CNC Swiss Screw Machine And Its Functions

by Norm Grimberg CNC Machining and Machine Shop

The world of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is extensive. Precision machining is at an all-time high. We get introduced to a new functionality every other week, thanks to all the advancements happening in the tech space. Hand-held lathe gave way to automated lathes, and in another few decades, we’ll have AI directed lathes (those days aren’t far, folks!).

In this post, we’ll be discussing one such innovative offering to the CNC world – Swiss Screw machines. Powerful counterparts that take care of smaller and much complex CNC machined parts, so you can use up your lathes for much larger and extensive parts.

What is a CNC Swiss Screw Machine?

Originally from Switzerland, Swiss screw machines can be best described as a type of automated lathe capable of handling both CNC turning and milling.

The concept of Swiss Screw Machines is nothing new – it was first used in the 1800s, the collet chuck getting patented in the 19th century (1870s). 1960 saw Swiss screw machines gaining its momentum. The first CNC Swiss Screw machine was introduced in the late 1970s, and a decade later, they found their niche in the electronics industry. This machine type is also popular amongst Swiss watchmakers.

Swiss Screw machines are much sophisticated now. Improved designs, servomotors, and CNC controls have given today’s Swiss machines and operators much more liberty to produce highly-precise and complex parts faster, better. They are now widely used in preparing CNC machined parts for medical and aerospace applications – industries that cannot afford imprecise components.

Swiss screw machines are designed to handle both turning and milling, which enables us to produce cent percent perfection in one sitting. In this machine type, the workpiece moves in place of the cutting tool. This process is quite similar to conventional lathe – just, unlike lathe, Swiss lathe has a flexible headstock that moves back and forth (z-direction) along with the bar.

Advantages of Swiss Screw Machines

Swiss Screw machines have a lot to offer, apart from its ability to produce much smaller machined parts. This machine type drives all of its benefits out of its tools, uniquely placed geometry, and mechanics.

Listing a few outstanding ones below:

They have a very compact design – with all their parts (tools included) placed in proximity. This reduces the chip-to-chip time from one tool to another to a mere second or less.
Operation time in a Swiss machine is relatively lower than its lathe counterpart. They are flexible enough to perform several operations at one time with as many as five tools working together.
Swiss Screw machines have this extensive tool zone that can hold up to 20 tools. This number may vary depending on the machine type. The high-end machines may also contain tool changers.
They boast perfect surface finish, eliminating the need for an extra involving it.
Swiss Scre machines are fit to perform every other secondary operation – milling, drilling, sawing and what not.
Setup time is relatively shorter in case of Swiss Screw machines.
Fast cycle times and flexibility without compromising quality.

Why You Should Choose Our Swiss Screw Machining Services

At Machining Design Associated Ltd., we provide precision CNC Swiss screw machining services. We have a five-decade-long experience in handling orders of all types and varieties.

We provide quick quotes. Contact us with your requirement today!