At Twin City EDM & Manufacturing, we provide Swiss CNC machining for small-diameter and long, slender components that require close dimensional control and multiple machining operations. Our Swiss department uses 7- to 9-axis machines with multiple spindles, simultaneous cutting, cross drilling, off-center drilling and milling capabilities.
Swiss machining is especially useful when a part has several features that need to be produced in relation to one another. Depending on the part, a single setup can handle turning along with operations such as drilling, threading, milling, tapping and cross-hole work. This can reduce the amount of handling needed between operations and help maintain consistent dimensions from feature to feature.
We support production volumes ranging from prototypes to high-volume production. Our Swiss machines can produce parts with diameters from approximately 0.010 to 1.50 inches, with machining capabilities for long slender profiles extending to parts up to 4 feet in length.
How Swiss Machining Works
A Swiss-type CNC machine is different from a conventional lathe in how the material is supported during machining. Bar stock passes through a guide bushing that supports the material close to the cutting tool. As the cutting tools move along the supported section, this setup helps limit deflection. Particularly when machining long parts with small diameters.
This arrangement makes Swiss machining well suited to components where small dimensional changes can affect how a part fits or functions. It is also useful for parts with numerous features along their length.
Our Swiss equipment operates with 7 to 9 axes and can perform several operations during a single cycle. Depending on the part, these operations can include:
- Turning
- Knurling
- Boring
- Drilling
- Reaming
- Milling
- Deburring
- Polishing
- External and internal thread cutting
- Tapping
- Thread milling
- Thread whirling
- Cross drilling
- Off-center drilling
- Polygon cutting
- Slotting
- Broaching
- Deep-hole drilling
Parts Made With Swiss CNC Machining
Swiss machining is a good fit for small components with long profiles, multiple diameters, internal and external threads, cross holes or features positioned away from the centerline.
We produce components for medical, surgical, aerospace, aircraft, defense and industrial applications. Our work includes surgical instruments orthopedic components and drill and driver components, along with other small machined parts.
Swiss machining can also be useful for parts that combine turned surfaces with milled or drilled features. The process can reduce the need to move a part between separate machines because several operations can be performed while the material remains supported in the machine.
Materials for Swiss Machining
We machine a broad selection of metals, polymers, ceramics and composite materials. Our metal materials include stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, brass, nickel and steels.
We also work with polyurethane, thermoplastics, plastics, Delrin, and others
Material selection depends on the requirements of the finished component. Factors such as hardness, machinability, dimensional requirements, surface finish and intended application can all influence the manufacturing process.
Tight Tolerances and Inspection
Swiss machining capabilities down to ±0.0001 inch, with motion increments as fine as 0.000039 inch. The tolerance we can achieve on an individual part depends on its geometry, material, feature size, machining operations and drawing requirements.
We inspect parts using equipment that includes a Hexagon CMM, Smart Scope vision systems, Keyence Instant Measurement systems and Sylvac scanning equipment. These systems allow us to check dimensional features against the requirements established for each part.
We also offer push testing, magnetic particle testing, pressure testing and quality assurance as part of our manufacturing and inspection capabilities. The inspection and testing methods used for a project depend on the part and the requirements established for it.
Our quality systems include ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certifications. These standards support our work with customers in medical and other regulated manufacturing environments where documentation and controlled processes are important.
From Prototypes to High-Volume Production
Swiss machining can be used for both prototype work and established production programs. We support production volumes ranging from prototypes through high-volume production, which allows us to work with customers at different stages of a product’s manufacturing cycle.
Prototype quantities can be used to evaluate a part, its material and the machining process before production quantities increase. Once a component moves into production, Swiss machining can handle repeated batches of small parts while maintaining the dimensional requirements established by the part drawing.
Our typical Swiss machining lead time is approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Actual timing can vary based on the part, material, quantity, tooling, inspection requirements and other project details.
Swiss Machining Alongside EDM and CNC Processes
Swiss machining is one part of our broader manufacturing operation. We also provide CNC milling, CNC turning, wire EDM, sinker EDM, micro hole popping, laser welding, laser marking and other value-added services.
This allows us to handle additional operations when a component requires more than Swiss turning. For example, a part may begin with Swiss machining and then need EDM for a specific feature, laser marking or another finishing operation.
Our EDM capabilities are particularly useful for features that may be difficult to produce with conventional cutting tools. Wire EDM and sinker EDM can be used for specific geometries and applications where an electrical discharge machining process is appropriate.
Our CNC milling and turning capabilities provide additional options for components that need different machining approaches. We can coordinate multiple stages of a project through one manufacturing source by combining these processes within our facility.
Industries We Serve
We provide Swiss machining for customers in industries that use small, tightly specified components.
Medical and Surgical
We manufacture components for medical devices, surgical instruments, orthopedic applications, veterinary dental instruments and drill and driver kits.along with optometry instruments and devices. Our ISO 13485:2016 certification supports our work with customers operating in the medical device industry.
Aerospace and Aircraft
We support aircraft and aerospace applications that require controlled dimensions, specified materials and documented manufacturing processes for small machined components.
Defense
We manufacture components for defense applications and work with requirements associated with defense manufacturing programs.
Industrial
We provide machining services for industrial applications involving small-diameter parts, multiple features and close dimensional requirements.
Why Choose Swiss Machining?
Swiss machining offers several advantages when a component has a small diameter, a long profile or numerous features along its length. The guide bushing supports the material close to the cutting area to help control deflection as machining takes place.
The ability to combine turning with drilling, milling, threading and other operations can also reduce the number of separate setups required for a part. Fewer setups can mean less part handling and fewer opportunities for variation between machining operations.
For parts produced in larger quantities, Swiss CNC machining can provide a consistent manufacturing process from one production cycle to the next. The combination of multi-axis equipment, in-process manufacturing controls and dimensional inspection gives us the tools to produce parts according to established drawings and specifications.
Discuss Your Swiss Machining Project With Us
If you have a part that requires small-diameter turning, multiple features, tight tolerances or a combination of turning and secondary machining, Swiss CNC machining may be a good manufacturing approach.
We can discuss your drawings, material requirements, quantities and inspection needs to determine how your part can be produced. We can also combine Swiss machining with CNC turning, CNC milling, EDM, laser welding, laser marking and other in-house services when a project calls for additional operations.
If you are looking for Swiss machining services for a prototype, production run or ongoing manufacturing program, contact Twin City EDM & Manufacturing to discuss your requirements. You can also request a quote for your next Swiss machining project and provide the part information needed for our team to review.
