Citizen Cincom L20-XII

The Citizen Cincom L20-XII is the 12-axis standard configuration of Citizen's flagship L20 Swiss-type platform—the benchmark machine in the 20mm Swiss category and one of the most widely installed precision Swiss automatics in the world. The L20 series has been the reference platform for 20mm Swiss production for decades, and the XII (12-axis) designation represents the full standard multi-axis configuration without the B-axis angular machining capability of the B5 variant. This is the machine specification that the majority of L20 users run: comprehensive axis count, maximum simultaneous capability, full back spindle, and LFV as standard—covering the complete range of 20mm Swiss part complexity short of angular machining.

With 12 axes under simultaneous control, the L20-XII enables true parallel processing: front-work turning, milling, and drilling on the main spindle while the back spindle simultaneously executes secondary operations on the previously cut-off end of the prior part. This overlap eliminates sub-spindle idle time entirely on properly programmed parts, delivering cycle time reductions of 30-50% compared to sequential operation. The result is the L20's reputation as a production efficiency machine even for complex, highly featured parts.

Main spindle performance on the L20-XII is rated at 10,000 RPM with 2.2/3.7/5.5 kW across continuous, 15-minute, and peak ratings—the same power envelope as the B5 variant. Back spindle operates at 10,000 RPM with 1.5/2.2/3.7 kW. Up to 45 tool positions (depending on configuration) accommodate the comprehensive tooling layouts that 12-axis simultaneous programming allows, with gang turning tools, gang-mounted driven tools, and back spindle tooling covering complete part machining from a single bar.

Citizen's LFV chip-breaking is standard on the L20-XII and operates simultaneously on both main and back spindles, enabling aggressive simultaneous operation in difficult materials without chip entanglement compromising either spindle's work. The combination of 12-axis simultaneous operation and dual-spindle LFV is the defining capability of the L20-XII and differentiates it from lower-axis Swiss platforms that must operate spindles sequentially or without LFV protection.

The L20-XII is available in both guide bushing and guide-bushless configurations. The guide-bushless variant reduces bar remnant waste and is preferred for short parts under roughly 3x bar diameter, while guide bushing configuration provides superior rigidity for longer, slender parts. Machine footprint is approximately 2,100 x 1,560 x 1,800 mm at around 2,500 kg. The Mitsubishi Meldas control with Citizen's proprietary Swiss software manages the full 12-axis simultaneous coordination.