Many precision machining companies use standard lathes for turning and milling. On a conventional machine the part is stationary and the tool moves, which provides only United accuracy, output and versatility. The capability to machine small, complex parts is often out of reach of a standard lathe which limits the scope of the bids a precision engineering company can take. Here we look at the benefits of upgrading to a CNC Swiss lathe.

ABILITY TO MACHINE SMALLER AND MORE COMPLEX PARTS

Older machine types are able to machine small parts within tight tolerances, but this machining often takes too long and has limited capabilities. In traditional precision machining set ups, the tool is introduced to the workpiece and works around the workpiece, while the workpiece remains still. The Swiss lathe delivers the workpiece to the tool, which allows the Swiss lathe to create intricate, geometrically complicated pieces much more efficiently and effectively.

ABILITY TO PERFORM BOTH TURNING AND MILLING

Because the workpiece moves in the case of the Swiss lathe, there is the possibility for greater versatility and diversity in the type of machining that can be done in just one process. Both turning and milling can be completed with the Swiss lathe, providing the capability to produce net shape parts on one machine in one process, made possible by live tooling and backworking.

REDUCED CYCLE TIMES

Because of this unique ability for one step completion and the ability of the workpiece to move around the tool, the Swiss lathe also has reduced cycle times for greater efficiency. Software used with the Swiss lathe also speeds up the process setup, by allowing programmers to watch a part being run using a simulation. This makes setup and corrections easier, so pieces can be machined faster. Swiss lathes can also greatly reduce the machining time required for legacy parts that were previously created on older machines.

SAVE BY USING LESS BARSTOCK/BILLET

Because the Swiss lathe can machine smaller workpieces, the barstock required to work with a Swiss lathe is reduced. Smaller barstock is less expensive, which mean you can save money while still getting the results you need.

GREATER POTENTIAL FOR SINGLE PROCESS MACHINING USING MAIN AND SUBSPINDLES

As many as 28 manual tools can be mounted at a time on the Swiss lathe. This allows a greater range and versatility of techniques to be used at one time allowing single process machining.

EXTENDED LENGTH-TO-DIAMETER RATIO

In machining, the larger the length-to-diameter ratio, the less rigid the setup. The Swiss lathe allows for an extended length-to-diameter ratio over older machines due to the way barstock is fed into the machine and the support provided by the guide bushing.

ABILITY TO TAKE ON WIDER RANGE OF BIDS

The use of a Swiss lathe allows you to not only improve efficiency when machining legacy parts but to also take on bids for machining parts you may not have had the capabilities for before. This boosts productivity, client trust and profits.

CAPABILITY FOR ‘LIGHTS OUT’ MACHINING

The Swiss lathe has the ability to perform unmanned and so it can be used for lights out machining to boost output for large orders.

For more information about swiss style lathe,swiss screw machining,swiss turn lathe, we are glad to answer for you.