Citizen Cincom L12 Type X
Key Specifications
Rapid Traverse
max bar capacity
max machining diameter
max machining length
main spindle speed
main spindle power
Overview
The Citizen Cincom L12 Type X is the top-of-the-line configuration of Citizen's 12mm Swiss-type platform, building on the L12-VII foundation with a modular tooling system, Y2 axis capability, and an expanded 38 tool positions. Where the L12-VII handles standard production work, the L12-X is engineered for the most complex small-diameter parts—components with off-center features on both front and back ends, extensive milling, multiple cross-holes, and demanding secondary operations that push the limits of what a 12mm Swiss machine can produce.
The L12-X's main spindle matches the L12-VII at 15,000 RPM (guide bushing mode) with 2.2/3.7 kW of power, but the back spindle gets a meaningful upgrade to 12,000 RPM with 0.75/1.15 kW—double the power of the L12-VII's back spindle. This higher-powered sub-spindle enables more aggressive secondary turning and backworking operations, particularly in harder materials where the L12-VII's modest back spindle motor would struggle. The Y2 axis on the back tool post opens up off-center milling, eccentric drilling, and complex feature machining on the back end of parts that the L12-VII simply cannot reach.
The modular tooling system is what truly sets the L12-X apart. With 38 tool positions—7 gang turning tools, 6-17 gang rotary tools, and 8 back tool post positions—the L12-X can accommodate the tooling layouts required for complex multi-feature parts without compromising on tool selection. The gang rotary tools operate at 10,000 RPM and back tool post rotary tools at 9,000 RPM, providing excellent milling and drilling performance across both spindles. Citizen's LFV chip-breaking technology is standard, ensuring reliable chip control in stainless steel, titanium, and engineering plastics.
At 2,200 kg with a 1,050mm center height, the L12-X is notably heavier and slightly taller than the L12-VII (1,700 kg, 1,000mm), reflecting the additional mass of the expanded tooling system and Y2 axis mechanism. The increased rigidity from this additional mass benefits heavy cutting operations and milling. Power consumption rises to 8 kVA. For shops producing the most complex small-diameter parts—particularly in medical, dental, and aerospace applications where component geometry demands maximum tooling flexibility—the L12-X represents the pinnacle of 12mm Swiss-type capability.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Bar Capacity | 12 mm (0.472 in), 16 mm (0.630 in) option |
| Max Machining Diameter | 12mm Dia. |
| Max Machining Length | GB |
| Main Spindle Speed | Max.9,000min-1 |
| Main Spindle Power | 2.2 / 3.7 kW (3 / 5 HP) |
| Back Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM |
| Back Spindle Power | 0.75 / 1.15 kW (1 / 1.5 HP) |
| Spindle Bore | 20 mm (0.787 in) |
| Number Of Axes | Up to 10 (with Y2 axis) |
| Gang Rotary Tool Speed | 10,000 RPM |
| Back Tool Post Rotary Speed | 9,000 RPM |
| Number Of Tools | 38 |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 35 m/min (all axes) |
| Guide Bushing | Yes / Guide-bushless option |
| Lfv Chip Breaking | Yes |
| Power Consumption | 8 kVA |
| Machine Weight | 2,200kg |
| CNC Control | Mitsubishi Meldas (Citizen software) |
| Item | L12X |
| Gbl | Max.12,000min-1 |
| Max Front Drilling Diameter | 8mm Dia. |
| Max Tapping Diameter For The Front Spindle | M6 |
| Spindle Through Hole Diameter | 20mm Dia. |
| Max Chuck Diameter For The Back Spindle | 12mm Dia. |
| Max Protrusion Length | 80mm |
| Max Protrusion Length Of The Back Spindle Workpiece | 30mm |
| Max Drilling Diameter For The Back Spindle | 8mm Dia. |
| Max Tapping Diameter For The Back Spindle | M6 |
| Gang Rotary Tools | 6 to 17 |
| Max Tapping Diameter | M4 |
| Number Of Tools To Be Mounted | Max. |
| Gang Tool Post | 7 |
| Front Drills | Standard:2, Max.:11 |
| Tool Size | Turning tool |
| Sleeve | 19.05mm Dia. |
| Rapid Feed Rate | All axes |
| Motors | Front spindle drive |
| Gang Tool Post Rotary Tool Drive | 0.75kW |
| Rated Power Consumption | 6.6kVA |
| Load Operation Average Power | 3.6kVA |
| Full Load Current | 22A |
| Main Breaker Capacity | 40A |
| Pneumatic Unit | Required pressure |
| Required Flowrate | 55NL/min (Stationary) |
