Space programme technology

CNC machine tool specialist Citizen
Machinery supplies turning
technology to UK industry.

Once installed, Citizen’s CNC
sliding head lathes operate at high
speeds and often ’round-the clock’ and
customers seek to run their machines
unattended and, in some cases, lights
out. This requires a stable, proven
production process and for the
customer to proactively manage the
risk. Insurers usually stipulate the
fitment of fire suppression equipment
to machine tools operated unattended.

Citizen has fitted fire suppression
equipment as standard for a number of
years. As part of its commitment to fire
safety Citizen has replaced its current
fire suppression system on its range of
Lathes with Nobel Fire Systems Stat-
X range of fire suppression units.

Based on aresol technology
developed in the space programme,
the Stat-X family of fire suppression
systems is a patented potassiumbased
aerosol that suppresses fire by
chemically ‘interfering’ with the free
radicals of flame.