A Swiss machine is physically smaller than a conventional CNC machine as they were developed to produce smaller parts. They also can machine on multiple axis. Macfab has up to 9 axis Swiss-style CNCs. In place of chucks, they utilize guide bushings and collet systems allowing for high speeds and lower runout parts. A Swiss machine with guide bushings works by advancing the part out as turning and milling parts are machined; however, the part runout is directly affected by the runout of the bar material. As a result, bar stock should be centerless ground. Newer Swiss machines also can switch to a collet system and can use standard bar material with much better control over part runout. The collet systems are typically for shorter parts, whereas the traditional guide bushing machines are capable of running parts up to 24” long with slightly more efficient cycle times.
This animated part could be completed in one setup and a single fluid operation, whereas If the same part is made in a conventional CNC, it would present challenges with the orientation of the cross holes to the hex at an angle. Furthermore, the number of cross holes drilled is an odd number making the angular alinement to the hex even more critical.
As Swiss machines are designed for high volume production, bar feeding integrated, and with less scrap as all operations are done in the same setup. The collet design has high part rotation speeds for shorter cycle times with improved accuracy. As the Swiss machine produces the hex, the machine can quickly establish the orientation of the cross holes without additional fixturing or probing time. Macfab’s investment in virtual manufacturing allows for offline programming of our Swiss CNCs making them an economical option for lower volume precision parts.
Can you imagine your lower volume parts being made on a Swiss-style CNC? Let Macfab’s creative engineers turn these visions into shorter lead times, lower part cost, and higher quality.