Precision Swiss Turning

E. J. Basler offers CNC swiss machining services and has a World Class Swiss Lathe department.  We currently also have the largest Swiss type lathe in the world at our manufacturing facilities allowing working diameters up to 38mm (1.5”).

Swiss Lathes (also know 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 precision swiss machining since the cutting action occurs closer to the guide bushing.

Swiss Machining Lathes

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 complete on these machines (in cases where it would take 4-5 operations in the past).

Typical tolerance ranges are in the +/-.0005” (+/-.013mm) range depending on application.  With 11-Axis control, twin turrets, and 4-axis back working, Precision Swiss Turning can handle the most complex precision parts with speed and accuracy.