USED CITIZEN L20VIII – 2008
The CITIZEN L20VIII – 2008 is a compact Swiss-type CNC sliding-head lathe designed for high-precision, high-volume machining of small-diameter components. As part of the Citizen Cincom L20 series, it combines sliding-headstock turning with front and back machining, C-axis control, live tooling, and a sub-spindle.
The machine has a maximum machining diameter of approximately 20 mm, a maximum machining length of 200 mm per chucking, and a 24 mm spindle through-hole. The main spindle reaches up to 10,000 RPM, while the sub-spindle reaches up to 8,000 RPM, making the L20VIII well suited for small, intricate components requiring fast cycle times.
The L20VIII uses a Mitsubishi Meldas / Citizen Cincom CNC control and provides full C-axis control on both the main and sub-spindles. Its tooling arrangement can support approximately 18 to 21 tools, including turning tools, front and back drilling tools, and rotary tooling.
The CITIZEN L20VIII is particularly useful for medical, automotive, electronics, aerospace, instrumentation, and precision component manufacturing. Its Swiss-type guide-bushing arrangement allows it to produce small-diameter parts with excellent support close to the cutting tool.
CITIZEN L20VIII 2008 – AXIS
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | CNC Swiss-Type Sliding Headstock Lathe |
| Main Spindle | Yes |
| Sub-Spindle | Yes |
| X Axis | Yes |
| Y Axis | Yes |
| Z Axis | Yes |
| C Axis | Full C-axis on Main and Sub-Spindle |
| C-Axis Resolution | 0.001° |
| Sliding Headstock | Yes |
| Guide Bushing | Yes |
| Backworking | Yes |
| Live Tooling | Yes |
| B Axis | No |
The L20VIII is designed around simultaneous front and back machining. Its main and sub-spindles both provide C-axis capability, while the sliding headstock and guide-bushing system provide the rigidity required for precision machining of small-diameter bar stock.
CITIZEN L20VIII 2008 – AXIS TRAVELS / WORK ENVELOPE
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Machining Diameter | 20 mm / 0.79″ |
| Maximum Machining Length per Chucking | 200 mm / 7.87″ |
| Maximum Machining Length Without Re-chucking | 200 mm standard |
| Optional Long-Part Capability | Available |
| Maximum Front Drilling Diameter | 10 mm / 0.39″ |
| Maximum Back Drilling Diameter | 8 mm / 0.31″ |
| Maximum Front Tapping | M8 |
| Maximum Back Tapping | M8 |
| Rapid Traverse | 32 m/min / approximately 1,260 IPM |
| Spindle Center Height | 1,050 mm / 41.34″ |
The L20VIII has a compact but highly productive work envelope intended for small precision components. Its 20 mm machining capacity and 200 mm standard machining length make it particularly suitable for long, slender components that benefit from Swiss-type support.
CITIZEN L20VIII 2008 – CAPACITY
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Bar Capacity | 20 mm / 0.787″ |
| Maximum Machining Diameter | 20 mm / 0.787″ |
| Main Spindle Through-Hole | 24 mm / 0.94″ |
| Maximum Machining Length | 200 mm / 7.87″ |
| Sub-Spindle Maximum Chucking Diameter | 20 mm / 0.79″ |
| Maximum Workpiece Length from Back Spindle | 80 mm / 3.15″ |
| Maximum Front Drilling Diameter | 10 mm / 0.39″ |
| Maximum Back Drilling Diameter | 8 mm / 0.31″ |
| Front Tapping Capacity | M8 |
| Back Tapping Capacity | M8 |
| Guide Bushing | Yes |
The 20 mm capacity makes the L20VIII ideal for small-diameter production work. The machine’s sliding-headstock design supports the workpiece close to the cutting zone, helping maintain accuracy when machining long or slender components.
