Automatendreherei Stammeier produces even faster and better with a second Citizen machine Farewell to chip chaos thanks to LFV technology

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At Automatendreherei Stammeier GmbH, the chips are flying—now even extremely controlled thanks to a new Cincom L20-2M8 with "LFV technology". It complements the existing Cincom L32-1M8 and expands the options for customers in the region.

More than 30 years ago, Reinhard Stammeier founded his CNC and automatic lathe shop in Stemwede-Sundern (Germany) to manufacture precision turned parts of the highest quality for initial customers from the nearby area. "What started small and as a side business gradually developed into a full-time job with numerous renowned business partners. For these, we also manufacture more complex components in small and large series according to drawings," recalls the managing director and company founder. Initially, there were three cam-type automatic machines with which production began; now there are 14 machines.

Tentative advance towards CNC

Mainly used for parting operations, the machines manage up to 450 parts per hour, depending on the workpiece. "In terms of speed, other types of machines don't compare, but we were rather limited in terms of part complexity," Reinhard Stammeier admits. "So in 2009, the first CNC-controlled machine came into the production hall. And that, even though I admittedly had great respect for it. So we hired an experienced programmer from whom I could learn a lot and teach myself how to use the technology."

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However, with increasing order volume and larger series with quantities over 10,000, the turret technology of the machines used also reached its limits. This led the way to Hannover to the EMO (World's leading trade fair for production technology located in Germany) and straight to the booth of Citizen Machinery Europe GmbH. There awaited the object of desire: a Cincom L32. "Already on site, the long lathe impressed us with its numerous possibilities. So much so that we ordered it on the spot," Reinhard Stammeier reports with a smile.

Large quantities, highest quality

And so the Cincom L32-1M8 arrived at the premises in Stemwede-Sundern in January 2018. Due to its enormous versatility, it was soon well-utilized, "and has opened up many possibilities for us that were previously unimaginable," adds Mr. Stammeier Jr., son and co-manager.

"Various workpieces at all possible levels of complexity could be manufactured without difficulty thanks to quick retooling and simple operability. Even smaller series with 3,000 to 5,000 parts were worthwhile by now." Eventually, the order situation was so favorable that the Stammeier family was already considering an expansion.

What is better than one Swiss turning machine? Two of them!

The thought of rush orders made the possibility of splitting different jobs across two machines more than appealing. However, instead of relying on another L32, Stammeier came up with the idea to better cover smaller diameters. "And as a Cincom L20-2M8 LFV offered itself for such cases, the decision was made in favor of the supposedly 'smaller' model. Not least because it shines with particularly short cycle and auxiliary times as well as higher feed rates," says Reinhard Stammeier.

This eliminated the tedious retooling required when multiple orders with different sizes had to be run on the L32 in a single-machine solution. Overall, 50 percent less time was spent on retooling.

LFV technology: The turn to the perfect chip

The Stammeier family was particularly convinced by the LFV technology of the new Cincom L20-2M8 LFV. "This Low Frequency Vibration Cutting, which functions somewhat like an electric toothbrush, produces precisely the chip you want:

For this purpose, the drives of the machining axes generate oscillating movements in the X and/or Z direction, which are synchronized with the spindle speed or feed rate. For example, during one spindle revolution, there are direction changes of the moving axis and thereby so-called 'air cuts' to break the chips in a defined manner," explains Nils Westphal, branch manager of the Technology Center West in Neuss (Germany) of Citizen Machinery Europe GmbH.

How long the chips may or should be can be easily determined by the user in the program by making an adjustment. According to Nils Westphal: "Once long chips have wound around the tool and they hit the workpiece, you either get a collet alarm or, in the worst case, the surface is damaged and the workpiece is only good for recycling. With LFV technology, such scenarios can be safely forgotten, and you get a flawless part." Thanks to the soft plunging, the tool cutting edges are preserved, and even the surfaces of the workpiece are smoothed.

Well-stocked bar warehouse for short delivery times

Especially in times when the supply of raw materials is sometimes difficult, a well-stocked bar stock is the best way to satisfied customers. According to Reinhard Stammeier: "Our motto, in the best case, is: ordered today, delivered tomorrow. But if the materials themselves sometimes have delivery times of weeks or months, you are quickly out of the customer conversation sooner than you would like. Therefore, we hoard around 100 tons of material in common dimensions."

Upgrade for existing machine included

In the course of the new installation of the L20, new options were retrofitted on the L32 to build both machines identically in terms of peripherals. An extraction system from the Swedish manufacturer '3nine' ensures an optimal working climate, and a fire extinguishing system from Kraft & Bauer provides a high level of safety. Mr. Stammeier Jr. is particularly pleased with one feature: "The chip conveyor! Otherwise, I always had to remove the chips by hand from the machine, which is now completely unnecessary, saves time, and keeps the entire process significantly cleaner."

One contact for comprehensive service

The cooperation between the Stammeier family and Citizen also runs smoothly. "Even though we have not yet had a real service case, we have always been excellently assisted in all other matters. Whether it's the intensive consultation by Mr. Westphal or support in terms of machine programming: we have not regretted going to Citizen," confirms Reinhard Stammeier. Even in particularly tricky cases, the service technicians from Neuss or experts from Esslingen are on hand with help and advice. Nils Westphal adds: "With Citizen, as a customer, you don't just buy a machine; you purchase everything completely including peripherals and service: plug-and-play at its best."

Investment with a future

And so the Cincom L20-2M8 LFV has already become fully part of its element and an integral part of daily production. "The L20 already has the right 'feed' in prospect: we will soon be able to manufacture a large series of copper welding nozzles, although only 7 mm in diameter. There are also 1.1 mm and 1.6 mm holes to be made as well as a chamfer, including turning and facing. The newcomer can really prove itself there," Mr. Stammeier Jr. looks forward to the new challenge—and many more.

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