USED CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII – 2012
The CITIZEN A20 Type VII is a compact 5-axis CNC Swiss-type sliding-headstock automatic lathe designed for high-volume precision production of small-diameter components. Manufactured by Citizen Machinery, the A20VII is built around a maximum machining diameter of 20 mm, with guide-bushing machining capability up to 200 mm in length. It can also operate in guide-bushing-less mode for shorter parts.
The 2012 A20VII is particularly useful for manufacturers producing small, intricate components where multiple turning, drilling, tapping, and cross-machining operations need to be completed automatically. A documented 2012 Citizen A20VII 2F7PL is equipped with a FANUC 32i CNC control, 8,000 RPM main spindle, 6,000 RPM rotary tooling, 21 tool positions, and live back-working tools.
The machine provides a 20 mm maximum machining diameter, 10 mm maximum front drilling diameter, M8 front tapping capacity, 7 mm rotary-tool drilling capacity, M6 rotary-tool tapping capacity, and an 8,000 RPM back spindle. Citizen’s specifications also show rapid traverse rates of up to 32 m/min on X2, Y, Z1, and Z2 axes.
CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII – AXIS
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | CNC Swiss-Type Sliding Headstock Automatic Lathe |
| Axis Configuration | 5-Axis |
| Control Groups | 2-Line Control |
| X1 Axis | Main Machining |
| X2 Axis | Secondary Machining |
| Y Axis | Cross Machining |
| Z1 Axis | Main Spindle |
| Z2 Axis | Back Spindle |
| B Axis | Not Standard |
| C Axis | Spindle Interpolation / Configuration Dependent |
| Guide Bushing | Yes |
| Guide-Bushing-Less Capability | Yes |
The A20VII uses a 5-axis, 2-line control architecture, allowing simultaneous or coordinated machining operations on the main and back spindle sides. Citizen specifically identifies the A20VII as a 5-axis sliding-headstock machine.
CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII – AXIS TRAVELS / WORK ENVELOPE
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Machining Diameter | 20 mm |
| Maximum Machining Diameter with Optional Package | Up to 25 mm |
| Guide-Bushing Machining Length | 200 mm |
| Guide-Bushing-Less Machining Length | 2.5D / Max. 55 mm |
| Main Spindle Drilling Diameter | 10 mm |
| Rotary Tool Drilling Diameter | 7 mm |
| Back Machining Drilling Diameter | 8 mm |
| Back Spindle Workpiece Projection | 50 mm |
| Center Height | 1,050 mm |
The standard A20VII is designed around 20 mm bar capacity, although Citizen states that an optional 25 mm chuck device can allow bar stock up to 25 mm diameter.
CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII – CAPACITY / WORKHOLDING
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Bar / Machining Diameter | 20 mm |
| Optional Diameter Package | 25 mm |
| Guide-Bushing Length | 200 mm |
| Guide-Bushing-Less Length | Max. 55 mm |
| Back Spindle Chuck Diameter | 20 mm |
| Back Spindle Workpiece Projection | 50 mm |
| Main Spindle Workholding | Guide Bushing / Collet |
| Back Spindle Workholding | Chuck / Collet |
| Bar Stock | Small-Diameter Precision Work |
The A20VII is primarily intended for small-diameter bar work, making it particularly appropriate for precision components requiring excellent support close to the cutting zone.
CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII – SPINDLE
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Spindle Type | Sliding-Headstock Spindle |
| Maximum Main Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM |
| Typical 2012 Configuration | 8,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle Motor | 2.2 / 3.7 kW |
| Main Spindle Power | Approx. 3.7 kW / 5 HP |
| Main Spindle Diameter Capacity | 20 mm |
| Back Spindle Speed | Up to 8,000 RPM |
| Back Spindle Motor | 1.1 / 1.5 kW |
| Back Spindle Chuck Diameter | 20 mm |
Citizen’s current A20VII specifications identify a maximum main spindle speed of 10,000 RPM, while a documented 2012 A20VII is specified at 8,000 RPM.
The high spindle speed is well suited to small-diameter components and materials where maintaining appropriate surface speed requires substantial RPM.
CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII – TOOLING / TOOL CAPACITY
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Tool Positions | 21 |
| Turning Tool Size | 12 mm Square |
| Optional Turning Tool Sizes | 13 mm / 16 mm Square |
| Main Spindle Front Drilling | 4 Tool Positions |
| Cross Machining Rotary Tools | 4 Tool Positions |
| Back Drilling | 8 Tool Positions |
| Gang Turning Tools | 5 Positions |
| Rotary Tool Speed | Up to 6,000 RPM |
| Rotary Tool Rated Speed | 4,800 RPM |
| Tool Change | Automatic / Gang Tooling Configuration |
The A20VII can accommodate 21 tools, allowing multiple turning, drilling, tapping, and back-working operations to be programmed into a single setup.
CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII – CONTROL SYSTEM
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| CNC Control | FANUC 32i |
| Control Type | CNC Swiss Turning Control |
| Control Axis | 5-Axis |
| Control Groups | 2-Line |
| Programming | G-Code / CNC |
| Main Spindle Control | CNC |
| Back Spindle Control | CNC |
| Tool Offset Management | Standard |
| Threading / Tapping Cycles | Available |
| Data Transfer | Configuration Dependent |
A documented 2012 A20VII uses a FANUC 32i CNC control, which is a useful feature when evaluating a used machine because it provides a familiar CNC platform for many production shops.
CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII – FEEDRATES
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| X1 Rapid Traverse | 18 m/min |
| X2 Rapid Traverse | 32 m/min |
| Y Rapid Traverse | 32 m/min |
| Z1 Rapid Traverse | 32 m/min |
| Z2 Rapid Traverse | 32 m/min |
| X1 Rapid | Approx. 709 IPM |
| X2 Rapid | Approx. 1,260 IPM |
| Y Rapid | Approx. 1,260 IPM |
| Z1 Rapid | Approx. 1,260 IPM |
| Z2 Rapid | Approx. 1,260 IPM |
Citizen lists rapid traverse rates of 18 m/min for X1 and 32 m/min for X2, Y, Z1, and Z2.
CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII – COOLANT / CHIP MANAGEMENT
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Cutting Coolant | Equipped |
| Coolant Pump Motor | 0.4 kW |
| High-Pressure Coolant | Optional / Configuration Dependent |
| Mist Collector | Configuration Dependent |
| Coolant Filtration | Configuration Dependent |
| Chip Management | Integrated |
| Chip Conveyor | Configuration Dependent |
| Coolant Type | Oil / Configuration Dependent |
A documented 2012 A20VII is equipped with a Cool Blaster CB510 high-pressure coolant system and Cool Blaster 850 mist collector, demonstrating the availability of enhanced coolant and mist-management packages on this machine.
CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII – PROBING & AUTOMATION OPTIONS
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Bar Feeder | Available / Common |
| Bar Feed System | Automatic |
| Back Spindle | Equipped |
| Guide Bushing | Equipped / Configuration Dependent |
| Guide-Bushing-Less Operation | Available |
| Parts Transfer | Back Spindle |
| Mist Collector | Optional |
| High-Pressure Coolant | Optional |
| Parts Catcher | Configuration Dependent |
| Automatic Production | Yes |
A documented 2012 machine includes an Edge Technologies C-320 magazine bar feed, allowing automatic feeding of bar stock for extended production runs.
CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII – POWER REQUIREMENTS
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Rated Power Consumption | 7.1 kVA |
| Average Load Operation | 4.1 kVA |
| Main Spindle Motor | 2.2 / 3.7 kW |
| Rotary Tool Motor | 0.75 kW |
| Back Spindle Motor | 1.1 / 1.5 kW |
| Coolant Pump Motor | 0.4 kW |
| Electrical Service | Industrial 3-Phase |
| Exact Voltage | Verify Machine Data Plate |
Citizen lists 7.1 kVA rated power consumption and 4.1 kVA average power consumption under load for the A20VII.
CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII – DIMENSIONS
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Approximate Length | 8.5 ft |
| Approximate Width | 5.8 ft |
| Approximate Height | 6 ft |
| Approximate Weight | 5,600 lbs |
| Metric Weight | Approx. 2,200 kg |
| Center Height | 1,050 mm |
| Floor Space | Compact |
| Installation | Production Machine |
A documented 2012 A20VII measures approximately 8.5 ft x 5.8 ft x 6 ft and weighs approximately 5,600 lbs. Citizen’s published specification gives a weight of approximately 2,200 kg.
CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII – GENERAL INFORMATION
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Citizen Machinery |
| Model | A20 Type VII / A20VII |
| Year | 2012 |
| Machine Category | CNC Swiss-Type Lathe |
| Machine Type | Sliding-Headstock Automatic CNC Lathe |
| Axis Configuration | 5-Axis |
| Maximum Machining Diameter | 20 mm |
| Optional Diameter Capacity | Up to 25 mm |
| Guide-Bushing Length | 200 mm |
| Guide-Bushing-Less Length | Max. 55 mm |
| Main Spindle Speed | Up to 10,000 RPM |
| Back Spindle Speed | Up to 8,000 RPM |
| Tool Capacity | 21 |
| Control | FANUC 32i |
| Weight | Approx. 5,600 lbs |
INDUSTRIES THAT USE CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII
The CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII is particularly suited to industries requiring high-volume production of small precision components.
