Citizen Cincom L20 Type XII B5

$250,000 - $400,000 Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

Rapid Traverse

32 m/min (linear), 8 m/min (Y2)

max bar capacity

20 mm (0.787 in), 25 mm (1.0 in) option

max machining diameter

20 mm (0.787 in)

max machining length

200 mm (7.87 in)

main spindle speed

10,000 RPM

main spindle power

2.2 / 3.7 / 5.5 kW (3 / 5 / 7.4 HP)

Overview

The Citizen Cincom L20 Type XII B5 is the simultaneous 5-axis flagship of Citizen's legendary L20 Swiss-type platform, combining the proven 20mm bar capacity foundation with full B-axis capability for angular machining on both the main and sub-spindle. This is the machine that shops specify when parts demand angled features, compound drilling, off-axis milling, and complex contoured surfaces that exceed the capability of standard multi-axis Swiss lathes. The B-axis adds a programmable rotary axis to the tool post, enabling compound-angle drilling, angular milling, and true 5-axis contouring without fixturing compromises.

The L20-XII B5 retains the core L20 specifications that have made the platform an industry standard: 10,000 RPM main and back spindles, up to 41 tool positions, and a maximum machining length of 200mm per chucking with standard 20mm bar capacity (25mm optional). Main spindle power delivers 2.2/3.7/5.5 kW across continuous, 15-minute, and peak ratings, providing ample torque for aggressive cuts. The back spindle matches at 1.5/2.2/3.7 kW for demanding secondary operations. Rapid feed rates hit 32 m/min across all linear axes, keeping non-cutting time minimal.

Citizen's LFV (Low Frequency Vibration) chip-breaking technology is available on the L20-XII B5, enabling simultaneous main and sub-spindle operation with controlled chip breaking. This is a significant capability multiplier—the machine can run complex front-end operations with LFV-controlled chip breaking while simultaneously performing backworking on the sub-spindle, dramatically reducing cycle times on parts that require extensive operations on both ends. The combination of B-axis angular machining and LFV chip control in a 20mm Swiss platform is unique to Citizen.

The machine measures 2,222 x 1,625 x 1,835 mm and weighs 2,680 kg, making it a substantial but manageable presence on the shop floor. Power consumption is rated at 8.3 kVA with 4.5 kVA average under load. The Mitsubishi Meldas control handles the full 5-axis simultaneous interpolation with Citizen's proprietary software managing the complex coordination between B-axis rotation, linear axes, and dual-spindle synchronization. For medical implant manufacturers, aerospace component shops, and high-end precision operations producing the most geometrically demanding small parts, the L20-XII B5 represents the cutting edge of 20mm Swiss-type capability.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Capacity	20 mm (0.787 in), 25 mm (1.0 in) option
Max Machining Diameter	20 mm (0.787 in)
Max Machining Length	200 mm (7.87 in)
Main Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power	2.2 / 3.7 / 5.5 kW (3 / 5 / 7.4 HP)
Back Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM
Back Spindle Power	1.5 / 2.2 / 3.7 kW (2 / 3 / 5 HP)
Spindle Bore	26.4 mm (1.04 in)
Number Of Axes	5-axis simultaneous (B-axis)
Number Of Tools	41
Gang Turning Tools	6
Gang Rotary Tools	21
Rapid Traverse Rate	32 m/min (linear), 8 m/min (Y2)
Guide Bushing	WFG206-M、DFG206-M、FG521-M（φ25 mm ［1"］）
Lfv Chip Breaking	Yes (simultaneous dual-spindle)
Power Consumption	8.3 kVA rated / 4.5 kVA average
Machine Dimensions	W2,222 × D1,265 × H1,835mm
Machine Weight	2,680kg
CNC Control	Mitsubishi Meldas (Citizen software)
Item	L20VIII
Maxmachining Diameter	20 mm Dia. (25 mm Dia.OP.)
Maxmachining Length	GB 20 mm Dia. spec. : 200mm per chucking
Gb 25mm Dia Spec	188mm per chucking
Gbl	Max.50mm per chucking (GBL)
Maxfront Drilling Diameter	10mm Dia.
Maxfront Tapping Diameter	M8 (cutting tap)
Spindle Through Hole Diameter	26.4mm Dia.
Spindle Rotation	Max.10,000 min-1
Max Chucking Diameter Of Back Spindle	Dia.20 mm, Dia25 mm［1”］option
Max Taking Out Length Of The Workpiece	130mm
Max Workpiece Protrusion Length Of Back Spindle	40mm
Gang Tool Post Rotary Tool	S3 high-power motor specifications: Max.9,000min-1(rated speed: 9,000-1)
Max Tapping Diameter	option
Max Drilling Diameter	－
Number Of Mountable Tools	Max.
Turning Tools On The Gang Tool Post	6
Rotary Tools On The Gang Tool Post	25
Front Drilling Tools	3
Tool Size	Turning tools
Sleeve	25mm Dia.(GDS107, 210) 19.05mm Dia.
Chuck Bushing	Front spindle collet chuck
Rotary Tool Collet Chuck	ER11、ER16
Chuck For Drill Sleeve	ER11、ER16
Rapid Feed Rate	X1,Y1,Z1,X2,Z2 axis
Y2 Axis	－
Motor	For front spindle drive
For Back Spindle Drive	1.5/2.2/3.7kW (continuous/40%ED/10%ED ratings)
For Driving Rotary Tools On The Gang Tool Post	1.0kW(2.2 kW with S3 high-power motor specifications)
For Front Rotary Tool Drive	0.75 kW
For Back Rotary Tool Drive	0.75 kW
For Coolant	0.4 kW
Rated Power Consumption2	8.3 kVA
Load Operation Average Power Consumption3	4.5kVA
Total Load Current	37 A (41 A with S3 high-power motor specifications)
Main Breaker Capacity	60 A
Power Supply Voltage	AC 200V ± 10%
Pneumatic Device	Required pressure
Required Flow Rate	52/ 55/ 177 L/ min (Power ON/Normal/ With air blow)
Center Height	1,050 mm
Sliding Headstock Type	A20
Bar Work	BNC42
Turning Machine	BNA42CY
High Precision Turning Machines	BNA42SY
Multi Station Machining Cell	MC20 III
Gang Tool Post Rotary Tool Max Drilling Diameter	8mm Dia.
Gang Tool Post Rotary Toolmax Drilling Diameter	M6 (cutting tap)
Gang Tool Post Rotary Toolspindle Rotation	Max.6,000min-1（rated speed: 4,500min-1）
Number Of Mountable Tools Max	41
Number Of Mountable Tools Turning Tools On The Gang Tool Post	6
Number Of Mountable Tools Rotary Tools On The Gang Tool Post	21
Number Of Mountable Tools Front Drilling Tool	6
Number Of Mountable Tools Back Drilling Tool	8
Tool Size Turning Tool	sq. 12 mm (sq. 13 mm, sq. 16 mm)
Tool Size Sleeve	dia. 25mm (GDS107, 210), dia.19.05 mm
Chuck Bushing Front Spindle Collet Chuck	FC034-M, FC071-M（φ 25 mm [1”]）
Chuck Bushing Back Spindle Collet Chuck	FC034-M-K, FC071-M-K（φ 25 mm ［1”］
Chuck Bushing Rotary Tool Collet Chuck	ER11, ER16
Chuck Bushing Chuck For Drill Sleeve	ER11, ER16
Chuck Bushing Guide Bushing	WFG206-M, DFG206-M, FG521-M(dia. 25 mm [1”])
Rapid Feed Rate X1 Y1 Z1 X2 Z2 Axis	32m/min
Motor For Front Spindle Drive	2.2/ 3.7/ 5.5 kW (continuous/15 min/10%ED
Motor For Back Spindle Drive	1.5/ 2.2/ 3.7 kW (continuous/ 40%ED/ 10%ED ratings)
Motor For Driving Rotary Tools On The Gang Tool Post	1.0 kW (2.2 kW with S3 high-power motor specifications)
Motor For Front Rotary Tool Drive	0.75 kW
Motor For Back Rotary Tool Drive	0.75 kW
Pneumatic Devicerequired Pressure	0.5 MPa
Pneumatic Devicerequired Flow Rate	52/ 55/ 177 L/ min (Power ON/Normal/ With air blow)
Machine Body Dimensions	W2,222×D1,265×H1,835mm
Rapid Feed Rate Y2 Axis	8m/min
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

