Citizen Cincom B12

$60,000 - $110,000 Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

10,000min-1(R.G.B.8,000min-1)

max bar capacity

12 mm (0.472 in)

max machining diameter

12 mm (0.472 in)

max machining length

135 mm (5.31 in)

main spindle speed

12,000 RPM

main spindle power

2.2 kW (3 HP)

Overview

The Citizen Cincom B12 is a compact, entry-level sliding headstock CNC automatic lathe built for high-speed production of small precision turned parts up to 12mm in diameter. As the most basic machine in Citizen's Cincom Swiss-type range, the B12 strips away complexity to focus on what matters most in high-volume turning: speed, reliability, and a small footprint. The main spindle reaches 12,000 RPM with 2.2 kW of power, and the machine handles bar stock up to 12mm through a 20mm spindle bore with a maximum machining length of 135mm per chucking.

What makes the B12 stand out in the budget Swiss segment is its simplicity. With 12 tool positions including rotary tools spinning at up to 4,500 RPM, the machine handles straightforward turned parts with cross-holes, flats, and basic secondary features without overcomplicating the setup. There is no back spindle on the B12—this is intentionally a single-spindle machine for parts that don't require secondary operations on the back end. That design choice keeps the purchase price low and the machine approachable for operators new to Swiss-type turning. Rapid feed rates of 21 m/min on X and Y axes and 15 m/min on Z keep non-cutting time to a minimum.

The B12 draws just 5.2 kVA of power, making it one of the most energy-efficient Swiss machines available. At 1,100 kg and with a center height of 1,000mm, it fits easily into tight shop floor layouts where space is at a premium. The machine also supports Citizen's R.G.B. (Removable Guide Bushing) option, which allows guide-bushless operation for shorter parts—reducing bar remnant waste and lowering material costs. For shops running simple turned parts in brass, aluminum, free-machining steel, or mild stainless, the B12 delivers Citizen-grade precision and build quality at the lowest price point in the Cincom lineup.

The Mitsubishi-based CNC control provides the same programming environment used across the Cincom range, so operators who learn on the B12 can move seamlessly to more capable Citizen machines as part complexity grows. Citizen's global service network through Marubeni Citizen-Cincom ensures that even this entry-level machine receives full factory-level support.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Capacity	12 mm (0.472 in)
Max Machining Diameter	12 mm (0.472 in)
Max Machining Length	135 mm (5.31 in)
Main Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power	2.2 kW (3 HP)
Spindle Bore	20 mm (0.787 in)
Rotary Tool Speed	4,500 RPM
Number Of Tools	12
Rapid Feed Rate X Y	21 m/min
Rapid Feed Rate Z	15 m/min
Guide Bushing	Yes (Removable Guide Bushing option)
Power Consumption	5.2 kVA
Machine Weight	1,150kg
CNC Control	Mitsubishi Meldas (Citizen software)
Item	B12E II
Maximum Machining Diameter	16mm Dia.
Maximum Machining Length	135mm/chuck(R.G.B. in use 60mm/chuck)
Maximum Drilling Diameter For Main Spindle	6mm Dia.
Maximum Front Tapping Diameter	M6
Main Spindle Through Hole Diameter	20mm Dia.
Max Spindle Speed	10,000min-1(R.G.B.8,000min-1)
Maximum Drilling Diameter For Rotary Tool	5mm Dia.
Maximum Tapping Diameter For Rotary Tool	M4
Spindle Speed Of The Gang Rotary Tool	4,500min-1
Number Of Tools To Be Mounted	16
Tool Size	Turning tool
Sleeve	19.05mm Dia.(Option:20mm Dia.)
Rapid Feed Rate	X axis
Y Axis	21m/min
Z Axis	15m/min
Motors	For spindle drive
For Tool Spindle Drive	0.5kW
For Cutting Coolant Oil	0.18kW
Rated Power Consumption	5.2kVA
Load Operation Average Power	4kVA
Center Height	1,000mm
Sliding Headstock Type	A20
Bar Work	BNC42
Turning Machine	BNA42CY
High Precision Turning Machines	BNA42SY
Multi Station Machining Cell	MC20 III
Tool Size Turning Tool	10 Sq.×120mm or 60mm
Tool Size Sleeve	19.05mm Dia.(Option:20mm Dia.)
Rapid Feed Rate X Axis	21m/min
Rapid Feed Rate Y Axis	21m/min
Rapid Feed Rate Z Axis	15m/min
Motors For Spindle Drive	2.2/3.7kW
Motors For Tool Spindle Drive	0.5kW
Motors For Cutting Coolant Oil	0.18kW
Maximum Chuck Diameter Of Back Spindle	16mm Dia.
Maximum Protrusion Length Of The Back Spindle Workpiece	30mm
Maximum Drilling Diameter In Back Machining Process	5mm Dia.
Maximum Tapping Diameter In Back Machining Process	M3
Rapid Feed Rate A2 Axis	15m/min
Motors For Back Spindle Drive	1.0kW
Inquiries	Feel free to get in touch with us by phone or online if you have any questions or need advice about any of our products or services.

