Swiss CNC machining, also known as Swiss screw machining or sliding-headstock turning, is a precision process where the material bar stock moves through a guide bushing while the cutting tool remains stationary.
This design minimizes vibration, allowing the production of extremely slender, precise, and complex parts.
In Swiss machining, the bar stock is clamped and guided close to the cutting tool, ensuring consistent rigidity and minimal deflection.
Each machine can perform multiple operations—turning, milling, drilling, threading, and slotting—all in a single setup.
| Capability | Specification |
| Process Capabilities | Swiss turning, live-tool milling, drilling, tapping, threading, knurling, cross-working, back-working |
| Feature Capability | Micro holes, cross-holes, slots, internal features, miniature threads |
| Typical Part Types | Long shafts, small-diameter parts, thin-wall geometries, complex micro components |
| Turning Diameter Range | Approx. Ø 1–32 mm |
| Machining Length | Typically 50–300 mm |
| Tolerance Capability | ±0.01 mm (standard), up to ±0.002–0.005 mm depending on design |
| Surface Finish | Up to Ra 0.4 μm (as machined) |
| Material Scope | Metals & engineering plastics (see materials section) |
| Production Volume | Prototype, low-volume, and repeat production with bar feeding |
| Tolerance Item | Standard Tolerance | Achievable Tolerance | Description |
| Outer Diameter (OD) | ±0.005mm | Up to ±0.002 mm | For precision turned shafts & pins |
| Inner Diameter (ID) | ±0.01–0.015 mm | Up to ±0.003–0.005 mm | Depends on bore depth, tool access, and material |
| Part Length | ±0.01mm | Up to ±0.005 mm | Controlled via guide bushing support and automatic length stop |
| Thread Accuracy | ISO Metric / UNC / UNF | Class 2–3 / ±0.005 mm | Verified using thread gauges or optical measurement |
| Surface Finish | Ra ≤ 0.8 μm | Up to Ra 0.2–0.4 μm | Achieved with optimized cutting parameters and tooling |
| Positional Accuracy | ±0.01 mm | Up to ±0.005 mm | Maintained through live tooling synchronization |
| Project | Swiss CNC Machining | CNC Turning | CNC Milling | 5-Axis CNC |
| Best For | Small, slender precision parts | Medium-size rotational parts | Flat or prismatic parts | Complex 3D surfaces |
| Tolerance | ±0.002–0.005mm | ±0.01mm | ±0.02mm | ±0.005mm |
| L/D Ratio Capability | Excellent (up to 20:1) | Limited (up to 5:1) | N/A | Moderate |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.2–0.4μm | Ra 0.8μm | Ra 1.6μm | Ra 0.4μm |
| Setup Times | Single setup | Multiple setups | Multiple setups | Single setup |
| Automation | Fully automatic bar-fed | Semi-automatic | Manual | Semi-automatic |
| Cycle Time | Fastest continuous run | Moderate | Longer | Moderate |
| Cost Efficiency for Small Parts | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★ |
| Ideal Industries | Medical, electronics, watchmaking | Automotive, general machining | Industrial housings | Aerospace, tooling |
Typical Swiss CNC Machined Parts
Surgical screws and bone pins
Orthopedic fasteners and connectors
Catheter components and micro shafts
Precision medical fittings
Why Swiss CNC Machining
Exceptional precision for small-diameter parts
Superior surface finish for medical applications
Excellent concentricity and dimensional stability
Ideal for stainless steel and titanium
Procurement Advantages
Stable quality for regulated industries
Prototype to small-batch production support
Secondary operations and surface finishing available

Typical Swiss CNC Machined Parts
Fuel system pins and shafts
Sensor housings and connectors
Valve components and precision sleeves
Small transmission and drivetrain parts
Why Swiss CNC Machining
High repeatability for mass-produced precision parts
Tight tolerance control for critical components
Efficient machining of long, slender geometries
Cost-effective for high-volume production
Procurement Advantages
Scalable production capacity
Consistent batch-to-batch quality
Integrated machining and secondary processes

Typical Swiss CNC Machined Parts
Connector pins and terminals
Shielding components and sleeves
Precision spacers and micro shafts
Sensor and device housings
Why Swiss CNC Machining
High precision for micro-scale components
Excellent dimensional consistency for assemblies
Smooth surface finish for electrical performance
Suitable for brass, copper, and aluminum
Procurement Advantages
Fast turnaround for high-mix electronics parts
Flexible order quantities
Secondary operations including drilling and tapping
Typical Swiss CNC Machined Parts
Watch case components and crowns
Precision shafts and gear pins
Instrument connectors and adjustment screws
Micro mechanical components
Why Swiss CNC Machining
Ultra-high precision for micro mechanical parts
Superior surface finish for aesthetic components
Stable machining of very small tolerances
Ideal for complex, small-diameter designs
Procurement Advantages
High consistency for premium products
Support for low-volume and custom designs
Fine surface finishing options available

Typical Swiss CNC Machined Parts
Aerospace fasteners and pins
Sensor components and bushings
Precision shafts and connectors
Small structural fittings
Why Swiss CNC Machining
High precision for safety-critical components
Excellent concentricity and repeatability
Efficient machining of long, slender aerospace parts
Suitable for titanium and high-performance alloys
Procurement Advantages
Strict quality control and inspection support
Consistent output for aerospace programs
Full secondary machining and finishing services

Typical Swiss CNC Machined Parts
Precision shafts and pins
Bushings and spacers
Hydraulic and pneumatic fittings
Wear-resistant mechanical components
Why Swiss CNC Machining
Reliable machining for high-precision functional parts
Strong dimensional stability for long production runs
High efficiency for repetitive components
Suitable for steel, stainless steel, and brass
Procurement Advantages
Flexible production volumes
Cost-effective solutions for precision parts
One-stop machining and post-processing support
Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly machinable, aluminum is widely used in Swiss CNC machining for small-diameter, high-precision parts requiring tight tolerances and excellent surface quality.
