Mach 2026 Citizen advances LFV chip breaking with simultaneous 4-axis capability

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Citizen Machinery used Mach 2026 to showcase the next step in LFV chip breaking. With simultaneous 4-axis capability, the technology is designed to improve flexibility, reliability and productivity in complex turn-mill applications.

Mach 2026 was the first major UK exhibition at which Citizen Machinery’s patented LFV (low frequency vibration) chip breaking was demonstrated with 4-axis simultaneous capability. While the functionality made its debut at the turn-milling machine supplier’s open house in Brierley Hill last October, the event in Birmingham this April provided a first opportunity for a wider audience to see the new technology in action.

Citizen rolled out its original LFV chip breaking functionality to international markets more than a decade ago. Integrated into the operating system of the control driving the axis motions of Citizen Cincom sliding-head lathes, and more recently selected Miyano fixed-head models, it is designed to break stringy swarf into manageable chips. Distinct from programmed chip breaking macros offered by other suppliers, LFV synchronises high-frequency vibration in the direction of the cutting feed with spindle rotation to create intermittent air-cutting to break long swarf effectively.

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Today, the technology has been developed to enable the function to be programmed to start and stop in four separate axes at the same time, the X and Z movements of both the main and sub spindles. 4-axis LFV is a major step forward, as it greatly enhances flexibility, reduces cycle times and eliminates operational bottlenecks, since there is no need to stop the machine to remove tangled swarf, however complex the program. It is particularly advantageous during lights-out production when working with malleable materials like copper, some stainless steels, aluminium, titanium, nickel alloys, lead-free eco-brass, and plastics.

At the show there were five turn-mill centres with 4-axis LFV. They included three new Miyano fixed-head lathes, a BNJ-51SY7 and a BNX-65MSY with workpiece unloader, and an ANX-42SYY also with an unloader.

The other 4-axis LFV models were sliding-head Cincoms, a brand new L32-X series 2 and an M32-VIII that combines the speed of a gang tool post with the versatility of a 10-station turret. Both machines, along with the Miyano models on show including a BNE-65 with automatic tool change, are capable of superimposed machining with up to three tools in cut simultaneously, significantly reducing cycle times.

Little and large

While the spotlight at Mach 2026 was on the latest advances in multi-axis LFV chip breaking on Miyano fixed-head and Cincom sliding-head lathes, Citizen Machinery also highlighted the sheer breadth of its machine portfolio by demonstrating two turn-mill centres that represent the opposite ends of the manufacturing spectrum in terms of workpiece size.

Visitors were able to see an 80 mm bar capacity Miyano ABX-80THY producing a large-diameter component and a Cincom R04-VI of 4 mm capacity machining a 2 mm diameter part. Both twin-spindle lathes illustrate Citizen’s ability to provide high-precision, efficient production solutions regardless of whether the component is large or small, even during lights-out running.

Powerful prismatic machining is a defining feature of the ABX-80THY, as all 36 tool positions in the three turrets are rated at 4.5 kW, deliver up to 40 Nm of torque and achieve a rotational speed of 6,000 rpm. Simultaneous cutting with the three turrets drastically reduces cycle times and the lathe maintains Miyano’s hallmark rigidity and precision for high accuracy machining.

Thermal stability was key in the development of the ABX-80THY. Temperature variation across the machine structure is constantly monitored by integrated sensors and intelligent software automatically adjusts the axes to compensate for any movement, reducing thermal displacement to just 10 microns. It ensures round-the-clock accuracy, even during extended periods of unattended operation.

In contrast, the Cincom R04-VI sliding-head lathe demonstrated micro-machining precision. Designed for small, intricate work where extreme tolerances and consistent dimensional accuracy are needed, the machine features a compact footprint and specialised configuration tailored for high-speed, ultra-precise production. It employs a backlash-free linear motor in the X-axis to ensure absolute positioning accuracy.

The robust structure supports vibration-free cutting, enhancing surface finish and prolonging tool life. The main spindle reaches 20,000 rpm, resulting in clean, accurate cuts in materials like stainless steel, titanium and aluminium. The machine supports flexible tooling configurations for handling complex geometries. Excellent accessibility reduces setup time and helps operators make fast adjustments with minimal downtime. Ideal applications are found in multiple sectors including watchmaking, medical, electronics and aerospace.

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