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 — Express
Send your 2D drawing or STEP file. Specify diameter, length, material and quantity. Our team responds promptly with feasibility and pricing. Prototypes in 5–10 business days.