What is Swiss Screw Machining?
Many people do not know the specifics of swiss screw machining and how it differs from other processes. The article given below is a primer for those who are oblivious to the mechanics of a swiss screw machine. It is helpful to both engineers and buyers if they know about basic concepts. Keep scrolling!
Table of Content
■ Benefits of Swiss Screw machining
■ Types of Swiss Screw Machines
Denifition
According to its name, a watch industry in Switzerland first introduced Swiss Screw Machining. The purpose was to manufacture small screws more efficiently. Later, several countries including China adopted this effective technique to create similar equipment.
Swiss Screw Machining has several names; people call it Swiss Turning, Swiss Automatic Machining, or simply Swiss. It is a subcategory of machining, utilizing a specialized lathe. Manufacturers supply raw material usually, a bar or rod stock into the machine at the start of a Swiss screw machining process. Using an electrically powered headstock, they clamp down on the materials. The headstock spins and slides the raw material through a guide and into the tool zone for cutting. Experts use different sharp tools to cut it into the desired shape. The production of complex components efficiently in a single cycle is vital. Hence in Swiss Turning, some processes use several spindles to incorporate different cutting tools in the same cycle.
When the high precision parts are completed, the swiss screw machines automatically cut it off. Then the bar feeder offers new material restarting the screw machining process. In this way, the process continues, decreasing the time needed for one cycle. This helps to lower the cost as well.
But while using traditional techniques, the process is different. Manufacturers need to stop the screw machine to insert new material and remove the finished workpiece. This increases the time required to complete one item, ultimately raising the cost.
Benefits of Swiss Screw machining
1. Higher Efficiency
As mentioned before, some processes in Swiss Screw machining combine several spindles with different cutting tools in a single cycle. Doing this produces highly complex and high volume components in bulk. These precision components often do not need secondary finishing. This factor makes the process even more cost-effective. Also, once you install a Swiss screw machine, it functions automatically. Thus the operator involvement decreases.
2. More Variation in Design
Moreover, the CNC Swiss screw machining and CNC turning processes easily create precision small parts usually less than 1.25 inches in diameter. They can also be cylindrical and precise. Also, the manufacturers can use several raw materials to manufacture the turned parts and components. They can use metal such as aluminum, brass, stainless steel, and non-metal materials, such as plastic, PEEK, Delrin, and Acetal. This way, Swiss machining leads to more variety and high volume.
3. More Cutting Tools and More Control
Swiss screw machines combine many cutting tools to perform different manufacturing operations. This produces a unique element on the workpiece. Also, Swiss screw machining processes enable the production of precision parts. But, using CNC technology in the Swiss Machines helps manufacturers decrease production errors. This leads to more tolerance and gain in control.
4. Less Deflection
In CNC Swiss screw machining processes, there is a minimum distance between the workpiece support and the cutting. Hence, bending in the workpiece decreases, causing less deflection at the cutting surface. This technique results in a better quality of the machined components services.
Types of Swiss Screw Machines
The two main types of Swiss Screw Machines are CNC and automatic.
Ø Automatic Swiss Screw Machine
Automatic Swiss machines work by mounting workpieces on a slide that constantly rotates. A disc cam rotates the tools to the workpiece bay, where spindle collets hold the materials in place. The disc cams depict a radial motion to transfer the components to the next stop.
The spindle collets are very near to prevent any problems because of the deflected debris. While automatic Swiss screw machines can multitask, they do not display the precision and swiftness of a CNC unit.
Ø CNC Swiss Screw Machine
People refer to CNC Swiss screw machines as CNC turning machines or lathes. The mode of operation of these machines is the same as an automatic Swiss screw machine. The difference is that a CNC (computer numerical control) unit determines the process. Because of the added skill and precision of the computer, these turning machines show more sets of tooling. This enables the CNC Swiss screw machine to complete several processes on the same workpiece much faster.
Applications of Swiss Screw Machining
Industries use the Swiss screw machining process in many ways; they use it to construct variable cylindrical components, including fittings, screws, and shafts. It offers high precision and accuracy. It is ideal for complex equipment, especially for industries requiring stringent quality control.
Ø Aerospace
In this industry, companies need high precision in machined parts and equipment. The Swiss screw machining is perfect to meet this condition. Aerospace parts created through Swiss screw machining include connectors, shafts, and screws.
Ø Communication
Swiss screw machining is perfect for minute or complicated screws with many surface features. Hence industries use it to create various components for communications. These include contacts, connectors, and fasteners which are all widespread in electronic devices.
Ø Medicine
Another industry in which quality and safety standards matter immensely is the medical industry. People use Swiss machining to produce equipment for doctors and dentists. These industries use FDA-approved materials, such as stainless steel to make surgical equipment.
Ø Commercial
Swiss screw machining became famous for making precise components for watches. Now its commercial importance is much more prevalent. Industries use this technology to create any small part of a similar size.
Conclusion
Now you are aware of the various types of Swiss screw machines. You will find it easier to source the right equipment for your industry. Once installed, these machined parts last longer. And they need only a single operator to handle them while decreasing production time and cost. This helps manufacturers make more profit while ensuring the precision and quality of all components.
Worthy Hardware is a CNC manufacturing and sheet metal fabrication company,including CNC machining services,CNC milling services, CNC turning services, laser cutting services and stamping services.Call us +86-76989919645 or email us [email protected] for more discounts for your projects.