| Machine Main Unit Dimensions | W1,840 × D970 × H1,710mm |
| Sliding Headstock Type | A20 |
| Bar Work | BNC42 |
| Turning Machine | BNA42CY |
| High Precision Turning Machines | BNA42SY |
| Multi Station Machining Cell | MC20 III |
| Max Machining Length Gb | 135mm/1chucking |
| Max Machining Length Gbl | 30mm |
| Main Spindle Speed Gb | Max.15,000min-1 |
| Main Spindle Speed Gbl | Max.12,000min-1 |
| Gang Rotary Tools Max Drilling Diameter | 5mm Dia. |
| Gang Rotary Tools Max Tapping Diameter | M4 |
| Gang Rotary Tools Main Spindle Speed | Max.10,000min-1 |
| Number Of Tools To Be Mounted Max | 38 |
| Number Of Tools To Be Mounted Gang Tool Post | 7 |
| Number Of Tools To Be Mounted Gang Rotary Tools | 6 to 17 |
| Number Of Tools To Be Mounted Front Drills | Standard:2, Max.:11 |
| Number Of Tools To Be Mounted Back Drills | 8 (17) |
| Tool Size Turning Tool | 10mm Sq., 12mm (OP) |
| Tool Size Sleeve | 19.05mm Dia. |
| Rapid Feed Rate All Axes | 35m/min |
| Motors Front Spindle Drive | 2.2/3.7kW |
| Motors Gang Tool Post Rotary Tool Drive | 0.75kW |
| Motors Back Spindle Drive | 0.75/1.5kW |
| Motors Back Tool Post Rotary Tool Drive Op | 0.5kW |
| Pneumatic Unit Required Pressure | 0.5MPa |
| Pneumatic Unit Required Flowrate | 55NL/min(Stationary) |
| 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
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Limitations
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Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
A new Citizen Cincom L12-X typically runs $180,000-$280,000 depending on configuration and options. The modular tooling system, Y2 axis, and upgraded back spindle add significant cost over the L12-VII. Fully optioned L12-X machines with specialized tooling packages can approach the price of entry-level 20mm Swiss machines, so the investment is only justified when part complexity demands the L12-X's maximum capability.
02
Choose the L12-X when your parts require more than 27 tools, off-center features on the back end (Y2 axis), or more aggressive backworking operations that benefit from the upgraded 12,000 RPM, 1.15 kW back spindle. If your parts can be produced within the L12-VII's 27-tool, 7-axis envelope, save the cost and go with the L12-VII. The L12-X's premium is only justified by genuinely complex part geometry.
03
The L12-X's modular tooling system uses standardized tooling modules that can be configured in different arrangements to match specific part requirements. This allows 38 tool positions with flexible allocation between gang turning tools (7), gang rotary tools (6-17), and back tool post positions (8). The modular approach enables rapid tooling reconfiguration for different parts without replacing the entire tool post.
04
Yes, LFV (Low Frequency Vibration) chip-breaking technology is standard on the L12-X. LFV oscillates the cutting tool to create controlled chip breaking in materials that produce long, stringy chips. Combined with the L12-X's expanded tooling and Y2 axis, LFV enables complex parts in stainless steel, titanium, and PEEK to run unattended with reliable chip control.
05
The L20 offers a larger 20mm bar capacity and longer machining length (205mm vs 135mm), but with fewer tool positions (16 on base models vs 38 on the L12-X). If your parts fit within 12mm diameter and demand maximum tooling flexibility, the L12-X may actually be more capable than a base L20. If your parts exceed 12mm or require longer machining lengths, the L20 is the necessary step up regardless of tooling needs.
06
Yes. Like the L12-VII, the L12-X supports guide-bushless operation with a reduced maximum machining length of 30mm and main spindle speed reduced to 12,000 RPM. Guide-bushless mode minimizes bar remnant waste for shorter parts. The L12-X's Y2 axis and expanded tooling remain fully functional in guide-bushless mode.
Videos
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Community Discussions
Comparison and buying advice — Star swiss machines vs. Citizen swiss machines :
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — This is hanging up in the Swiss CNC department. :
Owner experience and review — Cinicom Citizen and fusion 360 : r/Machinists - Reddit
Community discussion — New Machine Day - Citizen L12 Type VII : r/Machinists - Reddit
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
