Swiss CNC Machining

Up to Ø 0.5″ × 6″ · Tolerances to ±0.0002″

When the part is too small or too long-and-skinny for a conventional lathe, Swiss-type machining is the answer. Sliding-headstock turning supports the workpiece right at the cut — deflection drops, surface finish improves, tolerances tighten.

Send your Swiss print (612) 851-6772

Capability Spec

SWISS

Type	Sliding headstock Swiss
Max diameter	Ø 0.5″ (12.7 mm)
Max length	6″ per cycle
Live tooling	Cross drill · mill · thread
Achievable tol.	±0.0002″
Surface finish	Down to Ra 8 µin

Best fit

When to choose Swiss

Small diameters (under Ø 0.5″) with length-to-diameter ratios that would deflect on a chuck lathe
Surgical instruments, orthopedic screws, dental components
Connector pins, electrical contacts, RF probes
Aerospace fasteners and bushings
High-volume runs (1,000s+) where unit cost depends on cycle time

Why Swiss vs lathe

A standard lathe holds the bar in a chuck and the cutting tool reaches out toward the part. On long, thin parts the bar deflects under cutting load — you lose surface finish and roundness.

Swiss machines move the bar through a guide bushing positioned right next to the tool. The cut happens against a supported workpiece, so deflection drops to near-zero. Result: tighter concentricity, better Ra, and reliable runs of small parts that no lathe can hold.

Typical Swiss parts

What we run

▸ Bone screws & pins
▸ Surgical instrument shafts
▸ Implant components
▸ Connector pins
▸ RF / coax contacts
▸ Hydraulic micro-fittings
▸ Aerospace fasteners
▸ Watch & instrument parts

Materials

Daily run list

▸ Stainless 303 / 304 / 316 / 416
▸ Stainless 17-4 / 15-5 PH
▸ Titanium 6Al-4V (medical grade)
▸ Custom 465
▸ Brass C360
▸ Aluminum 2011 / 6061
▸ PEEK / Delrin

Small parts. Tight tolerances. Volume.

Send the STEP — we'll tell you if Swiss is right and quote it inside 24 hours.

Upload your print (612) 851-6772