First Light Lamps Announces Major CNC Investment

First Light Lamps Ltd are pleased to announce the successful delivery and installation of two state-of-the-art Cincom Citizen Machinery CNC turning centers at our UK manufacturing facility. The L12-VII LFV and L20-VIII LFV machines are now fully operational and already enhancing our production capabilities.

This strategic investment marks a significant milestone in our company’s evolution, representing our largest single technology upgrade since our establishment in 2004. The decision to partner with Cincom Citizen Machinery reflects our commitment to maintaining technological leadership in the specialised flash lamp manufacturing sector.

Precision Engineering Meets Innovation

These Swiss-type CNC turning centers represent a significant investment in our manufacturing future. Both machines feature Cincom Citizen Machinery’s revolutionary Low Frequency Vibration (LFV) technology, which reduces cutting resistance by up to 50% while delivering superior surface finishes – crucial for the precision components required in our xenon and krypton flash lamps.

The L12-VII LFV operates at speeds up to 15,000 RPM with 7-axis simultaneous control, while the L20-VIII LFV handles larger components with the same precision and speed. Together, they can accommodate up to 28 different tools and perform complex multi-axis operations that were previously impossible with our existing equipment.

Advanced Technical Capabilities:

• Simultaneous 7-axis machining enables complex geometries in single setups
• Live tooling capabilities allow milling, drilling, and threading operations
• Sub-spindle functionality provides complete part processing without manual intervention
• Automatic bar feeding systems enable lights-out manufacturing
• Advanced tool management with automatic tool changing and monitoring

The LFV technology is particularly revolutionary for our applications. By synchronizing tool vibration with spindle rotation, it dramatically reduces heat generation during machining – critical when working with the precise tolerances required for flash lamp components. This technology also extends tool life significantly, reducing production costs and ensuring consistent quality across large production runs.

What This Means for Our Customers

Faster Delivery Times: Automated production capabilities mean we can fulfil orders more quickly, reducing lead times for our global customer base. The machines’ ability to run unattended overnight and during weekends effectively doubles our production window.

Enhanced Quality: Computer-controlled precision ensures every component meets our ISO 9001 standards, delivering the reliability that medical, industrial, and decontamination sector clients demand. Statistical process control integrated into the machines provides real-time quality monitoring and automatic adjustments.

Expanded Capabilities: These machines open doors to manufacturing more complex lamp designs and components, potentially enabling new product development opportunities. We can now produce components with tighter tolerances, more intricate geometries, and superior surface finishes that were previously unachievable.

Cost Efficiency: Reduced setup times and improved material utilization translate to better value for our customers without compromising on quality. The automation reduces labour costs while increasing consistency.

Scalability: The enhanced capacity allows us to handle larger orders and accommodate growing demand from existing customers while taking on new projects that require higher volume production.

Industry Applications Enhanced

Our enhanced manufacturing capabilities particularly benefit customers across our core sectors:

Medical and Aesthetic Applications: The precision required for laser eye surgery, kidney stone removal, and dental surgery applications demands components manufactured to exacting standards. Our new equipment ensures the consistency and reliability critical for medical device applications.

Industrial Processing: Welding, cutting, engraving, and material processing applications require flash lamps that perform consistently under demanding conditions. The improved surface finishes and tighter tolerances enhance lamp performance and longevity.

Decontamination Systems: With growing demand for UV decontamination solutions, particularly in the 180-280 nm range for microorganism elimination, our enhanced manufacturing capabilities position us to meet increasing market demand for air, surface, and water treatment applications.

Supporting Our Growth Trajectory

Since 2004, First Light Lamps has manufactured over 2,000 different types of flash lamps, producing more than 120,000 units annually. This latest investment supports our continued growth and commitment to serving customers across laser surgery, industrial processing, and decontamination applications worldwide.

The installation process went smoothly, with Citizen Machinery’s technical team ensuring both machines were calibrated and operational within days of delivery. Our production team has already begun training on the new equipment and initial test runs have exceeded expectations.

Training and Integration: Our skilled technicians underwent comprehensive training on the new systems, ensuring seamless integration with our existing ISO 9001 certified processes. The transition has been carefully managed to maintain uninterrupted service to our customers.

Quality Assurance: Both machines have been fully validated according to our quality management system, with capability studies confirming they exceed our precision requirements for all current product lines.

Environmental and Efficiency Benefits

The new equipment also delivers significant environmental benefits:

• Reduced energy consumption per component through more efficient machining processes
• Minimised waste through improved material utilization and precision cutting
• Extended tool life reducing consumable waste
• Optimised coolant systems with recycling capabilities

Looking Forward

This investment reflects our confidence in the growing demand for high-quality flash lamps across multiple industries. As we continue to expand our global reach and enhance our manufacturing capabilities, these machines will play a crucial role in maintaining our position as a trusted supplier to leading companies worldwide.

The enhanced capabilities position us well for future growth opportunities, including potential expansion into new market segments and the development of next-generation flash lamp technologies. We’re already exploring applications that leverage our new precision manufacturing capabilities.

Future Development Plans: The investment creates a foundation for continued technological advancement, with plans for additional automation and Industry 4.0 integration to further enhance our competitive position.

For more information about our enhanced capabilities and product range, visit www.firstlightlamps.com or contact our sales team at sales@firstlightlamps.com or +44 (0)1353 659922.