Swiss turning, also known as Swiss machining or Swiss-style machining, is a precision manufacturing process that is highly effective for producing small, complex, and high-precision cylindrical parts. The history of Swiss precision machining technology can be traced back to the 18th century, and with the advent of the Industrial Revolution, Switzerland gradually introduced more advanced machining technology. After the end of World War II, Swiss precision machining technology was significantly improved, and many companies began to develop more advanced CNC machines and automated production lines. Today, Swiss precision machining technology enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide.
Swiss precision machining technology has a wide range of applications, can process more materials, and have the characteristics of high speed and high rigidity, it can ensure high-precision production and adapt to the processing needs of complex parts, the processing method is widely used to improve the intelligence of precision parts production.The technology is widely used in many fields such as watch manufacturing, medical equipment, aerospace and high-tech industries, and plays an important role in the global manufacturing industry.
1. Overview of Swiss Precision Machining Technology
1.1 Definition and Working Principle
Swiss precision machining technology refers to the micron-level precision machining of components by means of high-precision machine tools, CNC equipment and advanced automation processes to achieve complex geometries, fine tolerances and surface finishes.
Swiss precision machining technology works by feeding the bar stock through guide bushings that firmly support the material as it is fed into the machining area of the machine. In addition, only the machined part of the bar enters the machining area, which means that the material is held tightly in place for increased stability and accuracy. With conventional CNC lathes, the workpiece is usually rotated rapidly in a fixed position and held securely at one or both ends.Swiss-type lathes are different from conventional lathes in that the workpiece is continuously fed on the main shaft.
1.2 Core Advantages of Swiss Precision Machining Technology
Extremely tight tolerances: Swiss precision machining is known for its micron precision and is ideal for producing parts with extremely tight tolerances.
The ability to process more complex geometries:By using multi-axis CNC machines and Swiss-type lathes, complex multi-surface machining can be achieved. These parts have thinner walls, more refined features, and deeper cuts that are not possible on other machines.
High efficiency: The cycle time of Swiss machine tools is much shorter than other types of CNC machine tools, and Swiss precision machines are often able to integrate multiple processing processes (such as drilling, milling, turning) into a single operation.
Low material loss rate: Swiss precision machining technology has high precision, small error, better quality control, improved production efficiency, and reduced material waste due to its efficient material removal capability, which is extremely obvious when using valuable materials such as medical grade alloys for processing.
1.3 Swiss Technology Screw Machining Services in the Chinese Market
Swiss screw machining service is a professional process for machining small parts on Swiss screw CNC machines or Swiss lathes. . The parts and products manufactured by Swiss screw machining are small and precise. The market size of Swiss screw processing services in China will reach billion yuan (RMB) in 2023. According to relevant reports, the global Swiss screw processing service market will reach 100 million yuan by 2029.
As a global manufacturing center, China is transforming from low-end manufacturing to high-end manufacturing. With the growing demand for high-quality, high-precision parts, Swiss screw processing technology has broad application prospects in the Chinese market. Mainly reflected in the automobile manufacturing industry, medical device industry, micro electronic products industry and so on. A number of high-end automakers have begun working with Swiss machining equipment suppliers to produce complex automotive components and fasteners for them. For example, battery systems and power assemblies in new energy vehicles require high-precision screws, and Swiss technology is able to meet these requirements. Chinese medical device manufacturers are gradually introducing Swiss-type machining technology to produce high-precision medical screws that meet international standards, especially in the orthopedic and dental fields.
Although Swiss screw machining technology has great potential in the Chinese market, it also faces some challenges:
High cost: Swiss precision equipment is expensive, and expensive to operate and maintain, which may be unaffordable for some small and medium-sized enterprises.
Technical barriers: Swiss processing technology requires a high level of technical staff and specialized training to operate the equipment proficiently. Therefore, when introducing Swiss technology, enterprises must invest a lot of resources in personnel training.
