Swiss-type turning uses a guide bushing positioned directly at the cutting zone to support the workpiece as it feeds through the machine. Unlike conventional lathes, where the part is clamped at one end and may deflect during cutting, the guide bushing keeps the workpiece stable at the exact point where material is being removed. This provides exceptional dimensional consistency for long, slender, and small-diameter Swiss machined parts that can be difficult to produce accurately on a conventional lathe.
Our Swiss CNC machining process incorporates multiple operations OD turning, ID boring, threading, grooving, cross-drilling, and live milling into a single uninterrupted program. This reduces secondary operations, re-fixturing, and the potential for setup-related variation between features. The result is a completed part ready for inspection and shipment.
Our Swiss machining services are designed for manufacturers requiring precision, repeatability, and efficient production of complex small-diameter components.
We operate Swiss CNC machines in three capacity classes, matching machine size to part requirements for optimal efficiency and precision.
| Machine Sizes | 20mm, 32mm, and 38mm Swiss CNC machines |
| Bar Stock Capacity | Up to 1-5/8″ (38mm) diameter |
| Live Tooling | Full driven tool capability — cross-holes, flats, milled features, threading |
| Operations | OD turning, ID boring, threading, grooving, cross-drilling, live milling in one cycle |
| Metals | Stainless (303/304/316/17-4PH), aluminum (6061/7075), brass (360), titanium (Grade 5), alloy steel (4140/4340), carbon steel (12L14), copper |
| Plastics | Delrin, PEEK, nylon, polycarbonate, PTFE |
| Volume | 1 prototype to 500,000+ parts per year |
| Certifications | ISO 9001:2015 |
Swiss CNC machining is ideal for parts that are long relative to their diameter, require tight tolerances, and need multiple features completed in a single cycle. Common Swiss-machined parts from Resolute Precision include:
Our Swiss machines handle bar stock from approximately 1mm to 38mm (1-1/2 inches) diameter. For parts larger than 38mm, our conventional CNC lathes with live tooling provide comparable complexity capability.
Swiss machining supports the workpiece at the cutting zone via a guide bushing, virtually eliminating deflection. Conventional lathes clamp at one end — parts under 1/2 inch diameter in long lengths will deflect during cutting, degrading accuracy and surface finish.
Our Swiss machines routinely achieve tolerances of ±0.0005″ or tighter. For critical diameter and length dimensions, even tighter tolerances are achievable with appropriate process controls.
Yes. We produce Swiss-machined parts from single-piece prototypes through high-volume production runs. Prototype and production use identical machines and processes, ensuring your prototype accurately represents production part quality.