CNC Swiss Machines for Making Precision Turned Parts

CNC and Swiss machines are excellent for lower volume work or larger parts that cannot be produced on high volume equipment such as Hydromats or Multi Spindle screw machines. Part to part cycle times are generally between 1 to 5 minutes. Benefits of CNC and Swiss are lower cost of setup and capability of precision tolerances. CNC and CNC Swiss style machines are typically competitive when annual volumes are between 1 to 10,000 pieces.The primary disadvantage of these processes is they are slow compared to their high volume counterparts. This results in higher unit prices when producing larger volumes (>10,000 eau).

CNC Swiss machine is a top-notch manufacturing equipment for producing smaller runs of error-free complex parts. These machines, also called Swiss lathe or Swiss screw machines, take inaccuracies and guesswork out of the part production work. This blog will uncover more details about these fantastic machines in depth. Keep reading to know more.

What Is A Swiss Machine?

A Swiss screw machine in an automated lathe, which can machine complex turned parts. These are advanced versions of the lathe that traditionally produces small intricate components.

The term "screw" can be a little deceiving. It may be one of the many functions, but these machines do not screw anything and can. However, these can perform threading and milling operations pretty well.

The machine was originally developed in Switzerland for the watch industry. It was in the 1800s that a Swiss watchmaker introduced this machine as a precise cutting tool to produce screws in larger quantities. Since then, the device has been repurposed beyond screw manufacturing to assist multiple industries.

Today, Swiss screw machining is a vital part of the production sector for processing various precision parts. The market isn’t restricted to watchmakers now. Modern equipment uses CNC technology with multiple spindles that automate production and helps you outperform everyday operations. It makes the machines more efficient, better tooled, and faster.

Swiss screw machining is a practical, precise part manufacturing technology to exceed your production needs.

How Does Swiss Screw Machining Work?

Jacob Schweizer is the man behind developing the precision manufacturing equipment that businesses use today. Schweizer desired to build better quality, portable watches opening the doors for manufacturing parts that were much more compact and were accurately produced with the Swiss machine.

CNC Swiss machine, also called Swiss style lathe, is just like a modified traditional lathe. The bushing and collet in the machine hold the workpiece from the middle and the end sections to spin and sculpt it. This level of stability allows cutting right near the bushing, which is also a distinctive feature of CNC screw machines. There is excellent firmness while the specifications are machined into the workpiece. However, one critical difference is that the machine doesn’t necessarily have to rotate the workpiece, even though it can.

In the end, there is enhanced steadiness for accurately sculpting multiple points. The CNC Swiss machines, in particular, are operated with Computer Numerical Control. Also called turning machines, these can feature higher sets of tooling, all thanks to an increasing computerized direction. These machines are pretty small, equipped with a sliding headstock and numerous tool changers, and allow multiple operations in a single setup.

CNC Swiss screw machining can bring your production concepts to life.

What Are The Benefits of CNC Swiss Machine?

Swiss screw machining has exploded in popularity because the technology is uniquely capable of rapidly manufacturing precise parts. It offers an outstanding combination of higher precision with rapid production to make intricate parts without any errors and deformation. Some of the many advantages of CNC Swiss screw machining include the following:

  • It can produce around 30 parts per hour, depending on the part size and intricacy.
  • High-quality milling, boring, drilling, threading, knurling, turning, and finishes can be achieved without additional setup.
  • The machine helps produce parts with delicate features, thin walls, and deeper cuts.
  • The workpieces are firmly supported by the bushing, remaining unaffected by the force of the machine, ensuring tighter tolerances.
  • The machine can also work on a smaller bar stock reducing your resulting production costs and timelines.
  • Each part manufactured with a CNC Swiss machine is ready to be shipped without secondary operations.
  • CNC screw machines prove more cost-effective for long-term needs and can keep running under minimal supervision.

CNC and Swiss machines are great for low-volume precision part manufacturing jobs or larger components that cannot be produced on Hydromats or other similar high-volume equipment. If your annual production volume is between 1 and 10,000 pieces, a CNC Swiss machine is right for you.

CNC Swiss lathes offer limitless production advantages to get positive results quickly.

What Are The Benefits of CNC Swiss Machine?

The precision of the CNC Swiss machine is prized in numerous applications. It has a low-cost setup, better tolerance capabilities, and virtually unsupervised processes for producing precision-turned parts at relatively cheaper costs.

The equipment can handle exotic and standard metals with varying compositions, shapes, materials, and tensile strengths. The CNC screw machine can fabricate aluminum, copper, nickel, stainless steel, titanium, and more.

Industries that benefit from Swiss machines include:

  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Agriculture
  • Consumer electronics
  • Construction, defense
  • Dental
  • IT
  • Firearms
  • Hydraulics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Oilfield and energy

It is also commonly used for making:

  • Appliances
  • Dental prosthetics
  • Door and window hardware
  • Furniture
  • Garden machinery
  • Musical instruments
  • Recreational products
  • Transmission
  • Suspension
  • Brake parts
  • Surgical implants
  • Spacers

CNC-guided Swiss screw machines come with several tooling fixtures. Parts automatically move on the slide from one device to another, and the CNC controller can easily adjust and correct the tooling operations whenever required. These advantages reduce the cycle times of the machine and make the process one of the fastest-growing technologies for multiple industries.

Zero deflection, precise cuts, and cost-effective processes make CNC Swiss machining a preferred choice for many industries.

Swiss Machining Capabilities at Griner Engineering

At Griner Engineering, we have got you covered for all your CNC Swiss machining and finishing needs. We aren’t your typical Swiss machining facility. We can take on even the most complex parts because of our exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced machinists.

Our facility is also equipped with the best-in-class equipment to execute projects that exceed your expectations. We have some of the newest and most advanced machines allowing us comprehensive machining capabilities. Our operators can produce custom-machined parts with our streamlined, innovative, and automated workflows.

Griner Engineering makes your complex part procurement processes much more accessible, rapid, and efficient. Contact us at 812-332-2220 for better assistance with our Swiss screw machining solutions.