Specifications sourced from cmj.citizen.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

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Limitations

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Best For

Shops entering the Swiss-type turning market looking for the lowest-cost Citizen platform with full factory support High-volume production of simple brass and aluminum turned parts like pins, contacts, and bushings Contract manufacturers needing to add Swiss capacity in tight floor space without major capital outlay Watchmaking and miniature component manufacturers running straightforward round parts under 12mm diameter Shops producing electronic connector pins, terminals, and precision dowel pins at high volume Training environments where operators learn Swiss-type programming before moving to more complex machines

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Citizen Cincom B12 cost?

A new Citizen Cincom B12 typically runs $60,000-$110,000 depending on options and configuration. The B12 is the most affordable machine in Citizen's Swiss-type lineup, positioned as an entry-level platform for shops that need basic Swiss turning capability without the cost of dual-spindle machines. Used B12 machines can be found for $20,000-$50,000 depending on age and condition.

02 Can the Citizen B12 do backworking operations?

No. The B12 is a single-spindle machine without a back spindle (sub-spindle). Parts requiring secondary operations on the back end—such as back-facing, back-boring, or back-chamfering—need to be handled in a separate operation or produced on a dual-spindle machine like the B16, L12, or L20.

03 What is the R.G.B. option on the B12?

R.G.B. stands for Removable Guide Bushing. This option allows the B12 to operate with or without a guide bushing. Guide-bushless operation is beneficial for shorter parts where the guide bushing would create excessive bar remnant waste. Removing the guide bushing reduces material costs but sacrifices some rigidity support for long, slender workpieces.

04 How does the B12 compare to the Citizen B16?

The B16 is the dual-spindle version of the B-series, adding a back spindle with 6,000 RPM capability and increasing tool positions to 13-16. The B16 can complete parts in a single cycle by performing backworking operations, while the B12 is limited to front-end operations only. The B16 costs more but eliminates secondary operations for parts requiring back-end features.

05 What materials can the B12 handle?

The B12 excels with free-machining materials like brass, aluminum, free-machining steels (12L14, 1215), and mild stainless grades. It can machine 304 and 316 stainless steel, but without LFV chip-breaking technology, chip control in these gummy materials requires careful attention to tooling geometry, chip breakers, and coolant delivery. For heavy stainless or titanium work, the L-series with LFV is a better choice.

06 Is the B12 suitable for lights-out production?

The B12 can run unattended with a bar feeder, but the lack of a back spindle and LFV chip-breaking limits its lights-out reliability compared to dual-spindle Cincom models. For straightforward parts in free-machining materials, the B12 can sustain extended unattended runs. For more demanding materials or parts requiring complete machining, a dual-spindle model with LFV is better suited.