Swiss-style machines have long been attractive options for producing smaller parts. The machines can perform multiple operations simultaneously. They have compact work zones, meaning cutting tools don’t have to travel far to the workpiece and they have high spindle speeds. At the same time, Swiss machines have increased complexity with increased programming needs.Get more news about Swiss-type Lathe Machining,you can vist our website!
Swiss machines continue to advance with a trend of larger, more capable machines. Advanced programming systems are intended to make the machines easier to use.
“The trend in Swiss machining is to do more work faster, from simple to complex part features, complete in one operation,” said George Media, business unit manager for Tsugami America, Windsor, Conn. “Historically, the largest market segment in Swiss machining is 20-mm parts. With the job shop segment continually growing and adopting Swiss technology as a solution, we have seen more and more purchases of machines up to 38 mm as standard.”
Improvements go beyond size.
“All our machines have been improving in many areas: size, capacity, speed, power, more tool positions, more axes,” said John Reis, applications manager at Star CNC Machine Tool Corp. The Roslyn Heights, N.Y.-based company has four Swiss-style CNC machines at 38-mm capacity. One machine, the recently released SD-26 type S, offers dual-programmable B-axis units. Also, Reis noted, more tool positions “can provide increased tool life by sharing the workload amongst different tools. It could also offer quicker change over time.” Important Advancements “I feel some of the more important advancements are in the designs or tool layouts of modern Swiss machines,” said Christopher Leclerc, Swiss product specialist at CNC Software LLC (Mastercam), Tolland, Conn. “There are Swiss machines now with multiple B-axis stations, multiple B-axis heads on a turret, thus reducing setup time.” And machines with two-thread whirling stations “make it easier to machine bone screws with different thread forms,” he added. Manufacturing changes are also driving increased interest in Swiss machines, added Tom Guzik, application and sales engineer for tool manufacturer Horn USA Inc., Franklin, Tenn. “Current jobs have tighter tolerances that require the precision of a Swiss machine due to the guide bushing versus a chuck,” he said.
Swiss machines also have benefited from recent programming improvements. “Market demands require increased capability of machines to meet the needs of evolving part complexities,” Reis explained. “CAD/CAM software companies are also improving their products at a very high rate to meet those very same needs. We work closely with many of the software providers to provide effective solutions.”
Mastercam’s Leclerc said, “I think with some machine tool builders, the use of Custom M codes for complex operations such as super positioning and balance cutting makes it easier to understand. Machining patterns that tell the machine which head the turret is working on or what spindle is the master helps make things easier to use. The machine tool builders are constantly working on ways to simplify complex machining processes.”
