Moving Beyond Swiss-Type Parts
The basic Swiss-type machine concept has evolved so far beyond the original intent that many of the parts that are processed on Swiss machines bear little resemblance to long, slender shafts. This article describes some examples of parts that show the versatility of modern CNC Swiss machines.
The sliding headstock machining concept was developed to deal with a specific manufacturing problem. The application required accurately and consistently turning shafts with length-to-diameter ratios that would need to be supported using a conventional lathe.
The concept of using a sliding headstock to provide the machine’s Z-axis stroke, using a bushing to guide the raw stock, was the answer without the need for support. It still is. Today though, the basic Swiss-type machine concept has evolved so far beyond the original intent that many of the parts that are processed on Swiss machines bear little resemblance to long, slender shafts.
We published this article, “Medical Parts are Redefining Swiss-Type Machining,” which describes in detail some examples of parts that show the versatility of modern CNC Swiss machines. To read the article and see a video of the Swiss-type machining process, click here.
