If you know anything about computer numerical control, or CNC machining, then you know that this effective method of manufacturing has revolutionized the industry. One of the most interesting advances in this field is cnc swiss turning, which is similar to normal CNC turning in many ways, but also unique. Keep reading to learn a little bit more about this effective technique.
Working with Oil
All CNC machining requires some sort of cutting fluid during the process. While most processes use water, however, CNC Swiss turning machines utilize oil, which has a greater lubricity. In addition to speeding up the process, using oil also makes it highly less likely for nasty bacteria to grow in the fluid, causing nasty odors. Working with oil is also preferable for employees, as being exposed to water-based coolant for a long time can lead to the undesirable prune-like hands we’ve all experienced before. The only downside to working with oil is that it is not very good as dissipating heat, meaning that the machinery can get hot pretty quickly. This is why adding a fire suppression system is always a good idea.
Different Axes
Swiss turning axes are slightly different than in traditional CNC machines. With this method, the z-axis motion is derived from the motion of the stock, not the tool, which affects the nature of programming offsets. In traditional models, the stick actually sticks out from the chuck at a specified length. In Swiss models, the turning tool stays still while the stock advances.
Reaching New Speeds
One of the things that people working with Swiss turning systems often comment on is how quickly they can get work done. This is because of the sheer amount of axes that these machines contain. Normal CNC lathes contain between three and four axes, but Swiss versions can have between seven and thirteen. With more axes, parts that were previously manufactured through multiple operations or machines can now be completed in one cycle on one machine.
Other Notes
Another thing worth noting is that guide bushing is very important with Swiss machines, since the wrong size guide brush could cause concentricity errors. It’s also crucial to find the right material guide bush for your project, as interaction with the workpiece material must be factored in to the effort.
