CNC Swiss Turning Australia
Precision Swiss screw machining for small-diameter components. Medical, hydraulic, aerospace, and industrial applications. Tolerances to ±0.005mm.
ISO 9001:2015 certified · ISO 13485 medical suppliers available · Quotes in 2 business days
What is CNC Swiss Turning?
Swiss turning — also known as Swiss screw machining or Swiss automatic turning — is a precision CNC turning process designed for small-diameter, high-precision parts. Unlike conventional CNC turning where the workpiece is clamped in a chuck and extends toward the tool, Swiss turning uses a guide bushing that supports the material directly at the cutting point.
This guide bushing support is the key to Swiss turning's exceptional precision. Long, slender parts that would deflect (and produce oversized or out-of-round dimensions) in a conventional lathe are supported and guided throughout the cut. The result is consistent tolerances of ±0.005mm across the full length of the part.
Swiss turning machines are also highly productive — most incorporate multiple tool stations, live tooling (milling, drilling, cross-drilling), and sub-spindles. Complex parts requiring both turning and milling operations can be completed in a single unattended cycle, making Swiss turning economical even for moderately complex geometry.
Swiss Turning Applications
Medical & Dental
Bone screws, implant screws, cannulas, surgical instruments, dental burs, catheter components, pacemaker components
ISO 13485 suppliers availableHydraulic & Pneumatic
Fittings, adaptors, valve bodies, manifold components, hydraulic screw cartridges, banjo fittings
Tight thread tolerances standardAerospace & Defence
Fasteners, pins, bushings, actuation components, sensor housings, threaded inserts
AS9100-D suppliers availableAutomotive & Motorsport
Fuel injector components, brake fittings, threaded fasteners, sensor components, valve stems
PPAP documentation availableElectronics & Electrical
Contact pins, connectors, standoffs, terminals, antenna components, sensor probes
Miniature parts specialistsIndustrial & Instrumentation
Shafts, spindles, probe tips, nozzles, metering components, flow control parts
Any industrial standardSwiss Turning Capabilities
| Parameter | Capability |
|---|---|
| Maximum bar diameter | Up to 32mm (38mm on larger machines) |
| Diameter tolerance | ±0.005mm standard; ±0.002mm achievable |
| Length tolerance | ±0.01mm on part length |
| Surface finish | Ra 0.4 μm standard; Ra 0.2 μm achievable |
| Roundness (cylindricity) | 0.003mm typical |
| Thread quality | 6g/6H ISO standard; tighter on request |
| Live tooling | Milling, drilling, cross-drilling in same cycle |
| Materials | All free-machining grades; stainless, titanium, brass, aluminium, plastics |
| Quantity range | Prototypes (10+ parts) to high volume (100,000+) |
Swiss Turning FAQ
What is CNC Swiss turning?
CNC Swiss turning (also called Swiss screw machining or Swiss automatic turning) is a precision turning process where the workpiece is held close to the cutting tool and guided through a guide bushing. Unlike conventional turning where the workpiece extends from a chuck, Swiss turning supports the material at the point of cutting, enabling extremely precise work on long, slender parts that would deflect in a conventional lathe. Swiss turning excels at small-diameter parts (typically under 32mm diameter) requiring tight tolerances, complex features, and high production volumes.
What parts are typically made by Swiss turning?
Swiss turning is ideal for: medical components (bone screws, implant screws, cannulas, surgical instruments), hydraulic and pneumatic fittings, fuel injection components, watch and clockwork components, electrical connectors and pins, fasteners and threaded components, dental instruments, miniature shafts and spindles, and any small precision turned part requiring tight tolerances and complex features. Swiss turning is the preferred process when part diameter is under 32mm and precision is paramount.
What tolerances does Swiss turning achieve?
CNC Swiss turning achieves tolerances of ±0.005mm (5 microns) as standard on diameter dimensions. Tighter tolerances of ±0.002mm are achievable on critical features with appropriate process control. Surface finish of Ra 0.4 μm is standard; Ra 0.2 μm is achievable with fine finishing. Swiss turning consistently outperforms conventional CNC turning on tolerance capability for small diameter parts due to the guide bushing support system.
What materials can be Swiss turned?
Swiss turning works with free-machining and standard grades of most metals: aluminium (6061, 2011 free-machining grade), brass (C360 free-machining brass is ideal), stainless steel (303 free-machining, 316, 17-4 PH), carbon steel (1215, 12L14 free-machining), titanium (Grade 2, Ti-6Al-4V), and engineering plastics (Delrin, PEEK, nylon). Free-machining grades are preferred for Swiss turning as they produce short chips that clear the guide bushing without issues.
What is the maximum diameter for Swiss turning?
Most Swiss turning machines handle bar stock up to 32mm diameter. Some larger Swiss turning centres accept up to 38mm or 51mm diameter. For parts above these diameters, conventional CNC turning (with or without live tooling for milling features) is the appropriate process. Rapid Manufacturing can advise on the best process for your specific part geometry and diameter.
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