Swiss turning is a specialized machining process that offers numerous advantages over conventional CNC lathes. While the basic turning process is very similar, Swiss lathes utilize some unique machine features to provide even better quality, precision, and repeatability.
What Is a Swiss Screw Machine? The Swiss Turning Process Explained:
Just like conventional CNC turning services, Swiss lathes spin a rigidly-held workpiece at high speed while external tools press against the surface to carefully remove material.
The primary difference lies in the design of the machines: conventional lathes typically hold the workpiece at both ends (i.e. potentially at a relatively far distance from the cutting tool), while Swiss lathes use an additional guide bushing with sliding headstock to hold the workpiece more rigidly in the center as it is machined. The enhanced rigidity is especially advantageous for extremely small parts and for long, cylindrical components – both of which are more likely to generate manufacturing errors due to vibrations and tool deflection.
Essentially, the addition of a moveable guide bushing provides much better workpiece support. The turning tools machine the stock in close proximity to the guide bushing for maximum workpiece rigidity. The result is improved machining accuracy and repeatability, regardless of the size/length of the workpiece.
Additionally, modern Swiss turning machines can utilize live tooling along with a sub-spindle and back-working tool setups. This provides us with much more machining flexibility and process control, minimizing additional changeout/setup requirements (which can lead to additional manufacturing errors) while streamlining the entire process.
Swiss Screw Machines Aren’t Just for Threading Operations
Despite the name, Swiss screw machines aren’t designed specifically to machine screws or perform threading operations. While Swiss lathes can accommodate these complex production processes, the name actually comes from the machine’s origin with Swiss watchmakers, who originally developed the technology to produce small watch screws and miniature components.
In today’s CNC machining industry, Swiss turning is used for manufacturing a much wider range of custom components – from precision aerospace parts and defense industry products to specialized components for the energy sector.
The Unique Advantages of CNC Swiss Machining Services:
High Precision and Repeatability
- Capable of achieving extremely close tolerances and complex component geometries with enhanced accuracy and repeatability.
- Subject to less vibration and tool deflection than conventional lathes for better precision and overall quality.
- Less risk of manufacturing errors and defects, improving your quality control process and strengthening your supply chain.
Simplifies Machining Complex Parts with Extremely Close Tolerances
- Swiss turning is cost-effective for manufacturing complex, intricate parts that would be challenging and time-consuming to machine with a traditional CNC lathe.
- The ability to perform numerous machining operations in a single setup further accommodates complex machining features and close tolerances.
Optimized for Small Part/Miniature Part Machining
- Swiss lathes can reliably produce highly complex close-tolerance components in a single machining cycle.
- Swiss turning is an exceptional method for machining small and miniature parts. For example, Superior Machining often works with turned components that measure under Ø1.496” x 2” in length and below.
- Especially well-suited for machining long and thin cylindrical parts due to the sliding headstock and guide bushing which minimize deflection.
Less Setup Time and Process Changeover
- Short setup times and less machine/tooling changeover required, thus minimizing both labor requirements and lead times.
- Swiss lathes can simultaneously perform turning, milling, drilling, cutting, and many other unique machining operations. In many applications, this multitasking eliminates the need for costly, complicated secondary processes.
- Swiss turning machines inherently provide rapid setup and faster changeovers, allowing us to respond quickly to changing production demands of the modern machining industry.
Efficient High-Volume, High-Capacity Manufacturing Capabilities
- Faster setup and higher machining flexibility makes Swiss machining more suitable for high-volume manufacturing applications.
- Automated Swiss turning machines can generally run unattended for hours at a time, facilitating lights-out manufacturing plans.
- Once the setup process is complete, Swiss screw machines generally require less operator intervention than conventional lathes. This further reduces your labor costs while simultaneously maximizing throughput and capacity.
Applications:
- Machined Connectors
- Bushings
- Shafts
- Pins
- Hinges
- Anchors
- Pull rings
Swiss Turning Services and Superior CNC Machining Solutions Since 1995
Backed by more than 25 years of quality American CNC machining services, our company knows what it takes to remain at the forefront of today’s highly competitive market. With over 100+ CNC workcenters at our disposal including advanced Swiss turning centers, Superior Machining & Fabrication is one of the most comprehensive and state-of-the-art CNC machining service providers for the Muenster, Texas region and beyond.
