Swiss machining is a part manufacturing process often used for small parts such as watch components. It has its origins in the Swiss watch industry, but is now used in numerous industries around the world. This article explains in detail the process, its mechanism, characteristics, comparison with other manufacturing processes and general use in parts manufacturing.
What is Swiss processing?
Swiss machining is a series of manufacturing techniques, such as: B. Swiss turning and milling, which use specialized tool cutting machines to convert metal parts into the desired part. A Swiss machine is used to produce very small parts to very tight tolerances.
The first Swiss machines were traditional, that is, they did not have a computer control center. However, there is now a Swiss designed CNC machine. Therefore, some people use the term “Swiss CNC machining” to describe its use in the CNC industry.
How do Swiss machines work?
Swiss machines have many names, such as Swiss screwdriver or Swiss lathe. Their special design makes them extremely precise and accurate.
The machine has multiple axes and differs from traditional CNC machining in its ability to rotate and move back and forth along the Z axis. The operator feeds the bar through the guide bushing (which is already assembled with the cutting tools ).
This arrangement allows the guide bushing to provide strong support regardless of the length of the workpiece. The force is applied exactly where the material leaves the bushing, minimizing the impact of the tool on the part and increasing precision. Furthermore, you can perform multiple operations at the same time.
Advantages of Swiss precision machining
Swiss precision machining has several advantages that make it more suitable for certain applications than other part manufacturing techniques. In most cases, this process is preferred by the industry due to its high precision, technological level and standard features. Here are some benefits you can get if you choose this procedure:
Efficiency
Swiss machines have several axes that allow several operations to be carried out at the same time. Therefore, they are efficient compared to other lathes regardless of the complexity of the part design.
High precision
Furthermore, the accuracy is high, making it suitable for producing complex shaped parts with tight tolerances. Furthermore, its action mechanism ensures that the force of the tool does not affect the part, improving precision.
Suitable for a small part
Originally, the machining process was used for small parts such as electronic parts and watches. Technological advances have improved this and are expanding suitability for small parts. Additionally, a high level of automation reduces human intervention or controls.
Comparison between Swiss machining and traditional machining
The main difference between Swiss and traditional machining is that traditionally machined parts are not as accurate compared to Swiss machined parts. Swiss machines have a high level of precision, whereas traditional machining relies more on the operator's steady hand and intellect. As a result, accuracy and repeatability are low.
Another difference between the two machining methods is that conventional machining is more suitable for machining normal parts while Swiss machining is effective for machining complex designs.
Comparison between Swiss machining and CNC machining
Both Swiss and CNC machining are similar in many ways. However, compared to CNC machining (a DFM process), Swiss machining has its own advantages.
Although we can also say that both use programming languages such as G-Code and M-Code. Now the question arises as to what characterizes the CNC machining process. Below are four differences between Swiss and CNC machining. Let's examine:
1. Faster cycle time for highly complex parts
Modern Swiss lathes have around 7 to 13 spindles. This allows you to perform numerous operations on the workpiece more quickly in just a single machining cycle. These operations include drilling, face grooving, Swiss milling, thread cutting, trimming and more.
However, conventional lathes such as CNC lathes only have 3 to 5 axes. You may not be able to complete machining a part in a single cycle. This reduces the cycle time of CNC lathes and limits productivity.
2. Type of refrigerant
Swiss lathes typically achieve better tolerances due to their cooling properties. In most cases, Swiss machines require oil to function better. Unlike water, oil has a lower heat capacity. Compared to CNC machining, Swiss machining dissipates heat from the tool cutting edge and cools it slightly.
3. Segment editing
Unlike CNC machining, Swiss machines, like the Swiss lathe, produce parts in segments. This is important to ensure that the resulting dimensions are within the desired tolerances.
4. Guide bushing
In general, during machining, the bar is clamped in a clamp that can slide behind the guide bushing into the headstock. In Swiss machining, the cutting tool works close to the guide bushing, avoiding any form of deflection. Therefore, the Swiss machine has a moving head and can stay within the desired tolerances regardless of the length of the part.
However, things work differently with conventional CNC machining. The operator clamps the part in the main spindle collet. This processing is therefore not ideal for longer parts, as deflections can easily occur.
When should you choose CNC Swiss machining over traditional machining?
