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Swiss lathes have become popular in precision machining in recent years, and many manufacturers choose CNC Swiss-type machine tools in production. What is a Swiss lathe and how does it work? How to use Swiss processing facilities. We will also explore the differences between Swiss turning and traditional turning.

What is a Swiss-type lathe?

Swiss-type lathes, also known as Swiss CNC automatic lathes, Swiss screw machines or Swiss lathes, were originally developed for the Swiss watchmaking industry. In the 1870s, shortly after the collet chuck was patented, the first Swiss-type machines appeared. Swiss-type machines began to be used in many other industries around the 1960s, with the first CNCSwiss released in the 1970s. With the development of machines and tools, the design of Swiss lathes has been greatly improved, and it has gradually been widely used in parts processing and production in various fields. A Swiss-type lathe is a machine that allows the part to move along the z-axis while the tool remains stationary. The bar stock is held by collets located behind guide bushings without direct exposure to the lathe and tooling, allowing the material to turn quickly and tightly within the machine, eliminating deflection and increasing precision. Swiss machining offers many advantages over conventional machining.

How does a Swiss lathe work?

Unlike conventional lathes, Swiss turning centers have a moving headstock. During a turning operation, the workpiece is clamped on a chuck or collet in the headstock and directed towards the machining area by guide bushings. The headstock moves along the z-axis together with the bar, and the bar is precisely positioned radially. The turning tools are carried on ganged slides and are always in very close contact with the material. The movement of the spindle and the supply of the guide bush provide continuous feed.

Swiss Turning vs Conventional Turning - Difference Between Swiss Lathes and Conventional Lathes

1. The front of the car. While traditional lathes have a fixed headstock with the bar stock clamped in collets or collets that will extend to the outer shell of the machine or are supported at one end with a tailstock, Swiss lathes have a movable headstock.

2. Guide sleeve. In conventional turning, the workpiece is stabilized in the spindle's collet, which is not suitable for long parts due to the deflection of the material, whereas in Swiss machining, the collet holding the material can slide the bushing along the headstock behind the guide rail, and the tool Capable of operating close to the guide bush, this configuration prevents deflection and achieves required tolerances, regardless of the length of the workpiece.

3. Ability. Conventional lathes usually have 3 or 4 axes and cannot process turned parts in a single cycle. Whereas a modern Swiss-type lathe has 5 or more axes of control and can perform multiple operations in a single machining cycle.

4. Cycle time. Swiss automatic lathes reduce cycle times, especially for complex components.

5. Coolant. In conventional turning, water is usually used as coolant, while in Swiss machining, oil is used.

6. Programming. Offset programming on Swiss-style lathes is the opposite of conventional lathes. To turn longer lengths or drill deeper holes, the Z-axis on Swiss machines requires a "positive" offset, whereas a traditional lathe requires a "negative" offset.

Shenzhen Xiehe Company is mainly engaged in the production and manufacture of non-standard precision hardware parts. It has been deeply involved in the industry for many years and has rich experience. If you have CNC machining, five-axis machining service needs including aluminum, copper, stainless steel, iron, titanium alloy, plastic and other products, you can contact Xiehe, and we will provide you with an integrated solution.