What is 'lights out' running?

'Lights out' running ('lights out' production) is the running of machine tools unattended outside of normal factory hours. Typically this technique can be used with well-proven jobs that have been run extensively during normal production hours.

 

What are the benefits?

It is ideally suited to smaller companies who do not have staff on-site 24 hours a day and wish to get a greater return from their machine tool investment by maximising their machine availability.

 

How can Citizen technology help you to achieve lights-out running?

Citizen machines have been designed with lights out operation in mind. Features of Citizen machines that make them highly suitable for lights out running include:

  • High capacity bar feed systems to maximise material availability during long, unattended production runs.

  • Swarf conveyor systems to quickly remove waste swarf build-up.

  • Parts conveyor and parts collection systems to handle finished components.

  • High pressure coolant systems to break up swarf into smaller pieces for easy removal.

  • Large coolant / cutting fluid tanks and coolant level monitoring.

  • High thermal stability during long  periods of continuous running.

  • Tool breakage detection, Tool life monitoring and sister tool function to automatically substitute a spare tool.

  • High performance automatic fire extinguisher for maximise safety.

  • Alarm alerting system on some models (SMS or email sent to a designated operator in the event of a problem) enabling a decision to be made to visit factory in the event of a problem or to replenish material, coolant etc.

  • Automatic power off after error detection or after job has finished to save energy.

 

Take a look at our extensive machine range and please contact us to discuss your requirements further.