Precision Micro Machining
Swiss
Machining
Service
High-precision Swiss machining for small-diameter, long, slender, and complex parts — ideal for medical, electronics, aerospace, and high-volume production.
Diameter Ø0.5–32 mm
L/D Ratio up to 100:1
Sliding Headstock Support
Superior Surface Finish
High-Volume Production Ready
Diameter Range
Ø0.5–32 mm
L/D Ratio
Up to 100:1
Service Overview
What Makes Swiss Machining Different
Swiss-type CNC lathes are fundamentally different from conventional CNC lathes. The workpiece feeds through a guide bushing — a precision bore that provides support exactly at the cutting zone, regardless of how long or slender the part is. The cutting tool always works close to the support point, eliminating deflection.
GB
Guide Bushing Support at the Cutting Point
The guide bushing supports the bar stock millimeters from where the tool cuts — the workpiece cannot deflect, regardless of how long or slender it is.
↔
L/D Ratios Impossible on Conventional Lathes
Parts with length-to-diameter ratios of 20:1, 50:1, or 100:1 are routinely machined on Swiss lathes — the same parts would vibrate uncontrollably on a standard CNC lathe.
◈
Multi-Axis Operations in One Pass
Swiss lathes carry multiple cutting tools that can work simultaneously — turning, threading, grooving, and drilling happen in overlapping motions, reducing cycle time dramatically.
Small Diameter
Long Slender Parts
Micro Precision
High Volume
Core Value
Why Swiss Machining for Small Precision Parts
Conventional CNC turning reaches its limits on small, slender, and high-volume precision parts. Swiss machining was designed specifically for these challenges.
LD
Workpiece Deflection — Eliminated
Small-diameter, long parts flex under cutting forces on a conventional lathe — causing chatter, dimensional variation, and inconsistent finish. The Swiss guide bushing eliminates this by supporting the workpiece at the exact cutting point, regardless of part length.
Ra
Superior Finish on Small Diameters
Swiss machining consistently achieves Ra 0.4 μm and below on small cylindrical surfaces. The controlled cutting environment, short tool reach, and stable workpiece support produce finishes that are difficult to replicate with standard turning on small parts.
±
Tight Tolerance on Complex Small Features
Medical pins, dental components, and electronic connector bodies demand tolerances of ±0.005 mm and below on features just millimeters in diameter. Swiss machining delivers this repeatably — across thousands of pieces — in a way no other turning process can.
HV
Designed for High-Volume Production
Bar-fed Swiss lathes run lights-out with automatic bar feeders. Stable cycle times, fast changeovers, and in-process gauging make Swiss the ideal process for recurring high-volume production of small precision components — medical fasteners, connector pins, precision shafts.
Capabilities
Swiss Machining Capabilities
CAP / 01
μ
Micro Turning
Precise OD and ID turning on extremely small diameters — from Ø0.5 mm. Precision shafts, micro pins, connector bodies, and dental parts machined to sub-micron surface finish.
CAP / 02
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Long Slender Parts
Cannulas, probes, long pins, and precision shafts with L/D ratios up to 100:1. The guide bushing provides continuous support — no deflection, no chatter, no compromise on length.
CAP / 03
M
Swiss Threading & Grooving
Small-diameter thread cutting (metric, UNF, UNC, custom pitch), undercut grooves, O-ring grooves, sealing features, and relief grooves — all precision-machined on small parts in one setup.
CAP / 04
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Cross Drilling & Secondary Features
Live tooling on Swiss lathes machines cross-holes, radial features, flats, and simple milled details in the same setup — combining turning and milling operations without re-fixturing.
CAP / 05
←→
Back Working / Complete Machining
Back-spindle operations machine the rear end of the part without removing it from the machine — both ends finished in one pass. Minimizes handling and ensures concentricity between front and back features.
CAP / 06
HV
High-Volume Production
Bar-fed, lights-out production with automated bar feeders and in-process gauging. Stable cycle times and fast changeovers make Swiss the ideal platform for recurring precision production orders.
