In response to feedback from users, Citizen's M32 sliding-headstock lathe, a
popular model in the Japanese manufacturer's range capable of economical
machining of components in small or large batches, has undergone a
fundamental makeover in its fifth design iteration to the extent that half of its
constituent parts are new. It is also considerably more robust, with a bed 500
kg heavier than that of its predecessor, bringing the installed weight to 4.3
tonnes. Availability of the 10-axis Cincom M32-VIII in the UK and Ireland is
through Citizen Machinery UK (www.citizenmachinery.co.uk)

The 10-station turret, which runs on hardened box ways, incorporates a new
tooling system employing a single, heavier duty, 2.2 kW drive to the live
cutters. Only the selected tool rotates - a world first for Citizen. The effect is to
suppress heat generation and vibration, enhancing machining accuracy and
surface finish. Power consumption is reduced and there is less the wear on
gears and bearings. The latter have been strengthened, providing extra rigidity
to withstand torques twice as high as on the previous machine model, leading
to greater productivity.

The gang tool post has been equipped with 1.5 times faster live tools powered
by a 2.2 kW motor, as well as a programmable, 50 rpm B-axis to enable
simultaneous machining in five CNC axes rather than four; while the back tool
post with Y-axis now has adjustable-angle tooling. Both features enable
production of more complex parts. Three tools may be in cut at the same time,

supported by the Mitsubishi M850W control with 15-inch touch-screen,
shortening cycle times and raising productivity.

The 8,000 rpm main spindle has been upgraded to 5.5 / 7.5 kW and the
counter spindle is of the same power, representing a 2.5-fold increase. It
improves the flexibility with which front-working and rear-working cycles can be
shared between the two spindles. The Z-axis feed drive has been uprated to
1.5 kW for more powerful cutting performance, the 32 m/min rapid traverse
rate remaining the same. New also is the optional possibility to swap over in
half an hour to use the machine in guide bush-less mode to reduce remnant
length when turning shorter components up to 2.5 times their diameter and to
enable the use of cold drawn bar up to 38 mm diameter.

To improve operability and visibility and reduce set-up times, the machine door
and its window have been enlarged by 65 per cent. Other enhancements
include reduced overhang of the counter spindle headstock on its slideway to
provide more robust support, larger and more rigid ballscrews, and 30 per cent
lower air consumption.

The lathes ecological credentials, as with other Citizen machines, are
impeccable. The M32 is an environmentally friendly product that has
undergone stringent assessment by the manufacturer. The use of easily
recyclable materials and avoidance of hazardous substances are combined
with Eco Function hybrid technology that automatically saves energy through
the intelligent use of power during non-cutting periods. Its effectiveness can be
monitored on a control screen window that shows graphically the present,
maximum, cumulative and historical power consumption values.

1. The new Citizen Cincom M32-VIII sliding-head lathe.

2. Working area of the M32-VIII showing the turret and B-axis gang tool post.

On behalf of: Citizen Machinery UK Ltd,

1 Park Avenue, Bushey, WD23 2DA.
Tel: +44 (0)1923 691500.
Contact: Darren Wilkins, Deputy Managing Director.
Website: www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

Issued by: THE RIGHT IMAGE Ltd

PO Box 42, Twickenham, TW1 1BQ
Tel: +44 (0)20 8891 0603
Contact: Chris Wright
Email: chris@therightimage.net
Website: www.therightimage.net

Release no: 1131(PR)