Machine Comparison
Citizen Cincom A20 vs INDEX C100
Citizen Machinery vs INDEX-Traub · Swiss-Type Lathes
Summary
The Citizen Cincom A20 from Citizen Machinery and INDEX C100 from INDEX-Traub are direct competitors in the swiss-type lathes category. The INDEX C100 leads in rapid traverse (60 m/min (2,362 ipm) vs 32 m/min). 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 | INDEX C100 |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid Traverse | 32 m/min | 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) ▲ |
| Control | Citizen CNC | Fanuc 31i-B |
| Max Bar Capacity | 20 mm (0.787 in) | 42 mm (1.65 in) ▲ |
| Main Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM (up to 15,000 RPM on select variants) ▲ | 7,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle Power | 2.2/3.7 kW (3/5 HP) | 22/29 kW (29.5/38.9 HP) ▲ |
| Price Range | $100,000 - $180,000 ▲ | $300,000 - $450,000 |
Advantages
Citizen Cincom A20
- Superior main spindle speed at 10,000 RPM (up to 15,000 RPM on select variants) vs 7,000 RPM
- More competitive pricing at $100,000 - $180,000 compared to $300,000 - $450,000
- Backed by Citizen Machinery's dealer and service network for parts and support
- Shops entering the Swiss-type market that need proven Citizen quality at the most accessible price point
INDEX C100
- Faster rapid traverse at 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) reduces non-cutting time between operations
- Superior max bar capacity at 42 mm (1.65 in) vs 20 mm (0.787 in)
- Superior main spindle power at 22/29 kW (29.5/38.9 HP) vs 2.2/3.7 kW (3/5 HP)
Verdict
This is a close matchup. The Citizen Cincom A20 and INDEX C100 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.