Part Gallery
Typical Parts for Swiss Machining
Precision Threaded Pins · SS 303
Connector Bodies · Brass C360
Medical Cannulas · SS 316L
Probe Bodies · Ti TC4
Precision Micro Shafts · 17-4PH
Precision pins
Medical cannulas
Dental components
Micro shafts
Electronic connectors
Sensor housings
Watch components
Small bushings
Miniature threaded parts
Aerospace fasteners
Precision probes
Valve stems & micro sleeves
Technical Specifications
Technical Capability for Swiss Machining
Diameter Range
Ø0.5–32mm
Micro to small precision parts
Max L/D Ratio
100:1
Long slender shafts & cannulas
Tolerance
±0.005mm
On critical precision features
Surface Finish
Ra 0.4μm
Finer finishes achievable
Production Mode
Volume
Bar-fed, lights-out production
✓Concentricity & runout on micro shafts
✓Thread verification for small M-series threads
✓Material certification for medical & aerospace
✓Prototype to production — same facility
Material Selection
Materials for Swiss Machining
303
Stainless 303
Free-machining SS · Best for high-volume turning
304
Stainless 304/316L
Corrosion resistant · Medical & food applications
17-4
17-4PH Stainless
High-strength · Aerospace fasteners & pins
440
440C Stainless
High hardness · Miniature bearings & valve parts
C360
Brass C360
Best machinability · Connectors & fittings
C260
Brass C260
Cartridge brass · Spring & forming applications
C110
Pure Copper C110
Max conductivity · Electrical contacts & pins
BeCu
Beryllium Copper
Spring properties · Precision contact springs
GR2
Titanium Grade 2
Pure Ti · Medical & chemical resistance
TC4
Ti-6Al-4V / TC4
Aerospace & implant grade
6061
Aluminum 6061
General purpose · Lightweight precision parts
7075
Aluminum 7075
High-strength · Aerospace precision parts
PEEK
PEEK
250°C+ · Medical implant-adjacent & semiconductor
POM
Delrin / POM
Low friction · Micro guides & precision sleeves
PTFE
PTFE / Teflon
Chemically inert · Micro valve seats & seals
UHMW
UHMW-PE
Wear resistant · Guide & liner components
Industries Served
Where Swiss Machining Delivers Value
Medical Devices
Surgical instrument bodies, cannulas, bone screw blanks, and implant-adjacent hardware in biocompatible 316L, 17-4PH, Ti TC4 with material certs.
Cannulas
Bone Screws
Surgical Pins
Electronics & Communication
Micro connector pins, sensor housings, precision terminals, and RF parts machined to tight tolerances at production volumes.
Connector Pins
Sensor Bodies
RF Terminals
Aerospace & Defense
Precision fasteners, small structural pins, and flight-critical micro components in titanium, 17-4PH, and Inconel with full traceability.
Fasteners
Precision Pins
Ti TC4 Parts
Dental Components
Implant abutments, drill bodies, and dental instrument parts in 304/316L and Ti Grade 5 — small features, mirror finish, dimensional repeatability.
Abutments
Drill Bodies
Probes
Automotive & EV
Fuel injector parts, small precision shafts, sensor housings, and high-volume turned components for ICE and electric vehicle platforms.
Injector Parts
Micro Shafts
EV Sensors
Optical & Watchmaking
Lens mount adjusters, micro mechanism parts, watch crown stems, and miniature precision components requiring sub-micron tolerance.
Lens Mounts
Watch Stems
Micro Mechs
Process Comparison
Swiss Machining vs Standard CNC Turning
Understanding which process fits your part helps you get the right quote, the right price, and the right result.
Swiss Machining
Diameter
Ø0.5 – 32 mm — optimized for small diameters
L/D Ratio
Up to 100:1 — long slender parts without deflection
Best For
Pins, cannulas, connectors, micro shafts, dental parts
Volume
High-volume capable — bar-fed, lights-out production
Tolerance
±0.005 mm and tighter on critical small features
Industries
Medical, Dental, Electronics, Aerospace, Watchmaking
Standard CNC Turning
Diameter
Up to Ø600 mm — all mid and large rotational parts
L/D Ratio
Practical limit ~5:1 to 10:1 without tailstock support
Best For
Shafts, flanges, bushings, connectors, hubs
Volume
Prototype through production, all quantities
Tolerance
±0.01 mm standard; tighter on precision applications
Industries
All industries — general-purpose turning process
Not sure which process is right for your part?
Upload your drawing and our team will advise on the optimal process — Swiss, standard turning, or a combination.
Quality Assurance
Quality Control for Small Precision Components
μ
Micro-Dimensional Inspection
Small-diameter features measured with precision air gauges, laser micrometers, and CMM. Diameters to ±0.001 mm and roundness verification on critical shafts and pins.
TH
Thread & Diameter Verification
All threaded features verified with thread gauges (Go/No-Go) appropriate for small M-series threads. Pitch diameter and form checked for precision threaded components.
Ra
Surface Finish Control
Ra measured with profilometers on turned surfaces. Surface finish is particularly critical for medical cannulas, dental components, and bearing-adjacent shaft surfaces.
BC
Batch Consistency Monitoring
For production runs, dimensional checks performed at defined intervals throughout the batch — not only at setup. Statistical process monitoring available for long-run medical and aerospace orders.
MC
Material Certification
Mill certificates with heat number and full chemical composition provided for all orders. Third-party material testing and biocompatibility certification documentation available for medical parts.
TR
Lot Traceability
Every production lot is traceable from raw material heat number through machining parameters, inspection records, and final shipment — essential for medical device supply chains.
