Citizen Cincom B16

$80,000 - $140,000 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 B16 is the dual-spindle evolution of Citizen's B-series entry-level Swiss platform, adding a back spindle and expanded tooling to the B12's compact, cost-effective foundation. With a 12mm bar capacity through a 20mm spindle bore, the B16 handles the same material range as the B12 but can complete parts in a single cycle by performing backworking operations—back-facing, back-boring, back-chamfering, and back-drilling—on the sub-spindle. The main spindle reaches 12,000 RPM with 2.2 kW of power, while the back spindle operates at up to 6,000 RPM with 1.0 kW for secondary operations.

The B16 significantly expands tooling capability over the single-spindle B12, offering 13 to 16 tool positions depending on configuration. This includes rotary tools at 4,500 RPM for cross-drilling, flats, and basic milling features on both the front and back ends of the part. The back spindle accepts workpieces up to 12mm diameter with a 30mm protrusion length, which covers back-end features on the vast majority of small precision turned parts. Back drilling goes up to 5mm and back tapping to M3, providing sufficient capability for most secondary hole features.

Despite the added back spindle capability, the B16 maintains a remarkably compact footprint at just 1,150 kg—only 50 kg heavier than the single-spindle B12. This makes the B16 one of the smallest dual-spindle Swiss machines available from any manufacturer, fitting into tight shop layouts while delivering complete part machining in a single setup. The machine draws modest power and uses the same Mitsubishi Meldas control platform as the rest of the Cincom range, providing programming consistency for shops running multiple Citizen machines.

For shops that have outgrown the B12 or need complete-part capability without jumping to the more expensive L-series, the B16 occupies a strategic sweet spot. It bridges the gap between basic Swiss turning and full-featured production, delivering Citizen's proven build quality and precision at a price point well below the L12 and L20.

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)
Back Spindle Speed	6,000 RPM
Back Spindle Power	1.0 kW (1.3 HP)
Back Spindle Chuck	12 mm (0.472 in)
Spindle Bore	20 mm (0.787 in)
Rotary Tool Speed	4,500 RPM
Number Of Tools	13 - 16
Rapid Feed Rate	X axis
Guide Bushing	Yes (Removable Guide Bushing option)
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.)
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 needing complete-part Swiss machining at the lowest possible dual-spindle price point from a major manufacturer High-volume production of small precision parts with back-end features like connector pins with chamfered ends Medical device manufacturers producing miniature components under 12mm that require back-facing or back-boring Contract manufacturers adding affordable dual-spindle Swiss capacity alongside existing B12 or L-series machines Watchmaking and miniature precision component shops where space constraints limit machine size options Shops producing electronic contacts, terminals, and fasteners requiring complete machining in a single cycle

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Citizen Cincom B16 cost?

A new Citizen Cincom B16 typically runs $80,000-$140,000 depending on configuration and options. This positions the B16 as the most affordable dual-spindle machine in Citizen's Swiss lineup, bridging the gap between the single-spindle B12 and the more capable L12. Used B16 machines are available in the $25,000-$60,000 range depending on vintage and condition.

02 What is the difference between the B16 and the B12?

The primary difference is the back spindle. The B16 adds a 6,000 RPM sub-spindle that allows backworking operations like back-facing, back-drilling (up to 5mm), and back-tapping (up to M3). The B16 also increases tool positions from 12 to 13-16. The B12 is a single-spindle machine that can only machine the front end of parts. The B16 weighs just 50 kg more than the B12 and maintains a similarly compact footprint.

03 How does the B16 compare to the Citizen L12?

The L12 is a significant step up from the B16 in capability. The L12 offers higher spindle speeds (up to 15,000 RPM main, 10,000-12,000 RPM back), more tools (27-38 positions), faster rotary tools (10,000 RPM), and LFV chip-breaking technology on select models. The L12 also offers guide-bushless operation. The B16 costs considerably less and is better suited for straightforward parts, while the L12 handles more complex multi-feature work.

04 Can the B16 run without a guide bushing?

Yes. The B16 supports Citizen's R.G.B. (Removable Guide Bushing) option, allowing guide-bushless operation with a reduced spindle speed of 8,000 RPM. Guide-bushless mode reduces bar remnant waste for shorter parts and is beneficial when machining parts with low length-to-diameter ratios where the guide bushing provides minimal benefit.

05 What bar feeder works with the Citizen B16?

The B16 is compatible with standard Swiss-type bar feeders from LNS, IEMCA, FMB, and other major bar feeder manufacturers. The 20mm spindle bore accepts standard bar feeder collets for material up to 12mm diameter. Most shops pair the B16 with a magazine-style bar feeder for extended unattended production runs.