Question 1

When should I use swiss-type instead of a conventional CNC lathe?

Accepted Answer

Use swiss-type when the part is small and slender and stability is the risk—diameter drift, chatter, or runout changes due to deflection. The guide bushing supports the cut zone and makes these parts more repeatable, especially in bar-fed production.

Question 2

Is swiss-type only for high volume?

Accepted Answer

No. Swiss-type can be great for prototypes when the geometry benefits from support and one-cycle completion. Volume is where bar feeding pays off most, but stability is the main reason to choose swiss.

Question 3

What information helps you quote swiss-type correctly?

Accepted Answer

A 3D model and a 2D drawing with datums, CTQs, fit classes, threads, and edge-break/deburr expectations—especially for cross holes and intersections. If you need inspection reporting, state it in the RFQ.

Question 4

What are the common cost drivers on swiss-type parts?

Accepted Answer

Material condition/straightness, tight CTQs that require special gaging, heavy live-tooling time, difficult burr control at intersections, and back-side completion complexity. Clear CTQs and realistic edge-break notes prevent surprises.

Question 5

How do you handle back-side features?

Accepted Answer

When the design supports it, we use a sub-spindle to pick up the part before cutoff and finish the back side in-cycle. That avoids manual flips and helps protect length control and alignment.

Question 6

Do you need me to specify clocking (angular timing)?

Accepted Answer

Only if function depends on it. If a flat or cross hole must be oriented to another feature, define the relationship. If timing doesn’t matter, leaving it unspecified often reduces cost and inspection effort.

Swiss-Type CNCfor Small Precision

Swiss-Type CNCfor Small Precision