A Swiss screw machine is an automatic lathe machine. It can produce high-volume precision-turned parts efficiently and accurately. It has several advantages over its lathe counterparts, which we will review in this article. We’ll also discuss its applications and some history.
Origin of the Swiss Screw Machine
As you can guess, the Swiss screw machine was developed in Switzerland. What may surprise you is the Swiss screw machine history begins way back in the 1800s. The machine’s primary purpose was to assist watchmakers in making precision parts. Innovations continued over the years and its applications expanded well beyond watchmaking.
In the late 1970s, the first CNC Swiss screw machine was invented. What’s CNC? CNC stands for computer numerical control which means computers make the Swiss screw machines even more precise. CNC machining services continue to gain momentum, even today, with a higher demand for high-volume precision-turned parts.
What is a Swiss Screw Machine Used For?
Swiss screw machines are very sophisticated and can produce small, complex parts. The electronics and automotive industries rely on Swiss screw machines to make very small parts according to detailed specs. Its precision-based capabilities are also widely used in the medical and aerospace industries where imprecise work can have catastrophic consequences.
The technology has improved so much over the years that CNC Swiss machines can produce these high-volume precision-turned parts faster and better. And with efficiency, comes affordability.
Advantages of a Swiss Screw Machine
A Swiss screw machine offers several advantages over other lathe options. Its ability to accurately and efficiently produce small machined parts is its biggest advantage, but here are some others:
- Compact tool placement means it can go from one tool to the next in a second or less
- As many as five tools can work together at once and significantly decreases operation time
- Depending on the type of Swiss screw machine, it can hold up to 20 tools, making it a very flexible machine
- No need for an additional finishing step since it produces a perfect surface finish
- Performs secondary operations such as milling, drilling, and sawing
- Significantly shorter setup time
- Efficient processes that don’t sacrifice quality
Best Swiss CNC Machine Services
The demand for high volume precision turned parts is growing at an exponential rate. Swiss CNC machining services have risen to meet those needs cost-effectively. The best Swiss CNC machine services have a wide range of capabilities due to the following elements:
- Multi-axis machines
- Multi-process machines
- Quick setup process
- Chip evacuation systems
- Bar feeders
- Various capacities
- Various material accommodations
- Small and large production run sizes
Learn more about the above elements of the best Swiss CNC machine services and how Avanti Engineering can meet your demands for high volume precision turned parts. We’ve done it all from pump shafts and choke tubes to motor shafts, plumbing components, and even musical instrument parts.
Contact us today to discuss Swiss screw or other CNC machining services.