1.4 Applicability Analysis of Technology in Swiss Screw Machining
With its high precision, complex structure processing capability and automation level, Swiss screw processing technology is suitable for many high-end industries.
- Medical device industry: It is used in the production of microscrews, orthopedic screws, etc.
- Aerospace: High-strength, corrosion-resistant materials are very common in the aerospace sector, and Swiss processing technology is able to handle these materials and guarantee accuracy and strength.
- Automobile manufacturing: In new energy vehicles and traditional automobile manufacturing, the connection of many parts requires a large number of precision screws, and Swiss technology can ensure production efficiency and high consistency of screws.
- Photovoltaic industry: Photovoltaic modules and mounting systems require a large number of screws, bolts and fasteners that not only accurately connect the photovoltaic modules, but also maintain long-term stability in harsh climatic conditions.
2.Specialized Application of Swiss Precision CNC Machining
2.1 Application of Swiss Screw Machining Technology in China
- Electron industry: China is the world’s largest electronics manufacturing base, and Swiss lathe technology is widely used in precision electronics and consumer electronics, especially in the processing of small, complex parts. Precision components for mobile phones, tablets, laptops, smart watches and headphones…Consider Foxconn: As one of the world’s largest consumer electronics manufacturers, Foxconn uses Swiss lathe technology in many of its production lines to meet customer demand for high-precision electronics.
- Auto industry: Engine parts like fuel injectors, precision valves, sensor parts, etc., such as BYD: BYD is a leading new energy vehicle manufacturer in China, which uses Swiss precision machining equipment to produce key components to improve the quality and extend the life of its vehicles.
- Medical device industry: Catheters, needles, surgical forceps and other minimally invasive surgical tools, as well as implant screws, such as titanium alloy screws in orthopedic surgery. A typical case is Mindray Medical, one of the largest medical device manufacturers in China, which uses Swiss lathe processing technology in some high-end precision medical equipment.
- Aerospace industry: Aero engine turbine blades, combustion chamber components and fuel injection system components are using Swiss lathe processing technology, such as AVIC, as early as the introduction of Swiss lathe technology to improve the accuracy and reliability of China’s aerospace equipment, but also contributed to the rapid development of China’s aerospace industry.
2.2 Advantages of Customized CNC Screw Machining Services
- High precision: CNC machining allows for extremely high precision and tight tolerance control. For customized screws, consistency and accuracy can be ensured from batch to batch.
- Outstanding ability to machine complex geometries: CNC machines are capable of machining complex threads, shaped screw heads and other customized geometries.
- High productivity: CNC machining can go from design to finished product quickly and with a high degree of automation for high output and quality.
- Material Versatility: CNC machining can handle a wide range of materials to meet the needs of different applications for screw materials.
- Low human error: CNC machining is controlled by a program that reduces the involvement of manual operations and reduces the risk of human error.
3. Case Studies of Swiss Precision Machining in Industry
3.1 Precision Screw Machining Requirements in the Aerospace Field
The processing requirements for precision screws in the aerospace field are very strict, covering many aspects such as high precision, material strength, surface treatment and quality control. For example, Boeing requires the diameter and length of each screw thread to be accurate to the micron level, and the material requirements are also very strict, the need for high precision, lightweight, high temperature resistance and other high-quality materials,, such as SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, which uses titanium alloy screws to fixed rocket propulsion devices. All in all， CNC precision screw machining technology plays an irreplaceable role in the field of aerospace.
3.2 Swiss Screw Manufacturing in the Medical Device Industry
Since the medical device field involves human health and safety, the requirements for components are extremely strict. Swiss screw manufacturing is widely used in the medical device industry due to its high precision, high quality, high strength, use of special materials and quality surface treatment. For example, screws used in spinal fusion devices for orthopedic implants, titanium alloy materials used in dental implants, miniature tools used in surgeries, and internal fixation screws used for correcting bone fractures are all Swiss screws, which are used to ensure the reliability and safety of medical devices.
