Machine Comparison
Citizen Cincom A20 vs Citizen Cincom B12
Citizen Machinery vs Citizen Machinery · Swiss-Type Lathes
Summary
The Citizen Cincom A20 and Citizen Cincom B12 are both from Citizen Machinery's swiss-type lathes lineup, making this a common upgrade or lineup decision for shops already invested in the Citizen Machinery ecosystem. These machines are closely matched across most specifications, making the decision more about specific feature priorities, dealer support, and your existing shop ecosystem than raw spec advantages. Both machines are proven performers in production environments and represent solid investments for shops in the market for a swiss-type lathe.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Citizen Cincom A20 | Citizen Cincom B12 |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Citizen CNC | Mitsubishi Meldas (Citizen software) |
| Max Bar Capacity | 20 mm (0.787 in) ▲ | 12 mm (0.472 in) |
| Max Machining Diameter | 20 mm (0.787 in) ▲ | 12 mm (0.472 in) |
| Max Machining Length | 165 mm (6.5 in) ▲ | 135 mm (5.31 in) |
| Main Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM (up to 15,000 RPM on select variants) | 12,000 RPM ▲ |
| Main Spindle Power | 2.2/3.7 kW (3/5 HP) | 2.2 kW (3 HP) |
| Guide Bushing | Yes | Yes (Removable Guide Bushing option) |
| Power Consumption | 7.1 kVA ▲ | 5.2 kVA |
| Price Range | $100,000 - $180,000 | $60,000 - $110,000 ▲ |
Advantages
Citizen Cincom A20
- Superior max bar capacity at 20 mm (0.787 in) vs 12 mm (0.472 in)
- Superior max machining diameter at 20 mm (0.787 in) vs 12 mm (0.472 in)
- Superior max machining length at 165 mm (6.5 in) vs 135 mm (5.31 in)
- Superior power consumption at 7.1 kVA vs 5.2 kVA
Citizen Cincom B12
- Superior main spindle speed at 12,000 RPM vs 10,000 RPM (up to 15,000 RPM on select variants)
- More competitive pricing at $60,000 - $110,000 compared to $100,000 - $180,000
- Backed by Citizen Machinery's dealer and service network for parts and support
- Shops entering the Swiss-type turning market looking for the lowest-cost Citizen platform with full factory support
Verdict
This is a close matchup. The Citizen Cincom A20 and Citizen Cincom B12 trade advantages across different specifications, making neither a clear winner on paper alone. Your decision should come down to practical factors: which dealer is closer, which control system your operators already know, what tooling ecosystem you're invested in, and which machine's specific strengths match your highest-volume work. Get quotes on both, run test cuts with your actual parts if possible, and factor in long-term service and support costs.