Swiss Machining
Swiss machining, also known as Swiss turning, is a highly cost-effective method for manufacturing small parts with many intricate features.
Unlike conventional lathes, Swiss-type lathes hold bar stock in its guide bushing while advancing the workpiece in the Z axis as it is machined. This reduces deflection, making Swiss machining the preferred technology for producing long, thin components.
PGI specializes in precision Swiss machining backed by decades of experience and a commitment to getting the details right.
Example Swiss Machined Parts
This nozzle is a two-piece assembly. The nozzle is made from 17-4 PH stainless steel and swiss machined with a .012” ± .0005” orifice. After heat treat, the nozzle is pressed into the nut which is swiss machined from 303 stainless. After assembly, the part undergoes a performance test for leaks and straightness of shot.
This threaded stud is produced on our swiss machines. Care must be taken when cutting the slot in the thread to minimize burrs.
A spool for the fluid controls industry. The part is swiss machined, heat treated, then centerless ground. Both diameters are ground in the same operation to ensure concentricity is controlled. The final diameter is ground to a .0002” total tolerance.
A prototype part made from brass on a swiss machine for a major manufacturer of plumbing supplies and faucets.
An industrial needle with a precision ground tip. The needle is swiss machined, heat treated, then finished in our CNC Grinding department. The ground tip is held to a .001” tolerance with an 8 Ra finish.
This needle is made from 52100 bearing steel then heat treated. It is then centerless ground on two OD’s before having the precision tip ground. After grinding, parts are 100% inspected using a vacuum tester per customer specifications. Custom workholding that was designed and built in house is used to fixture the needle for grinding.
Produced on a swiss machine before final grinding is performed, this valve is made from 15-5 stainless steel. The machined valve blank is precision made to ensure the grinding process is well controlled.
Starting from 1” round 4140 HT bars, this module cap is dropped complete from our Citizen swiss machine. Edges are deburred in the machine, ensuring trouble-free assembly for the end user.
Specifications
- Outer Diameter: Up to 1.25″
- Tolerance: +/- 0.0001″
- Finish: 16 Ra
- Inside diameter from .006″
- Lengths to 12”+
Materials
- Steels (all types)
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Bronze
- Titanium
- Hastalloy
- Inconel
- Plastics
Equipment List
- 3 Citizen L32XII with 1 ¼” dia. capacity and B-Axis and Low Frequency Vibration (LFV) cutting technology
- 1 Citizen L20 Type X with 13/16” diameter capacity and sub-spindle Y axis
- 2 Citizen L20 Type IX with 13/16” diameter capacity
- 1 Citizen A-20 Type VII with 13/16” diameter capacity
- 1 Citizen A32 Machine with 1 ¼” diameter capacity
Design for Manufacturability
Our experienced engineers can work with you to optimize your part designs for efficient production, minimizing costs and lead times. Contact us to see if your part can be optimized for manufacturability.
Quality Documentation
Comprehensive quality documentation we provide upon request:
Let's Talk
Whether you’re curious about our capabilities, looking for career opportunities, or just want to chat about the components you need manufactured, we want to hear from you. Reach out today and let’s start the conversation.