Typical industries include medical, automotive, electronics, aerospace, instrumentation, electrical, hydraulic, precision engineering, and general contract manufacturing.
Its sliding-headstock architecture provides excellent support for small-diameter material, while the back spindle allows components to be transferred automatically for secondary operations.
This makes the A20VII particularly useful when manufacturers want to complete several operations in one automated cycle rather than transferring small parts between multiple machines.
TYPICAL PARTS CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII CAN PRODUCE
The A20VII can produce:
- Medical components
- Bone screws and orthopedic components
- Automotive pins
- Shafts
- Precision bushings
- Small fittings
- Connectors
- Electronic components
- Instrument components
- Threaded pins
- Small valve components
- Hydraulic fittings
- Precision fasteners
- Small aerospace components
- Micro-machined industrial components
Typical operations include turning, facing, grooving, threading, drilling, tapping, cross drilling, back drilling, boring, chamfering, and secondary-end machining.
WHY CHOOSE CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII
The primary advantage of the CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII is its ability to produce small, complex parts with multiple operations in a single automated cycle.
The machine provides 5-axis capability, a main spindle capable of up to 10,000 RPM, an 8,000 RPM back spindle, 21 tool positions, and guide-bushing machining up to 200 mm.
The back spindle is especially useful for completing secondary operations without removing the component from the machine. This can reduce handling, improve consistency, and shorten cycle times.
The A20VII can also operate without a guide bushing for shorter parts, providing additional production flexibility. Citizen identifies guide-bushing-less machining up to 2.5D, with a maximum of 55 mm.
For shops producing large quantities of small precision components, the A20VII can provide excellent productivity in a relatively compact machine footprint.
WHY BUY USED CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII
Buying a used CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII can be an economical way for a manufacturer to add Swiss-style CNC production capacity without purchasing a new machine.
The A20VII’s combination of 5-axis machining, main and back spindle operation, 21 tool positions, high spindle speeds, and automatic bar feeding capability makes it well suited to unattended or high-volume production.
A documented 2012 machine includes a FANUC 32i control, Edge Technologies C-320 magazine bar feeder, Cool Blaster high-pressure coolant, mist collector, and tooling, demonstrating how a used A20VII can be configured as a complete production cell.
When evaluating a used A20VII, buyers should inspect the main spindle, back spindle, guide bushing, spindle bearings, gang tooling, cross-working tools, X/Y/Z axis positioning, ballscrews, coolant system, bar feeder, FANUC control, lubrication system, and machine geometry.
For Swiss machines, it is especially important to check guide-bushing condition and alignment, because these directly affect the support of small-diameter bar stock and the quality of finished parts.
HOW MUCH DOES A USED CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII COST?
Used pricing for the CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII varies according to year, machine hours, spindle condition, control, bar feeder, tooling, guide-bushing equipment, high-pressure coolant, and overall production condition.
A documented 2012 Citizen A20VII 2F7PL has been sold and was equipped with a FANUC 32i control, Cool Blaster 850 mist collector, Edge Technologies C-320 magazine bar feeder, lubrication system, and tooling. The listing does not publish a final transaction price.
Another 2012 A20VII listing includes a FANUC 32i, Cool Blaster CB510 high-pressure coolant system, C-320 magazine bar feed, and tooling, also with pricing available by quote.
Based on the used market for this class of Citizen Swiss machine, I would use the following practical estimates:
| USED CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII PRICE RANGE | ESTIMATED COST |
|---|---|
| As-Is / High-Hour / Needs Work | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Functional Used Machine | $40,000 – $55,000 |
| Good Condition / Production Ready | $55,000 – $70,000 |
| Excellent Condition / Well Equipped | $70,000 – $85,000+ |
For a 2012 CITIZEN A20 TYPE VII in good working condition, a reasonable estimated used-market value is approximately $45,000–$70,000 USD.
A machine with a FANUC 32i control, automatic bar feeder, high-pressure coolant, mist collector, good tooling package, and documented maintenance would generally fall toward the upper portion of that range.
For your inventory listing, I would use $50,000–$70,000 USD as a practical estimated asking-price range for a clean, operational 2012 A20VII with a bar feeder and production accessories.
The exact value should be adjusted based on power-on hours, cutting hours, guide-bushing condition, spindle condition, bar feeder, tooling, coolant package, and whether the machine can be demonstrated under power.
