The Benefits of Turning Technology and CNC Machining

The Benefits of Turning Technology and CNC Machining

Today's lathe technology has evolved into sophisticated turning systems with highly efficient, incredibly consistent operations and sophisticated features such as automatic operation and custom programming.

Computer numerical control (CNC) machines, in particular, are extremely popular due to their fast, efficient process. These tools operate based purely on digital controls. Once a program has been perfected, the machining can produce parts at high speeds, with the tightest possible tolerances, over and over again. The process is also cost-effective, quick, and extremely precise.

CNC machining equipment comes in a wide variety of styles, all optimized to suit unique jobs and create high-quality components. Vertical milling centers are the easiest of these machines to program, offering an efficient option for short-run parts. Horizontal milling centers operate at higher speeds, offering large volume orders with quick turnarounds and reliably high quality.

Industrial Swiss Screw Turning

Swiss screw turning, or Swiss screw machining, is misleadingly named; screws are in no way critical to operation. In fact, Swiss turning is nearly the same as standard CNC turning.

A Swiss screw machine turns parts much like any automated lathe, with a rapidly spinning bar stock and high-precision CNC or automatic electric control. However, Swiss tools operate with two essential differences.

Swiss guide bushing — The collet chuck of a Swiss screw machine incorporates a guide bushing, just at the opening that the bar stock feeds through. While this may not seem important, the bushing’s support minimizes any kind of wobbling in the bar caused by centrifugal force. The part maintains stability and allows for highly precise tolerances, even in tiny, long, and narrow applications.

Reduced cutting deflection — The cutting tools on Swiss machines contact the stock next to the guide bushing, offering even more stability. The bushing neutralizes the deflection caused by the force of a cut, while the tool maintains an even position in the rotating bar stock.

Overall, Swiss screw machines are built for perfect precision, even in the most delicate parts with the most demanding tolerances.