Higher performance CNCs offering data processing and software, plus the ability to speed up machining cycles feature six CNC sliding head autos to be spotlighted at the MACH 2004 show.

A major boost to 'one-hit' machining productivity is the theme across six new Citizen mill/turn centres with capacities up to 32mm diameter being demonstrated under power on the NC Engineering stand at MACH 2004. As a result of higher performance CNC controls, data processing and software, an up to 72 tool capacity on one machine and three tool simultaneous cutting enabling cycle times up to 25 per cent quicker to be achieved using the same CNC program as on previous generation machines - there will be a lot to see. For example, the new linear drive Citizen RO4, capable of a massive 40 per cent faster machining cycle than could be achieved with a traditional cam auto producing parts up to 4mm diameter and the new C16 CNC sliding head auto will be demonstrated able to cycle some 30 per cent faster than before.

NC Engineering's Citizen mill/turn centres are clear market leaders in their sector around the world.

This position is maintained through constant attention to market trends, customer needs and machine development, control systems and the cutting process which is qualified with the six new machine introductions.

The new six-axis Citizen RO4 has a 16, 000 revs/min main spindle, 10, 000 revs/min secondary spindle with 13 tools of which two are driven and held on two independent toolposts.

Material capacity is 4 mm with an option of 5.5mm diameter available.

Rapid acceleration through the linear drives to 30m/min traverse rates means cycle times have minimum lost time and accuracy is high with increments of 0.0001mm in each axis to maintain a repeatability of one micron.

The largest mill/turn centre in the Citizen range is the 14-axis Series 3 M32-V which has an additional Y cross-feed axis fitted to the 10 station turret as well as to the gang tool slide which has four driven tools and five turning tools.

A back toolpost has three tool positions.

All three slides are able to machine simultaneously through the new control using high speed macros and faster data processing.

Shown for the first time in the UK is a further 32mm capacity Citizen machine, the C32-VII which has a major advantage in its deep hole drilling and boring capability for holes up to 60:1 ratio of length to diameter.

This equates to 200mm depth for a 3mm hole.

Like the M32, it is capable of three tool simultaneous cutting and has a new high speed processing control.

To aid deep hole work, the Cool Blaster 2,000 lb/in2 high pressure coolant system will be demonstrated which removes many of the problems associated with deep hole drilling such as swarf control; it clears the working area, enables faster penetration rates and extends tool life.

A new version of Citizen's the top international seller, the L-Series shown as an L20-VIII, now has a more rigid frame, which enables 25 per cent more power to be applied to the driven tools.

Tool capacity is increased to 21 tools of which three can be simultaneously engaged on the part.

Now through special adapters, flexibility of setting is improved allowing a three driven tool spindle to be interchanged with front cutting tools by simply turning the unit 90deg.

A cross-spindle can now also be used for turning if required.

Two versions of the new C-Series in 16mm capacity are being demonstrated, the competitively priced entry-level C16-VIE and higher specification C16-VII.

The 17 tool C16-VIE combines a yoke style tooling arrangement around the main spindle which enables short stroke, extremely fast tool positioning.

A gang slide holds six turning tools, three driven tools and a high precision four station toolpost can present up to eight tools allowing machining operations to be carried out at both the main and secondary spindles.

Combined with the new control and software macros, the C16-VIE is faster than the previous entry level sliding head lathe, the highly popular Citizen B-Series.

Meanwhile, the C16-VII, which is now also available in an 18mm capacity variant, will hold 22 tools of which four are driven and there is a further option of having 10 driven tools.

Two or three tool simultaneous machining can be performed and a new control with faster processor transforms the production cycle capability by cutting down idle times.

This equates to a saving up to 20 per cent on an existing proven C16 program.

A major feature of this machine is its excellent access for setting.

As part of NC Engineering's input to production software development in conjunction with Citizen, the Alkartpro off-line programming and cycle optimisation software and the NC Alarm Alert system that enables remote monitoring of up to 10 citizen machines with automatic alarm messaging will be demonstrated.