Swiss Machining
CNC Swiss turning is a precision machining process wherein a metal workpiece is spun on a CNC-operated rotating lathe as a cutting tool shaves it down to the desired size. The specialized design of Swiss turning machines allows the force of the tool to be exerted directly where the workpiece is emerging from the guide bushing. This additional level of stability as the piece is machined helps to eliminate deflections to achieve a greater degree of precision.
Because it utilizes CNC technology, Swiss turning machines can be equipped with multiple sets of tooling. This allows several operations to be performed on the workpiece over a shorter period of time.
CNC Turning Services
At Wisconsin Stamping and Manufacturing, we utilize state-of-the-art CNC Swiss turning equipment to manufacture high-precision cylindrical components for critical applications. Our machining process allows us to produce parts with extremely tight tolerances and precise dimensions. We are able to turn, mill, drill, and ream in a single setup, eliminating the need for most secondary operations.
Using highly-skilled machinists and advanced turning equipment, we can fabricate simple and complex components out of a variety of common and exotic materials. These include:
- Carbon steel (all grades and alloys)
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Plastic
- Exotic materials
- Tube
- Pipe
- Copper
- Nickel
- Chrome alloys
Additionally, for parts requiring specific surface characteristics or properties, we offer the following finishing options:
- Zinc (clear, yellow, & black)
- Vapor degrease/wash/dry
- RoHS-compliant trivalent zinc
- Paint (liquid and powder coat)
- Anodizing
- Black oxide/phosphate
- Clear trivalent conductive
- Nickel (bright & matte)
- Passivation/Electropolish
- Other commercially available finishes
To complement our machining services, we also offer the following secondary services. These operations allow us to provide finished parts in virtually any form requested, saving the customer from the hassle and expense of having to manage multiple vendors.
- Heat treating/hardening. A metal hardening treatment improves mechanical properties and increases hardness, resulting in a tougher and more durable component. The material is heated above its critical transformation temperature and then rapidly cooled, which alters its microstructure and adds strength.
- Annealing. Annealing is a type of heat treatment that renders the material less brittle and more ductile. The material is heated to a specific temperature, held at that temperature, and then slowly cooled. This process releases internal stresses and makes the material more workable for subsequent machining.
- Countersinking/tapping. Countersinking creates a V-shaped edge near a hole’s surface. It can be used to deburr a hole or to enable the head of a countersunk screw or bolt to sit flush with the surface. Tapping is a method of creating a thread inside of a hole so that it can accept a cap screw or bolt.
- Grinding/polishing/burnishing. Grinding, polishing, and burnishing are used to smooth a metal’s surface after machining. Grinding is performed to level, clean, and remove tool marks or scratches from the surface of a workpiece, while polishing is used to remove artifacts of the grinding process. With burnishing, a tool is rubbed against the metal surface to make it smoother and shinier.
- Tumbling/vibratory deburring. Tumbling and vibratory deburring are two mass finishing processes. With tumbling, parts are put in a rotating barrel with abrasive media and a compounding agent. The friction created as the media rubs against the parts (and the parts rub against each other) allows them to be deburred quickly and efficiently. Similarly, vibratory finishing places the parts, media, and compounding agents into a vibratory container. Vibrations within the container allow the media and parts to rub against one another, resulting in efficient and effective burr removal
- Packaging/assembly. Wisconsin Stamping and Manufacturing’s automated assembly systems allow products to be delivered to customers in finished form. We also provide custom packaging services to make sure the product is enclosed or packaged according to customer needs.
Advantages of Swiss Turning
Although they share some functional similarities, Swiss turning and conventional turning differ significantly in their designs. Conventional turning machines have a fixed headstock, and the workpiece is gripped at one or both ends as it is cut. In contrast, Swiss turning machines are designed with a movable headstock that feeds the workpiece through a supporting guide bushing. Because the cutting force is exerted near the point of support, the material can be held firmly in place as the machining process occurs. This reduces the occurrence of vibrations and deflections, resulting in a part with extremely tight tolerances and high levels of accuracy.
CNC Swiss turning offers other benefits as well, including:
- Fast cycle times. Modern Swiss turning machines have exceptionally fast cycle times compared with traditional turning methods, allowing parts to be machined quickly and efficiently.
- Greater versatility. Although Swiss turning machines are primarily used to produce long, slender parts, they are also capable of machining small, complex components.
- High-volume production. CNC Swiss turning machines are excellent for high-volume production runs because numerous operations can be performed with just a single setup.
Industries That Benefit From CNC Swiss Turning
Swiss-style machines were originally developed in the late 19th century for the production of high-quality Swiss watches. The Swiss watch industry needed a machining process that could fabricate small, slender components with tight tolerances and high accuracy. Since then, process refinements and the addition of CNC technology have made Swiss machining an ideal process for a growing number of applications with tight tolerance requirements. Modern swiss turning machines are capable of producing high-precision parts of varying sizes and complexities.
Some of the most common industries utilizing Swiss-machined components include:
- Automotive
- Agricultural Equipment
- Aerospace
- Lawn & Garden
- Power Tools
- Outdoor Power Equipment
- Seating
- Construction Equipment
- Firearms
- Electrical Power Distribution/Electronics
- Medical
Swiss Machining From Wisconsin Stamping and Manufacturing
At Wisconsin Stamping and Manufacturing, our advanced CNC Swiss turning equipment, skilled machinists, and extensive quality control measures allow us to deliver superior products with unparalleled levels of precision. In addition to Swiss turning, we also offer a wide range of in-house fabrication services, finishing treatments, and secondary operations to make sure products are prepared according to your exact specifications. Whether you need a single prototype or a full production run, our team is committed to understanding your unique needs and making sure they are met.