CITIZEN L20VIII 2008 – MAIN SPINDLE
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Spindle Type | Built-In Motor |
| Maximum Speed | 10,000 RPM |
| Speed Range | 200-10,000 RPM |
| Spindle Through-Hole | 24 mm |
| Maximum Bar Capacity | 20 mm |
| C Axis | Full C Axis |
| C-Axis Indexing | 0.001° |
| Motor Output | 2.2 / 3.7 kW |
| Approximate Motor Power | 3-5 HP |
| Spindle Application | Turning and Front Machining |
The built-in main spindle provides high-speed operation for small-diameter precision machining. Its 10,000 RPM maximum speed is well suited to carbide tooling and the smaller workpieces typically processed on a Swiss-type automatic lathe.
CITIZEN L20VIII 2008 – SUB-SPINDLE
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Spindle Type | Built-In Motor |
| Maximum Speed | 8,000 RPM |
| Speed Range | 200-8,000 RPM |
| Maximum Chucking Diameter | 20 mm |
| C Axis | Full C Axis |
| C-Axis Indexing | 0.001° |
| Motor Output | 0.75 / 1.5 kW |
| Back Machining | Yes |
| Part Transfer | Yes |
The sub-spindle allows the L20VIII to transfer and finish components without requiring a separate secondary operation. Backworking can include drilling, tapping, facing, and other operations depending on the installed tooling configuration.
CITIZEN L20VIII 2008 – LIVE TOOLING
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Live Tooling | Yes |
| Rotary Tool Speed | Up to 4,500 RPM |
| Rotary Tool Motor | 1.0 kW |
| Front Rotary Tools | Available |
| Back Rotary Tools | Available |
| Vertical Rotary Tools | Available |
| Cross Machining | Yes |
| Face Machining | Yes |
| Milling Capability | Yes |
| Tapping Capability | Yes |
The live-tooling system allows the L20VIII to perform milling, drilling, and tapping operations while the workpiece remains within the machine. Depending on configuration, the machine can support multiple rotary tools for front, back, and cross machining.
CITIZEN L20VIII 2008 – TOOL CHANGER / TOOLING
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Tool Positions | Approximately 18-21 |
| Turning Tools | 5 |
| Front Drilling Tools | 3 |
| Back Drilling Tools | 3 |
| Rotary Tools | Configuration dependent |
| Vertical Tooling | Up to 6 standard / additional options |
| Turning Tool Shank | 12 × 12 mm |
| Cut-Off Tool Holder | 16 × 12 mm |
| Tool Quill | 19.05 mm |
| Guide Bushing | Neukomm compatible |
| Tool Change | Automatic / machine configuration dependent |
The L20VIII uses a modular tooling arrangement rather than a conventional turret. This provides dedicated tooling positions for turning, front machining, backworking, and live-tool operations, allowing the machine to perform multiple operations in a compact work envelope.
CITIZEN L20VIII 2008 – CONTROL SYSTEM
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| CNC Control | Mitsubishi Meldas / Citizen Cincom |
| Control Family | Meldas 700 / 730 LUC depending configuration |
| Display | 10.4″ TFT on documented L20VIII control |
| Main Spindle C Axis | Yes |
| Sub-Spindle C Axis | Yes |
| Tool Life Monitoring | Yes |
| Milling Interpolation | Yes |
| Helical Milling Interpolation | Yes |
| Simultaneous Machining | Yes |
| Programming | CNC / conversational support |
The L20VIII’s Mitsubishi Meldas control was designed for high-speed processing and simultaneous machining. The control supports C-axis operations, tool-life monitoring, milling interpolation, and overlapping machining functions that help reduce non-cutting time.
CITIZEN L20VIII 2008 – COOLANT / CHIP MANAGEMENT
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Coolant System | Yes |
| High-Pressure Coolant | Available / configuration dependent |
| Chip Conveyor | Available |
| Mist Collector | Available |
| Spindle Flushing | Available |
| Coolant Delivery | Cutting-zone and tooling |
| Oil Mist Collection | Available |
| Chip Disposal | Conveyor / collection system depending configuration |
The L20VIII can be equipped with coolant and chip-management equipment designed for continuous Swiss-type production. Documented 2008 machines have been offered with mist collectors, bar feeders, and other production accessories, while some configurations include high-pressure coolant systems.
