LFV technology

Take your productivity to the next level
With next-generation processing technology
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About LFV

LFV technology stands for low frequency vibration cutting.
The servo axes are vibrated in the axial direction using
a unigue control technology where by cutting is performed while synchronising
this vibration with the rotation of the spindle.
This cutting method introduces regular "air-cutting" into the cycle,
breaking up of chips into very small pieces making it the optimum processing method
for difficult-to-machine materials.

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Which materials is LFV best suited for?
Inconel alloy, titanium, stainless steel, iron, copper, nylon, plastic, and more.

Features

1
A variety of types of machining can be handled

Z axis direction
Illustration:Z axis direction
X axis direction
Illustration:X axis direction
Taper
Illustration:Taper
Arc
Illustration:Arc
Drilling
Illustration:Drilling
Threading
Illustration:Threading
Deep hole drilling with an oil hole drill
  • Photo:Drilling 1
  • Photo:Drilling 2

Finely fragmented chips are discharged smoothly along the flutes in the drill, greatly reducing the number of steps required.

Micromachining to 0.2 mm in diameter
  • Photo:Microfabrication 1
  • Photo:Microfabrication 2

LFV makes it possible.

2
Three vibration modes

Mode 1Designate the number of vibrations per workpiece rotation
When fine swarf fragments are required
Illustration:Mode 1
Mode 2Designate the amount of workpiece rotation per vibration
When high peripheral speed is required for fine machining or deep, small-diameter holes
Illustration:Mode 2
Mode 3Processing method which alters the vibration timing within the threading pass
When breaking up chips during threading processing is desired
Illustration:Mode 3

3
Easy to use

Simply add two lines (start/stop) to your existing NC program to have the NC automatically execute vibration operation.
You can also switch ON and OFF in individual command lines.

LFV command format

Illustration:LFV command format
LFV vs. conventional cutting
Movie thumbnail 1
How LFV breaks up chips
Movie thumbnail 2

Benefits

Conventional cuttin
Photo:Conventional cuttin
LFV
Photo:LFV
Minimizes defects and tool damage caused by chips
Keeps machining costs low
Greatly reduces machining downtime due to chip removal
Less need to monitor machining processes means
more unmanned mass production operations
Chip comparison
Photo:Chip comparison
Remove chips far less frequently
Significantly boost productivity

User feedback

Q.1Did LFV sufficiently break up of chips?

  • Sufficient fragmentation
  • Greatly reduced entanglement
Yes:100%

Q.2Did LFV result in fewer momentary stoppages?

  • No longer a need to check for swarf entanglement
  • No change in the number of momentary stoppages
  • No momentary stoppages to begin with
Yes:84%

Q.3Was the volume of chips reduced?

  • By 50-90%
  • No real change in collection frequency
  • Not sure due to the use of a chip conveyor
Yes:74%

Q.4Are you satisfied with the LFV?

  • More reliable production quality
  • Takes some getting used to, but very effective
  • Getting used to having LFV may actually cause problems
  • We'd like to extend tool life a bit more
Yes:89%

Q.5Will you continue to purchase LFV?

  • It is effective for unmanned operations
  • Drastically reduces swarf-related problems
  • We don't need it on every machine
  • Depends on what it will cost
Yes:90%
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Want proof of this positive customer feedback?

About 60% of the L20s purchased in Japan
are ordered with LFV !

Product photo:L20
Graph

Equipment available
with LFV

2013
Product photo

VC03

Opening up new possibilities in machining technology with low frequency vibration cutting

The VC03 is Citizen's first machining tool to come equipped with LFV, opening up new possibilities in machining technology. Its compact, space-saving design shortens production lines, while an accuracy-boosting machine configuration carried over from the GN series delivers incredible precision.

2016
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L20

Built with a modular design versatile enough for modern manufacturing

The L20 is our best-selling Cinecom machine and comes in four different models, ranging from a 5-axis machine with excellent cost performance to a high-end machine equipped with B axis and a back spindle Y axis. LFV is available as an optional feature to further expand your machining possibilities.

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2017
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L12

Detachable guide bushing comes standard to handle all small-diameter work with 5-axis control

The detachable guide bushing can be fitted or removed quickly and simply, making it possible to do processing work that once took two machines to accomplish. The L12 does it all. Equipped with a 15,000 min-1 high-speed spindle, 10,000 min-1 rotary tools, and optional LFV, you're ready to take on nearly any type of small-diameter machining tasks.

MORE(L12VII) MORE(L12X)
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MC20

Integrated machining modules for multi-spindle machining makes the MC20 ready to handle all kinds of process layouts

The MC20 is made up of three machining modules, integrating three single-axis lathes into one machine unit. Customized settings for workpiece IN/OUT and paths help you achieve ideal process distribution and workflow. And of course, all of the modules come with the option of LFV.

MORE(MC20III) MORE(MC20IV)
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BNA42GTY

Turret and gang tool post open up rich array of machining possibilities

Innovative structure gives you all the versatility of a turret plus the high speed of a gang tool post, making it possible to mount up to 43 tools. Three-system configuration allows simultaneous machining with up to three tools. Add the option of LFV for a rich array of machining possibilities.

MORE
2018
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L32

The L32 features a versatile modular design capable of handling diameters up to 32 millimeters-the largest in the L Series

The L32 is available in four different models, each with a modular design. The IX and XII models are equipped with a B axis on the gang tool post rotary tool, making it possible to machine angled holes from multiple different angles or simultaneously control contouring along four axes. Add optional LFV to drastically reduce swarf-related issues.

MORE
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D25

Extensive tooling including a double gang tool post and optimal process layout deliver high productivity

"Simultaneous machining with three tools" including additional machining with a back tool on the independent back tool post, in addition to simultaneous machining with two tools on the front face with the double tool post, allows simultaneously machining with turning, drilling, milling and so on, shortening cutting time and achieving high productivity.

MORE
2019
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A20

The next evolution in 5-axis lathes, delivering improvements in both functionality and cost

While being an entry-level machine with excellent cost performance, its LFV mode 1 capability has further increased its range of processing potential.

MORE
2020
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M32

Cincom's flagship model, whose gang tool and turret features enable complex machining

LFV is now featured in the M32, which is capable of complex machining by bringing together the features of the B axis spindle VIII model delivering contouring through its 5-axis control and the adjustable-angle spindle VII and VIII models in combination with the Y axis.The Cincom M32 alleviates chip-related issues not only when processing linear surfaces, but also in a wide range of other situations such as tapered, circular, drilling, and internal threading processing.

MORE
2021
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ANX42

Innovative Turret Lathe ANX Opens Up a New Era

Now a turret lathe from Miyano brand is equipped with LFV technology for the first time. This solves the problem of chip entanglement that had persisted for many years.

MORE
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L20XIIB5

Cincom’s best-selling L series machines have been relaunched with exciting new functions

The L20 XIIB5 finally enables simultaneous 5-axis control, greatly expanding the machining range of CNC automatic lathes. Improved basic performance, along with great advances in ease of use.

MORE
2022
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BNA42SY

LFV Technology with Hand Scraped Slideways for the First Time

This headstock type CNC automatic lathe is a best-selling machine which, despite its compact size, has a highly rigid base and turret with a 2-spindle/1-turret configuration enabling complex machining. And equipping hand scraped slideways with LFV technology for the first time helps customers achieve more stable production.

MORE

Contact

We're happy to answer your questions and share more about our products and technologies.
Feel free to contact us by phone or via our online contact form.

LFV is a registered trademark of Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.