Production Capability
Built for High-Volume Precision Production
Swiss machining isn't just for prototypes — it was designed for production. Bar-fed, automated, and capable of running lights-out, Swiss lathes deliver exceptional consistency across tens of thousands of identical parts.
100K+
Parts per Run
<1%
Part-to-Part Variation
3–5day
Prototype Lead Time
24/7
Lights-Out Capable
Stable cycle times for repeat orders — consistent cost per part
In-process gauging maintains quality throughout long runs
Automated bar feeders run unattended through entire shifts
Suitable for recurring demand — same setup, same quality, each order
Ø0.5–32mm
Diameter Range
100:1
Max L/D Ratio
±0.005mm
Precision Tolerance
24hr
Quote Turnaround
Workflow
How Our Swiss Machining Service Works
1
Upload CAD File
Send STEP, DXF, or PDF. 2D drawings with diameter, length, and feature callouts accepted.
2
Swiss Suitability Review
We assess diameter, L/D ratio, feature complexity, and confirm that Swiss is the optimal process for your part.
3
Quote & Process Plan
Detailed quote within 24 hours covering material, tolerances, cycle plan, and lead time for prototype or production.
4
Swiss Production
Bar-fed Swiss machining with in-process gauging. Both prototype and production runs from the same setup.
5
Inspection & Delivery
Dimensional inspection, surface finish check, and material certs. Shipped with full documentation and tracking.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything about Swiss machining — what it is, when to use it, and how it differs from standard CNC turning.
Swiss machining (Swiss-type CNC turning) uses a sliding headstock lathe where the workpiece is fed through a guide bushing that provides continuous support close to the cutting point. This eliminates workpiece deflection on long, slender parts and enables extremely tight tolerances and excellent surface finishes on small-diameter components that would be impossible to achieve on a conventional CNC lathe.
Standard CNC turning holds the workpiece in a chuck and machines it from one end — suitable for short, rigid parts up to Ø600 mm. Swiss machining feeds the workpiece through a guide bushing, supporting it very close to the cutting zone. This makes Swiss the correct process for long, slender parts (L/D ratios up to 100:1), small diameters (Ø0.5–32 mm), and high-volume precision production where workpiece deflection must be eliminated.
Swiss machining is optimized for part diameters from Ø0.5 mm to Ø32 mm. The guide bushing support system is most effective for parts with length-to-diameter ratios of 5:1 and above — going up to 100:1 or more for pin-type and cannula-type parts. For parts larger than Ø32 mm, standard CNC turning is the appropriate process.
On a conventional CNC lathe, long slender workpieces deflect under cutting forces — causing chatter, dimensional variation, and poor surface finish. Swiss machining eliminates this problem by feeding the bar through a guide bushing that supports the workpiece exactly at the cutting zone. The material is always supported where it is being cut, regardless of total part length.
We run all major engineering materials on our Swiss lathes including stainless steel (303, 304, 316L, 17-4PH), brass (C360, C260), aluminum (6061, 7075), titanium (Grade 2, Grade 5/TC4), and engineering plastics (PEEK, Delrin/POM, PTFE, UHMW-PE). Free-cutting grades such as 303 stainless and C360 brass are particularly well-suited to high-volume Swiss production.
Yes. Swiss machining is the dominant production process for medical precision components — surgical instrument bodies, cannulas, bone screw blanks, catheter guidewires, and implant-adjacent hardware. For electronics, it produces micro connector pins, sensor housings, and precision terminals at the tolerances and volumes that medical and electronics supply chains require.
Yes. Swiss lathes are inherently suited to high-volume production — bar-fed operation, fast cycle times, and stable repeat accuracy make them ideal for 10,000-piece and 100,000-piece runs. Our Swiss production lines run with automated bar feeders and in-process gauging to maintain consistent quality across long production runs.
Our Swiss machining capability covers diameters from Ø0.5 mm up to Ø32 mm. For parts larger than Ø32 mm, we recommend our standard CNC turning service which handles parts up to Ø600 mm outer diameter.
Get a Quote
Send Your Drawing.
Get a Quote.
Every enquiry includes a DFM review — tolerance feasibility, material confirmation, and process approach confirmed before production starts. MOQ 1 piece.
24hr
Quote Response
MOQ 1
Prototypes OK
ISO
9001:2015
📐
DFM Review on Every Enquiry
Tolerance feasibility, fixturing strategy, and material confirmation. Specific, actionable feedback — not generic pushback.
🎯
First Article Inspection — Standard
FAI report on every new run. Material certs and surface treatment certs included with every shipment.
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Same Process: Prototype to Production
Process plan from your prototype applies to production batches. No re-qualification when you scale.
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3 / 4 / 5-Axis CNC + Turning
Complex structural parts, shafts, housings, and transmission components. Metals and engineering plastics.
ISO 9001:2015
3/4/5-Axis Milling
CNC Turning
CMM Inspection
Global Delivery