3.3 High-Performance Screw Machining Solutions in the Automotive Industry
In the automotive industry, processing solutions for high-performance screws are critical as they are used in critical components such as automotive engines, and suspension systems. The requirements of the automotive industry for screws include high strength, high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, lightweight and precision machining. In terms of materials, automotive screws must be high-strength materials, such as screws linked to the crankshaft and piston are usually made of 42CrMo4 alloy steel. The thread processing of high-performance screw in the engine requires extremely high precision and consistency, and any small error may lead to unstable performance of the car. BMW’s turbocharged engine uses a precision thread processing technology, and the precision thread processed by CNC lathes can ensure the coordination of parts before extreme environments. The surface treatment of high-performance screw in the automotive industry is also crucial, and the commonly used surface treatment processes are galvanized, phosphating, anodizing, PVD coating and so on. Screws in automotive engines and exhaust systems require high temperature resistance, and Porsche uses screws in its exhaust system made of a high nickel alloy material that can maintain stable performance at 800 degrees Celsius. In short, the automotive industry for high-performance screw processing requirements are extremely strict, from high precision, high strength, surface treatment, lightweight design and other aspects, comprehensive requirements for high-performance screws.
4. Technical Challenges and Innovative Solutions
4.1 Technical Difficulties in the Process of High-Precision Machining
According to the process of processing, precision machining difficulties will mainly have the following points:
1. Precision machining in the choice of processing machine tools is very important, choose high-precision, high stiffness, high stability, high automation of precision machining machine tools.
2. how to ensure high precision and small error, very high rotational accuracy, smooth rotation, no vibration spindle, spindle components are to ensure the core of precision machine tool machining accuracy. Difficult to grasp the stiffness and thermal deformation of the process system, in the process of high-precision machining, cutting, grinding or turning operations will generate a large amount of heat, resulting in thermal expansion of the workpiece and tool, affecting the dimensional accuracy and machining quality. Even small temperature changes may lead to dimensional deviation of the workpiece, affecting the size of the part and making it prone to errors.
3. Mass production of precision parts, in the cutting process, the tool is inevitably worn, when not found in time, easy to cause errors, a waste of resources. So the choice of tools and other very important, need to have a very high hardness, high wear resistance and very high modulus of elasticity to ensure that the tool has a high degree of dimensional durability.
4. In high-precision machining, the surface quality requirements are very high, and even need to achieve sub-micron surface roughness. During machining, the surface quality is affected by microscopic unevenness of the tool, vibration and tool wear.
4.2 Application of Innovative Processes to Improve Machining Accuracy and Efficiency
Use high speed spindles (over 50,000 rpm) to increase cutting speed and reduce surface roughness. Multi-axis linkage machining (such as five-axis linkage machining) can achieve a single clamping can complete multi-surface machining, can process complex surfaces and three-dimensional shapes. Low-temperature machining technologies (such as coolant injection or liquid nitrogen cooling) reduce heat accumulation during cutting, reduce tool wear, and improve surface quality by lowering the temperature of the working area. LAC, Laser-Assisted Cutting is suitable for processing difficult-to-process materials such as ceramics, titanium alloys and composites. The innovative process significantly improves machining accuracy and efficiency by increasing machining speed, reducing errors, enhancing material adaptability, and enabling automated control.
4.3 Quality Management and Control in Precision Machining.
1. Advanced testing equipment and instruments:
CMM : used to accurately detect the geometric shape, size and position tolerance of the part to ensure that the part meets the design requirements.
Surface roughness tester: Used to measure the surface finish of a part to ensure that it meets specific finish requirements.
Optical and electron microscopes: Used to examine surface defects and microstructure of tiny parts.
2. Strict process specification and standardized process:
From raw materials into the factory to the final product, every link must be strictly tested. In the process of processing, in strict accordance with the established process flow, tool selection, cutting parameters and other operations. All parts must pass final inspection before leaving the factory to ensure that the parts meet customer requirements in terms of function, size, accuracy and surface treatment.
