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Swiss-Type Turning

Swiss-type turning exists for one problem: long, thin parts that bend when you cut them. A sliding headstock feeds the bar through a guide bushing, so the cutting tool always works within a millimetre of the support point. The result is parts with a length-to-diameter ratio of 10:1 or more held to ±0.005 mm — the geometry behind bone screws, connector pins and instrument shafts.

Capabilities

MachinesSwiss-type sliding headstock lathes with guide bushing
Diameter rangeØ 1 – 32 mm
Max. length300 mm (longer on request)
Length-to-diameter ratioup to 20:1 with support
Standard tolerance±0.005 mm on diameters
Surface finishRa 0.4 µm standard, Ra 0.2 µm achievable
MaterialsStainless 316L / 17-4PH, titanium, brass, PEEK
Lead time10–20 working days

Typical parts

  • Bone screws and orthopaedic pins
  • Connector pins and contacts
  • Endoscope shafts and articulation pins
  • Watch and instrument shafts
  • Dental implant components
  • Fibre-optic ferrules and sleeves

Why it matters

The support point follows the cut

On a conventional lathe a long shaft is held at one end and cut at the other, so it deflects and tapers. On a Swiss machine the bar is supported by a guide bushing right next to the tool, so deflection essentially disappears.

Complete parts in one cycle

Turning, cross drilling, milling flats, thread rolling and cut-off all happen in one cycle with the sub-spindle picking off the finished part. No queue between operations, no handling damage on delicate features.

Micro features that hold size

Cross holes below Ø 0.5 mm, wall thicknesses under 0.3 mm and fine threads on small diameters are routine here because the workpiece is supported throughout. On a conventional lathe these features are where the scrap comes from.

Medical and electronics traceability

We run 316L, 17-4PH, Ti-6Al-4V and PEEK with material certificates to EN 10204 3.1. Small parts are easy to mix up, so each batch is laser-marked or bagged separately with its lot code.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference from a conventional CNC lathe?

On a conventional lathe the bar is gripped at one end only, so a slender part deflects away from the tool. A Swiss machine feeds the bar through a guide bushing that sits next to the tool, supporting the workpiece at the point of cut. That is what makes 10:1 length-to-diameter parts with real tolerances possible.

How small a diameter can you hold to tolerance?

Down to Ø 1 mm with ±0.005 mm held on diameters. Below that, discuss the feature with us first — at some point the limiting factor is measurement uncertainty rather than the machine.

Do you need a drawing or is a sample enough?

A drawing or 3D model is strongly preferred, because tolerances cannot be reverse-engineered reliably from a sample. If you only have a sample we can measure it and produce a drawing for your approval before cutting metal.

Can you supply material certificates for medical parts?

Yes. 316L, 17-4PH and Ti-6Al-4V are supplied with EN 10204 3.1 certificates as standard. Tell us the requirement on the enquiry so the correct certificate is ordered with the raw material, not after machining.

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