CITIZEN L20VIII 2008 – POWER REQUIREMENTS
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Main Spindle Motor | 2.2 / 3.7 kW |
| Sub-Spindle Motor | 0.75 / 1.5 kW |
| Rotary Tool Motor | 1.0 kW |
| Connected Load | Approximately 6-8 kVA depending configuration |
| Electrical Service | Configuration dependent |
| Air Supply | Required for pneumatic equipment |
| Main Power | Industrial electrical service |
The L20VIII has relatively low power requirements compared with larger CNC turning centers because it is designed for small-diameter precision machining. Published specifications identify approximately 6 kVA input capacity, while a documented 2008 machine lists an 8 kVA connected load.
CITIZEN L20VIII 2008 – DIMENSIONS
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Approximate Length | 95.7″ |
| Approximate Width | 42.7″ |
| Approximate Height | 69.7″ |
| Approximate Weight | 4,630-5,000 lb |
| Published Metric Dimensions | Approximately 2,430 × 1,085 × 1,770 mm |
| Spindle Center Height | 41.34″ |
| Machine Footprint | Compact Swiss-type configuration |
Machine dimensions vary according to the installed bar feeder, chip conveyor, mist collector, and other accessories. The core L20VIII machine is relatively compact compared with conventional CNC lathes, making it suitable for production environments where floor space is important.
CITIZEN L20VIII 2008 – GENERAL INFORMATION
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Citizen |
| Model | L20VIII |
| Year | 2008 |
| Machine Type | CNC Swiss-Type Sliding Headstock Lathe |
| Series | Cincom L20 |
| CNC Control | Mitsubishi Meldas / Cincom |
| Maximum Bar Capacity | 20 mm |
| Maximum Machining Diameter | 20 mm |
| Maximum Machining Length | 200 mm |
| Main Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM |
| Sub-Spindle Speed | 8,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle C Axis | Yes |
| Sub-Spindle C Axis | Yes |
| Live Tooling | Yes |
| Guide Bushing | Yes |
| Rapid Traverse | 32 m/min |
| Approximate Weight | 4,630-5,000 lb |
| Typical Tool Capacity | 18-21 tools |
A documented 2008 CITIZEN L20VIII is listed as a used-good machine with a CAV magazine bar loader, live tooling, backworking equipment, mist collector, fire suppression, and miscellaneous tooling.
INDUSTRIES THAT USE CITIZEN L20VIII 2008
The CITIZEN L20VIII is particularly valuable in industries requiring large quantities of small, accurate, and repeatable components.
- Medical: Bone screws, surgical components, dental components, implants, and precision fittings.
- Automotive: Fuel-system components, shafts, pins, connectors, and precision fittings.
- Aerospace: Small precision pins, bushings, fittings, fasteners, and instrumentation components.
- Electronics: Connectors, contacts, miniature shafts, pins, and precision hardware.
- Instrumentation: Sensor components, sleeves, housings, and miniature mechanical parts.
- Hydraulics: Small valves, fittings, plungers, and precision hydraulic components.
- Defense: Small precision fasteners, pins, connectors, and mechanical components.
- General Precision Manufacturing: High-volume small turned components.
TYPICAL PARTS CITIZEN L20VIII 2008 CAN PRODUCE
The L20VIII is designed for small-diameter components that require high accuracy, repeatability, and efficient multi-operation machining.
- Medical screws
- Bone screws
- Dental components
- Precision pins
- Bushings
- Shafts
- Connectors
- Electrical contacts
- Small fittings
- Valve components
- Hydraulic components
- Automotive fuel-system parts
- Sensor components
- Instrumentation parts
- Small threaded components
- Precision sleeves
- Miniature turned components
- Aerospace fasteners
The combination of sliding-headstock machining, C-axis control, live tooling, and a sub-spindle allows many parts to be completed with front and back operations in a single production cycle.
