Swiss-type turned parts
Slender turned parts such as bolts, pins and shafts: we place your Swiss-type turned parts with vetted partner shops running sliding-head lathes.
Swiss-type turned parts are slender turned parts with a length to diameter ratio above 3:1, made on sliding-head lathes with a guide bushing. Typical examples are pins, contacts, axles and parts for medical instruments. Strobel Industry places Swiss-type turned parts made to drawing with vetted partner shops and gets back to you within 24 hours with the right shop.
Guide bushing
The key feature of Swiss-type turning: the guide bushing supports the bar stock right at the cutting point. There is no lever arm, so the material cannot deflect, even with long, slender parts.
Unlike chuck turning, the bar moves back and forth during machining through the bushing. The tools are positioned in a fixed place and machine the material at the bushing. This allows very tight tolerances and good surfaces on small diameters.
Why Swiss-type turning?
Guide bushing
Supports the material right at the cutting point. No deflection, no vibration, even at L/D above 10. This allows very tight tolerances on small diameters.
Bar feeder
Automatic material supply with 3-metre bars. One bar often yields more than 100 parts without manual intervention.
Unmanned production
Partner shops with bar feeders also run their sliding-head lathes at night and at weekends. Main and sub-spindle work in parallel, which keeps cycle times short.
Sub-spindle
Back-side machining without reclamping. Complete machining in one setup, for example threads on both ends or facing the back side.
Small diameters
Sliding-head lathes are designed for small diameters: pins, bolts, shafts, axles and contact pins. Parts that are not economical on a chuck lathe.
Series production
Swiss-type turning is designed for medium and large series, cycle times of a few seconds per part are common. Framework agreements or consignment stock are agreed directly with the partner shop.
Typical Swiss-type parts
Bolts & pins
Fitted bolts, dowel pins, clamping sleeves, high precision and in series.
Ø3 to 20 mmShafts & axles
Slender shafts with shoulders, grooves and threads. L/D up to 10 and beyond.
from Ø6 mmBushings & sleeves
Spacer bushings, guide sleeves, thread adapters, internal and external machining.
from Ø5 mmContacts & pins
Contact pins, test pins, nozzle needles, highest surface requirements.
Ø3 to 10 mmThreaded parts
Set screws, stud bolts, knurled bolts, threads M3 to M30.
Ø3 to 30 mmSpacers
Spacer rollers, standoffs, washers with combined turning and milling.
from Ø6 mmValve parts
Valve seats, valve stems, nozzle bodies, tight tolerances and fine surfaces.
Ø4 to 25 mmSpecial parts
Complex geometries with cross holes, flats and slots, completely machined.
to drawingFrequently asked questions
Q1What is the difference between Swiss-type and chuck turning?
In Swiss-type turning the bar runs through a guide bushing that supports it right at the cutting point. This prevents deflection and allows tight tolerances on small diameters. In chuck turning the workpiece is clamped firmly in the chuck, which makes much larger diameters possible.
Q2From what quantity is Swiss-type turning worthwhile?
Swiss-type parts become economical even in small series when the partner shop runs unmanned with a bar feeder. The unit price is lowest for series of about 500 to 50,000 parts. For one-offs and prototypes we also place orders with shops using CNC lathes without a guide bushing.
Q3Which tolerances are achievable in Swiss-type turning?
Thanks to the guide bushing, good Swiss-type shops achieve tolerances to IT6 and surfaces down to Ra 0.4 µm. For particularly tight tolerances they work with measuring cycles and automatic compensation.
Enquire about Swiss-type turned parts
Send us your drawing with quantity. We review it and get back to you within 24 hours with the right partner shop.
Ready for the
next step?
Send us your drawing. We review the enquiry and pass it on to a suitable, vetted partner shop, free and without obligation .