Common Grades:
· 6061 / 6061-T6
· 7075 / 7075-T6
· 2024
· 5052
· 5083
· 6063
· 6082
· ADC12 (A380)
Key Advantages:
· Excellent machinability for small and slender parts
· Stable dimensional control in Swiss turning
· Cost-effective for prototype to volume production
Typical Lead Time:
~5 business days
Learn more about CNC machining capabilities for Aluminum.
Stainless steel is one of the most common materials for Swiss CNC machining, offering excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and dimensional stability for precision shafts and medical components.
Common Grades:
· 303
· 304
· 316 / 316L
· 17-4 PH
· 420
· 440C
Key Advantages:
· Excellent strength for small-diameter parts
· Stable machining for long, slender geometries
· Ideal for medical and precision mechanical components
Typical Lead Time:
~5–7 business days
Brass offers outstanding machinability and surface finish, making it ideal for high-speed Swiss CNC machining of precision connectors and fittings.
Common Grades:
· C360
· C260
· C280
· C464
Key Advantages:
· Exceptional machinability for micro features
· Excellent surface finish as machined
· Highly efficient for volume production
Typical Lead Time:
~4–6 business days
Carbon and alloy steels are commonly used in Swiss CNC machining for precision shafts and mechanical components requiring strength and cost efficiency.
Common Grades:
· 1018
· 1020
· 1045
· 4140
· 4340
Key Advantages:
· Good strength-to-cost ratio
· Suitable for precision turned shafts
· Compatible with secondary heat treatment
Typical Lead Time:
~5–7 business days
Copper is used in Swiss CNC machining for electrical and thermal components requiring high conductivity and precision.
Common Grades:
· C110
· C101
Key Advantages:
· Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity
· Suitable for precision electrical components
· Good surface finish with optimized parameters
Typical Lead Time:
~5–7 business days
Bronze alloys are well suited for Swiss CNC machining of wear-resistant precision components such as bushings and bearings.
Common Grades:
· C932
· C954
· C863
Key Advantages:
· Excellent wear resistance
· Good machinability for precision parts
· Stable performance in sliding applications
Typical Lead Time:
~5–7 business days
Iron offers high rigidity and vibration damping, commonly used for heavy-duty industrial components and structural CNC applications.
Common Grades:
· Cast Iron
· Ductile Iron
Key Advantages:
· High rigidity
· Vibration damping
· Suitable for heavy parts
Typical Lead Time:
~7–10 business days
Nickel-based alloys can be Swiss machined for high-temperature and corrosion-resistant applications with specialized tooling.
Common Grades:
· Inconel 625
· Inconel 718
· Monel 400
Key Advantages:
· High temperature and corrosion resistance
· Suitable for critical precision components
· Engineered machining strategies required
Typical Lead Time:
~10–15 business days
Magnesium alloys can be Swiss machined for lightweight precision components under controlled machining conditions.
Common Grades:
· AZ31B
· AZ91D
Key Notes:
· Excellent machinability with low cutting forces
· Specialized machining and safety controls required
· Available upon request
Typical Lead Time:
~7–10 business days
Titanium alloys are used in Swiss CNC machining for mission-critical components requiring high strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility.
Common Grades:
· Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5)
· Grade 2
Key Advantages:
· Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
· Suitable for medical and aerospace parts
· Stable machining with optimized Swiss tooling
Typical Lead Time:
~7–10 business days
POM provides excellent dimensional stability and low friction, making it one of the most commonly used plastics for Swiss CNC machining of precision mechanical components.
Common Grades:
· Delrin® 500
· Acetal Copolymer
Key Advantages:
· Excellent dimensional stability
· Low friction and wear resistance
· Ideal for small gears, pins, and precision components
Typical Lead Time:
~5 business days
PEEK is a high-performance engineering plastic used in Swiss CNC machining for components requiring high temperature resistance, chemical stability, and tight tolerances.
Common Grades:
· Virgin PEEK
· Glass-filled PEEK
Key Advantages:
· High temperature and chemical resistance
· Excellent mechanical strength
· Suitable for medical and aerospace applications
Typical Lead Time:
~7–10 business days
PTFE is suitable for Swiss CNC machining of low-friction and chemically resistant precision components with optimized tooling strategies.
