Swiss-Type Sliding-Head Precision Turning
Specialist in sliding-head CNC bar turning on Citizen, Star, Tornos and Tsugami machines. From Ø 0.5 mm medical screws to Ø 32 mm hydraulic bodies — L/D up to 100:1 with 0.003 mm TIR concentricity.
Diameter range
Ø 0.5–32 mm
Concentricity
0.003 mm TIR
Accuracy
±0.003 mm
Why Swiss-Type Turning Delivers Unmatched Precision
Three fundamental principles explain why sliding-head lathes produce better results than fixed-head machines for small-diameter and slender parts.
Bar guided as close as possible to the cutting zone
On a Swiss-type (sliding-head) lathe, the bar slides axially through a guide bushing positioned a few tenths of a millimetre from the cutting tool. This close guidance eliminates bar deflection and enables exceptional concentricity and straightness, even on slender parts with L/D > 4. The preferred technique for small-diameter precision turned parts.
Multi-operation in a single pass
Multiple independent tool slides work simultaneously: external turning, axial drilling, transverse milling, threading, parting. A complex part with up to 13 operations completed in a single machine pass — no manual re-clamping. Reduces cost for high-volume bar turning.
Continuous productivity — unattended operation
Automatic bar feeding and unattended accessories (bar loaders, in-line dimensional control, automatic part extraction) enable 24/7 continuous production. Very competitive from 500 parts and unbeatable on millions of parts.
Swiss-Type vs Fixed-Head Lathe — Side-by-Side Comparison
Understanding which lathe type is optimal for your part is the first step toward competitive manufacturing. Key selection criteria below.
Gold highlight with ✓ indicates the technically superior option for that feature.
Swiss-Type Machine Technical Specifications
Our Citizen, Star, Tornos and Tsugami sliding-head lathes cover the full range from micro-parts in watchmaking to Ø 32 mm industrial components. All machines are equipped with automatic bar loaders for 24/7 unattended production.
Swiss-Type Turning — Applications by Sector
From sub-millimetre watchmaking components to Ø 32 mm aerospace fasteners, Swiss-type turning serves every precision industry requiring slender parts with tight concentricity requirements.
Medical & Dental
ISO 13485Typical parts
- ›Orthopaedic screws Ø 2–8 mm
- ›Slender K-wires
- ›Endoscopic instruments Ø 3 mm
- ›Catheter connectors
Hydraulic & Pneumatic
ISO 9001Typical parts
- ›Injector bodies Ø 3–15 mm
- ›Control needles
- ›Miniature check valves
- ›Pistons and threaded rods
Connectors & Electronics
ISO 9001Typical parts
- ›Connector contacts
- ›Precision test pins
- ›Cage nuts
- ›SMD flanges
Watchmaking & Instruments
ISO 9001Typical parts
- ›Balance staff Ø 0.5–2 mm
- ›Crown winding stems
- ›Pinions & cannon pinions
Automotive & Transmission
IATF 16949Typical parts
- ›Injection adjustment screws
- ›Sensor shafts
- ›Threaded inserts
- ›Tensioning nuts
Aerospace
EN 9100Typical parts
- ›Lightweight titanium fasteners
- ›Linkage shafts Ø 4–20 mm
- ›Self-locking nuts
Swiss-Type Sliding-Head Turning — Frequently Asked Questions
Swiss-Type Turning Quote — 24h Response
Send your 2D drawing or STEP file. Specify diameter, length, material and quantity. Our team responds within 24 business hours with feasibility and pricing. Prototypes in 5–10 business days.