3.Regular maintenance of workpieces and tools:
Our company implements regular tool maintenance, replacement and precision calibration programs to ensure stable tool performance.
4.Customer feedback and quality improvement:
Timely ask customer feedback, solve the quality problems raised by customers, timely solve the quality problems raised by customers, and make continuous improvement.
5.Future Development Trends and Technological Prospects
Yumei Hardware employs over 20 engineers and technical persons with more than 15 years of work experience. Our technicians have many years of experience in the field of precision engineering, specializing in the use of CNC technology and Swiss precision machining technology, and can provide in-depth professional analysis of complex projects.
Our company is equipped with Star SB-20R, Tsugami 208, Tsugami 205 and Tsugami 203, It fully demonstrates a deep understanding and mature grasp of Swiss precision machining technology. These machines not only support the high-precision production of complex parts, but also meet customers’ stringent requirements for efficiency and quality.
Yumei undergoes a full quality inspection during the production process to ensure that the dimensional tolerances, surface finish, and shape tolerances of the parts meet the design standards. The company has advanced quality inspection equipment, such as Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), Laser Measuring System and so on.
Yumei has established long-term relationships with world-renowned companies such as PACCAR and Tesla, which not only reflects the reliability of the company’s products and services, but also demonstrates a high level of delivery speed, communication and cooperation and problem solving.
The above is the current maturity of the company’s grasp of this technology, and in the future, the company expects to maintain the leading position of Swiss precision machining technology through continuous improvement of processing accuracy, automation and intelligent production, promoting green manufacturing, enhancing the ability of difficult-to-process materials, and combining additive manufacturing technology and other innovative initiatives. For example, increase investment in the field of intelligent manufacturing, develop intelligent monitoring systems to ensure the high quality of products. Strengthen overseas market expansion, participate in international exhibitions and technical exchanges, and actively explore the global high-precision machining market.
6.Swiss-Style Screw Machining Services Provided by Yumei Hardware
6.1 Innovation Directions of Swiss Precision Machining Technology
Breakthrough in ultra-high precision machining technology, development of higher speed, more rigid machine tools, application of advanced tool materials and coating technology (such as PCD, CBN, etc.)
Develop precision machining of high-performance materials, such as titanium alloy, nickel-based alloy, carbon fiber composite materials, ceramics and so on.
Green manufacturing and sustainable technology, Companies can focus on developing green manufacturing technologies such as reducing energy consumption, optimizing coolant use, and recycling waste.
6.2 Impact of Sustainable Development on the Precision Machining Industry
Higher product quality: Optimize the design and machining path to reduce material waste and improve cutting efficiency.
Good brand image and market competitiveness: A precision machining company with a sustainable development strategy will be easier to win the trust of environmentally conscious customers and enhance brand image and market competitiveness.
Innovation-driven technological progress: Encourage enterprises to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly processing methods.
6.3 Long-Term Impact of Technological Advancements on the Swiss Screw Machining Industry
The long-term impact of technological advances on the Swiss screw processing industry must been revolutionary.
Help to improve accuracy: Through high-precision CNC machine tools, advanced cutting technology and intelligent measurement systems, the Swiss screw machining industry is able to achieve sub-micron and even nanoscale machining accuracy. This extremely high precision makes it more competitive in areas such as aerospace and medical equipment, where parts accuracy is very high.
Help to improve production efficiency and reduce labor costs: The introduction of automatic intelligent manufacturing technology to reduce manual intervention, the future Swiss screw processing industry will be highly automated and intelligent, while reducing errors, but also improve production efficiency and reduce labor costs.
Both economic and environmental benefits: In the future, environmental protection and sustainable development will promote the Swiss screw processing industry to develop in the direction of low energy consumption and high environmental protection, and enhance the image of corporate social responsibility.
Yumei hardware will keep up with the trend of The Times, stand at the forefront of the industry, adhere to technological innovation, innovative processing technology, and assume the social responsibility of protecting the environment.