Common Grades:
· Virgin PTFE
· Filled PTFE
Key Advantages:
· Extremely low friction
· Excellent chemical resistance
· Ideal for seals and insulation components
Typical Lead Time:
~6–8 business days
Nylon offers good toughness and wear resistance, making it suitable for Swiss CNC machining of small functional plastic components.
Common Grades:
· PA6
· PA66
Key Advantages:
· Good toughness and impact resistance
· Wear-resistant
· Cost-effective engineering plastic
Typical Lead Time:
~5–7 business days
PPS is used in Swiss CNC machining for precision parts requiring excellent dimensional stability and chemical resistance.
Common Grades:
· PPS (Virgin / Filled)
Key Advantages:
· Excellent dimensional stability
· High chemical resistance
· Suitable for electronic and industrial components
Typical Lead Time:
~7–9 business days
PMMA offers high optical clarity, excellent surface finish, and UV resistance, ideal for transparent parts and display applications.
Common Grades:
· Cast PMMA
· Extruded PMMA
Key Advantages:
· Transparent
· Scratch-resistant
· UV-stable
Typical Lead Time:
~5 business days
PC is suitable for Swiss CNC machining of transparent or impact-resistant precision components with controlled machining parameters.
Common Grades:
· Optical-grade PC
Key Advantages:
· High impact resistance
· Good dimensional accuracy
· Transparent parts achievable
Typical Lead Time:
~5–7 business days
PET and PETG provide good machinability and dimensional stability for Swiss CNC machining of precision plastic parts.
Common Grades:
· PET
· PETG
Key Advantages:
· Good dimensional stability
· Smooth surface finish
· Suitable for precision housings
Typical Lead Time:
~5–7 business days
PEI is a high-strength, heat-resistant plastic suitable for Swiss CNC machining of precision components in demanding environments.
Common Grades:
· Ultem® 1000
Key Advantages:
· High strength at elevated temperatures
· Good dimensional stability
· Flame-retardant properties
Typical Lead Time:
~7–10 business days
PVC can be Swiss machined for precision industrial components where chemical resistance and cost efficiency are required.
Common Grades:
· Rigid PVC
Key Advantages:
· Chemical resistance
· Cost-effective
· Suitable for industrial applications
Typical Lead Time:
~5–7 business days
PP is suitable for Swiss CNC machining of lightweight precision components with good chemical resistance.
Common Grades:
· Homopolymer PP
Key Advantages:
· Lightweight
· Chemical resistant
· Cost-effective for simple precision parts
Typical Lead Time:
~5–7 business days
FR4 and G-10 are glass-fiber-reinforced laminates used in Swiss CNC machining for electrically insulating precision components.
Common Grades:
· FR4
· G-10
Key Advantages:
· Excellent electrical insulation
· Good dimensional stability
· Suitable for precision electronic parts
Typical Lead Time:
~6–8 business days
PPSU is used in Swiss CNC machining for medical and high-temperature applications requiring excellent toughness and chemical resistance.
Common Grades:
· Medical-grade PPSU
Key Advantages:
· Excellent impact resistance
· High temperature tolerance
· Suitable for medical components
Typical Lead Time:
~7–10 business days
PU can be Swiss machined for precision flexible or wear-resistant components with controlled cutting parameters.
Common Grades:
· Rigid PU
Key Advantages:
· Good wear resistance
· Elastic properties
· Suitable for special functional parts
Typical Lead Time:
~6–8 business days
HIPS is suitable for Swiss CNC machining of lightweight precision plastic parts for non-structural applications.
Common Grades:
· HIPS
Key Advantages:
· Easy to machine
· Lightweight
· Cost-effective
Typical Lead Time:
~5–7 business days
Bakelite is used in Swiss CNC machining for electrically insulating and heat-resistant precision components.
Common Grades:
· Phenolic laminate
Key Advantages:
· Heat-resistant
· Electrical insulation
· Dimensionally stable
Typical Lead Time:
~6–8 business days
PE can be Swiss machined for simple precision components where chemical resistance and cost efficiency are prioritized over ultra-tight tolerances.
Common Grades:
· HDPE
· UHMW-PE
Key Advantages:
· Excellent chemical resistance
· Lightweight and easy to machine
· Cost-effective for non-critical parts
Limitations:
· Low rigidity and dimensional stability
· Not suitable for tight-tolerance Swiss machining
Typical Lead Time:
~5–7 business days
ABS is a cost-effective plastic that can be Swiss machined for simple precision parts where tight tolerances and high thermal stability are not critical.
Common Grades:
· ABS
Key Advantages:
· Low material cost
· Easy to machine for simple geometries
· Suitable for prototyping and non-critical parts
Limitations:
· Limited dimensional stability
· Not recommended for ultra-tight tolerances
Typical Lead Time:
Quality assurance includes incoming material inspection, first article inspection (FAI), in-process quality control, and final dimensional inspection. Precision measurement tools such as CMMs, optical comparators, and micrometers are used to verify critical dimensions.