Swiss-Type Machining

Bar-fed CNC Swiss-type lathes are the computer-controlled evolution of cam-actuated automatic screw machines. One common application of these versatile, sliding headstock machines was machining intricate watch components. Today, though, they are being used to produce a much more diverse array of parts for various industries. It’s the sliding headstock that separates Swiss-types from conventional lathes. With this, barstock is gripped by a collet and fed through a guide bushing and past a stationary turning tool. The guide bushing provides support at the point of the cut making Swiss-types well suited for parts with high length-to-diameter ratios such as medical bone screws. Swiss-types with a B-axis milling spindle essentially become a five-axis turn-mill with the bonus of a sliding headstock. Another recent development for Swiss-types is the addition of programmable lasers for cutting, welding and engraving.