What is Swiss Screw Machining?
Swiss Lathes (also known as swiss machines, swiss-type turning machines, and sliding headstock machines) were originally designed for “long and skinny” parts (typically 6:1 length to diameter ratio or larger).
The principle behind the swiss machine is that the bar moves to the tool rather than the tool moving to the bar (in the Z direction). This vastly reduces the amount of deflection during CNC swiss machining since the cutting action occurs closer to the guide bushing.
Contact us or request a quote today to learn more about how E.J. Basler can manufacture your swiss turned part.
Capabilities of Swiss Screw Machines
E.J. Basler can perform quality CNC swiss screw machining services to produce your swiss turned parts & products using the following capabilities.
Typical tolerance ranges are in the +/-.0005” (+/-.013mm) range depending on the application. With 11-axis control, twin turrets, and 4-axis back working, CNC Swiss Screw Machining can handle the most complex precision parts with speed and accuracy.
E.J. Basler has the capabilities to machine various material grades including red metals, 303, 304, and 316 stainless steel, and aluminum to produce your swiss turned parts and products.
Benefits of Swiss Screw Machining
Generally, Swiss Machines have one or two spindles. This allows the Swiss Machining lathes to be fast and efficient in creating custom parts – some in as little as 10-15 seconds. This makes them great for large production runs on small-diameter parts.
As swiss-style lathes have improved in technology and speed, many non-typical Swiss-type parts can be run completely on these machines (in cases where it would take 4-5 operations in the past).
Advantages of Swiss Screw Machining
With CNC swiss screw machining, there are various advantages to producing swiss turned parts, such as:
- Extended length to diameter ratio
- Ability to take on a wider range of bids
- Additive manufacturing for prototyping and fixturing available
- Automated inspection equipment unique to your part available with in house automation team
- PPAP compliant for all your capability study needs
- FMEA used throughout the manufacturing system – from inspection to shipment
Swiss Machining Design Considerations
When designing your swiss turned parts & products, there are many considerations to take into account, including:
- Ability to machine smaller & more complex parts
- Ability to perform both turning & milling
- Reduced cycle times
- Greater potential for single-process machining
- Extended length to diameter ratio
- Ability to take on a wider range of bids
| Swiss Machining Materials | Common Swiss Machining Examples |
| Alloy Steel | 4140, 8620 |
| Aluminum | 2011-T3, 6061-T6 |
| Brass | 360, 353, Lead Free Brass |
| Carbon Steel | 12L14, 12L15, 1117, 1018, 1045, 1141, 1144 |
| Copper | C14500 (TeCu), C10200 (Oxy-Free) |
| Plastic | Delrin, Peek |
| Stainless Steel | 303, 304, 316, 416, 430 |
Swiss Screw Machined Parts
EJ Basler's swiss screw machining capability turns long, slender, close-tolerance parts that other processes struggle to hold. Our swiss lathes run one or two spindles, hold working diameters up to 38mm (1.5"), and produce parts in cycle times as short as 10-15 seconds for high-volume orders. Below are six types of swiss screw machined parts we produce on our swiss lathes, each held to tolerances as tight as +/-.0005".
Precision Shafts
Swiss screw machining was built for parts like this: long, thin shafts with a length-to-diameter ratio of 6:1 or greater, where guide-bushing support keeps deflection out of the finished part. We turn precision shafts in stainless steel (303, 304, 416), alloy steel (4140), and aluminum, holding tolerances to +/-.0005" across the full length. Our 11-axis control and twin turrets let complex shaft features finish in a single setup.
Threaded Pins & Studs
Threaded pins and studs need consistent form and length across every piece in a run, especially at volume. We produce them in carbon steel, stainless steel, and brass, cycling as fast as 10-15 seconds per part. Twin-turret tooling keeps every pin and stud in a run dimensionally consistent, which is what high-volume orders depend on.
Bushings & Spacers
Bushings and spacers depend on consistent wall thickness and bore-to-OD concentricity to do their job. We produce them in brass, stainless steel, and engineering plastics like Delrin and PEEK. Bore and OD tolerances match the same +/-.0005" range as our shaft work, so fit-critical assemblies are consistent piece-to-piece. Because the bar is supported through the cut, wall sections stay true even on thin-walled parts that would chatter or deflect on a standard lathe.
Hydraulic Valve Stems & Spool Components
Hydraulic valve stems and spool components carry sealing tolerances across the entire part. We machine them in corrosion-resistant stainless steel (303, 316) and alloy steel (4140, 8620), holding tolerances to +/-.0005" to support consistent sealing surfaces. Reduced deflection during the cut keeps long spool geometries straight, which matters for parts that slide and seal repeatedly.
Fluid Fittings & Adapters
Fluid fittings and adapters need leak-tight threads and precise sealing surfaces, run after run. We machine them in brass and stainless steel (303, 304, 316) for corrosion resistance across a range of fluid and pressure applications. Twin-turret, multi-axis tooling completes multiple operations in a single setup, which keeps thread form and finish consistent from the first part to the last.
Nozzles
Nozzle performance comes down to how precisely the orifice and internal geometry are held, and swiss machining is built for exactly that kind of close-tolerance, small-diameter work. We produce nozzles in stainless steel, brass, and aluminum. Our 4-axis back working completes secondary operations without a second setup, which means tighter orifice control and less part-to-part variation across a full run.
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