022 as this year marks the fifth anniversary of the technology’s launch. The principle of operation is distinct from, and superior to, pecking macros programmed into individual machining cycles.

The patented system is gradually being rolled out across the company’s Cincom sliding head lathes, initially on the main spindle and more recently also on the sub spindle. To enable this, the construction of the machine models is systematically being strengthened to withstand the rigours of the momentary air cutting that creates the chip-breaking effect. There will be five Cincom machines on show at MACH 2022 equipped with LFV. A pair of Citizen’s Miyano fixed head lathes also benefits from the technology, one of which will also be exhibited.

The chip-breaking functionality can be switched on and off by G-code during a cycle, when deemed expedient, as if it were part of the program. The size of the actual chips can also be predetermined, as close control is maintained over the relationship between spindle speed and LFV oscillation of the tool by tens of microns, which has the effect of repeatedly retracting the tool tip clear of the workpiece. Coolant is able to penetrate the cut more efficiently, so tool life is extended and surface finish is improved.

Stringy swarf is therefore a thing of the past, even when machining difficult to chip materials like stainless steel, aluminium, copper and plastics. The need for manual swarf clearance is avoided, raising productivity and unattended running time, while the risk of damaging the workpiece and tool is removed. Futhermore, depth of cut may be increased substantially, raising productivity.

Three modes of LFV may be selected for machining with static and driven tools. The first is ideal for turning and grooving of outer and inner diameters, the second is best suited to micro-drilling operations that require high surface speed machining, while the third offers vibration-free thread cutting.