Swiss CNC machining is one of the most productive machining techniques in machining parts. In addition to the short cycle time, it is suitable for machining the most complicated Swiss parts. There are other reasons why you should consider Swiss CNC machining over traditional machining, which are explained below:
Complex projects
Swiss CNC machining is a better choice than traditional machining because of its suitability for complex projects. The process promotes the use of CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software and is therefore suitable for complicated parts. The result is an improvement in product design and a reduction in errors due to reduced human involvement.
Setup time
Swiss precision machining has special features such as the integrated auto-setting probe and high-damping composite casting (HDCC), which reduces cutting tool setup time.
Design for Manufacturing (DfM)
DfM is a part of parts manufacturing that optimizes product design to simplify manufacturing and assembly. The introduction of CNC in Swiss machining will facilitate an effective and efficient manufacturing process compared to the traditional method.
Useful Tips on Swiss CNC Machining
There are a few things you should keep in mind when using Swiss CNC machining. For example, you need to choose the right CNC Swiss machine and be able to operate the machines. However, the following tips will help you reduce costs and processing time.
Tip #1: Template Drawing
The model drawing must be very precise, clear, legible and accurate for accurate machining process. Furthermore, it allows the CNC operator to understand and edit his part. A correct and accurate model drawing helps to improve the tolerances, dimensions, tolerances and surface finish of the part.
Tip #2: Standard Size Hole
Although the Swiss machining technique is suitable for small and deep holes, you must ensure that you use standard sized holes. Using a standard size hole reduces the difficulty and cost of machining.
Tip #3: Avoid sharp corners
Drill bits are mostly round, which makes working on sharp inside corners difficult. Therefore, with Swiss milling you need to avoid sharp corners in your project. For projects that require this, you can try electrical discharge machining or use the options offered by the parts fabrication service. Furthermore, you must ensure that the corner radius is greater than the diameter of the drilling tool to avoid vibration and premature wear of the tool.
Tip #4: Tolerance
Tolerances in part manufacturing can increase the cost and time of Swiss CNC machining. Therefore, you should only set strict tolerances on major sections of the part.
Tip #5: Wall Thickness
Thin wall thicknesses can cause vibration in the metal and warping and softening in the plastic during processing. Such defects reduce the surface quality and precision of the part.
Application areas for Swiss-made parts
Swiss machining is used in many industries to produce small, precise parts. Parts machined in Switzerland include firing pin components, medical devices, shafts, clocks and more, as shown below.
aerospace industry
The process is suitable for the production of various aerospace mechanical parts, such as engines, wings, wheels and cabin controls. The process is ideal for machining as it can achieve precision due to its tight tolerances.
Defense industry
Swiss machines are characterized by high precision and are therefore suitable for parts with complex geometries, such as those used in the construction of helicopters, rockets, ships and tanks.
Consumer electronics
Components used in consumer electronics require processes with tight tolerances, precision, higher quality, smooth surfaces and complex molding. Therefore, machines such as Swiss lathes are applicable in the production of components, lens housings, connectors and connectors. Furthermore, this applies to semiconductor-based devices such as electronic control panels, controllers, interfaces, circuit boards and controls.
Medical equipment
The production of medical parts is also an industry in which Swiss machines are used. Typical Swiss-made medical parts include hinges, anchors, electrodes, and pull rings used in medical devices in surgery, drug delivery, etc.
Auto Industry
Swiss machines can be used to produce components such as bushings, shafts, fuel injection components, pins, brake system components, etc. Due to their high precision, they are very popular among automotive parts manufacturers.
Choosing the Right Precision Machining Services for Your Projects
Machining processes are used in industry to produce and customize parts that meet standard requirements. To get the best machined parts for your industrial needs, you can choose precision machining.
Common questions
Why is a Swiss machine called a Swiss screw machine?
The Swiss machine received another name “Swiss screw machine” because it comes from Switzerland. Swiss watchmakers introduced the machine, tested it and used it to cut precision parts on a rotating carriage.
What materials are compatible with Swiss machining?
Swiss-made parts are made from various materials, including nickel, bronze, brass, thermoplastic, copper, carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, etc.
What does “slide type lathe” mean in CNC machining?
A Swiss lathe in CNC machining is a lathe that feeds material through a guide bushing.