WHY CHOOSE CITIZEN L20VIII 2008
The CITIZEN L20VIII – 2008 is an excellent choice for manufacturers that need high-speed Swiss-type machining for small-diameter components. Its 20 mm capacity, 10,000 RPM main spindle, 8,000 RPM sub-spindle, and 32 m/min rapid traverse make it well suited to high-volume production.
One of its biggest advantages is the ability to perform turning, drilling, milling, tapping, front machining, and backworking within the same machine. The full C-axis on both spindles provides accurate positioning for secondary operations, while the guide-bushing system supports the material close to the cutting tool.
The machine is also relatively compact compared with larger CNC turning centers. Its approximately 2,150 kg base-machine weight and compact footprint make it easier to integrate into a production environment.
For shops producing large quantities of small precision components, the L20VIII can provide excellent productivity while reducing the number of secondary operations required after turning.
WHY BUY USED CITIZEN L20VIII 2008
Buying a used CITIZEN L20VIII 2008 can be an economical way to add Swiss-type CNC machining capability without the capital investment associated with a new Citizen machine.
The machine remains attractive because of its combination of 20 mm bar capacity, 10,000 RPM main spindle, 8,000 RPM sub-spindle, live tooling, C-axis control, and automatic bar-feeding capability. A properly maintained machine can continue producing small precision components efficiently for many years.
When purchasing a used L20VIII, buyers should inspect the main spindle, sub-spindle, guide bushing, bar feeder, live tooling, ball screws, guideways, collets, spindle bearings, coolant system, chip conveyor, electrical cabinet, and CNC control.
Machine hours are especially important on Swiss-type equipment because many machines operate in high-volume production environments. Buyers should also verify spindle hours, cutting-oil history, maintenance records, tooling condition, guide-bushing condition, and whether the machine has been operated with coolant or cutting oil.
A complete machine with a quality bar feeder, live tooling, high-pressure coolant, mist collection, chip management, and documented maintenance can command a substantially higher price than an incomplete machine sold as-is.
HOW MUCH DOES A USED CITIZEN L20VIII 2008 COST?
Used CITIZEN L20VIII machines are currently listed with prices varying significantly according to condition and equipment. A 2005 L20VIII has been advertised around $56,500, while current 2006 and 2008 machines are commonly listed as request-for-price machines. A specific 2008 machine is documented as used-good and equipped with a CAV magazine bar loader, live tooling, mist collector, fire suppression, and tooling.
For a 2008 CITIZEN L20VIII, a practical used-market estimate can be divided into several condition categories:
| Machine Condition | Estimated Used Price |
|---|---|
| As-Is / High Hours | $25,000-$35,000 |
| Running / Average Condition | $35,000-$45,000 |
| Good Production Condition | $45,000-$55,000 |
| Excellent Condition / Well Equipped | $55,000-$65,000 |
| Low-Hour / Exceptional Condition | $65,000+ |
A reasonable target range for a clean, operational 2008 CITIZEN L20VIII with the Mitsubishi/Cincom control, 10,000 RPM main spindle, 8,000 RPM sub-spindle, live tooling, C-axis capability, guide-bushing system, and a good bar feeder would be approximately $40,000-$55,000 USD.
The final value should be adjusted for spindle hours, bar feeder condition, tooling package, high-pressure coolant, chip conveyor, mist collection, fire suppression, guide-bushing condition, machine accuracy, and maintenance history.
Best estimated listing value: $45,000-$55,000 USD for a good, operational and properly equipped 2008 CITIZEN L20VIII.
The technical specifications are based on Citizen’s published L20VIII specifications and documented 2008 machine listings; individual machines can differ depending on tooling, bar feeder, coolant, and other installed options.
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