Medical implant manufacturers producing spinal screws, dental abutments, and orthopedic components with compound-angle features Aerospace shops producing precision fittings with angled ports, compound holes, and complex contoured surfaces Shops consolidating multi-operation parts into single-cycle Swiss production using B-axis angular capability High-end precision manufacturers running parts in titanium and stainless steel that require both LFV chip control and 5-axis machining Production environments where part geometry demands angular features that cannot be produced on standard multi-axis Swiss lathes Shops seeking the most capable 20mm Swiss platform available for future-proofing against increasingly complex part designs

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Citizen Cincom L20 Type XII B5 cost?

A new Citizen Cincom L20-XII B5 typically runs $250,000-$400,000 depending on configuration, tooling packages, and options. This is a significant premium over standard L20 configurations ($150,000-$280,000), reflecting the B-axis mechanism, expanded tooling, and advanced control capability. Used L20-XII B5 machines are relatively rare on the secondary market due to their specialized nature.

02 What is the B-axis and why does it matter?

The B-axis is a programmable rotary axis on the tool post that enables the cutting tool to approach the workpiece at virtually any angle. This allows compound-angle drilling, angular milling, and 5-axis contouring directly on the Swiss lathe. Without a B-axis, angled features require separate operations on milling machines or specialized fixtures. The B-axis eliminates these secondary operations, reducing handling, improving accuracy, and cutting overall production time.

03 How does the L20-XII B5 compare to the standard L20?

The L20-XII B5 adds simultaneous 5-axis control with a programmable B-axis, increasing tool positions to 41 (vs 16-45 depending on L20 variant) and enabling angular machining. The core specifications—20mm bar, 10,000 RPM spindles, LFV availability—are shared across the L20 range. The XII B5 is justified only when parts require angular features that standard multi-axis Swiss configurations cannot produce.

04 Can the L20-XII B5 run without a guide bushing?

Select L20 configurations support guide-bushless operation, reducing bar remnant waste for shorter parts. Guide-bushless mode provides adequate support for parts with low length-to-diameter ratios. Check with Citizen on specific guide-bushless availability for the XII B5 configuration, as B-axis operation may influence guide bushing requirements for some part geometries.

05 What CAM software supports the L20-XII B5?

Major Swiss-type CAM systems including PartMaker (by Autodesk), ESPRIT, and SolidCAM support B-axis programming on Citizen machines. The B-axis adds programming complexity beyond standard Swiss-type programming, so shops should invest in CAM software with proven B-axis post processors for Citizen machines. Citizen also provides applications engineering support for complex B-axis programming through Marubeni Citizen-Cincom.

06 Is the L20-XII B5 suitable for lights-out production?

Yes. The combination of LFV chip-breaking on both spindles, 41 tool positions for complete part machining, and Citizen's proven machine reliability makes the L20-XII B5 highly capable for unattended production. The B-axis does add a degree of mechanical complexity, but Citizen's engineering ensures reliability consistent with the rest of the L20 range. Pair with a quality bar feeder and parts catcher for extended lights-out runs.