High Precision SM325/385/405/425 Swiss Lathe Machine 5 Axis Slide Head Machine

Swiss-Type Lathes (also known as Swiss-Style or Sliding Head stock Lathes) offer significant advantages in the field of precision machining, especially for small, slender shaft-type parts. Here is a detailed breakdown of their core advantages:

Core Advantages

High Precision and Stability:

High Structural Rigidity: The Z-axis (spindle) moves while the cutting tools remain fixed. This structure provides greater rigidity and better vibration resistance than traditional fixed-headstock lathes (where tools move).

Reduced Thermal Deformation: Heat generated by the moving spindle is less likely to transfer to the head stock and guide ways, effectively minimizing thermal deformation that affects accuracy.

Short Tool Path: Tools operate close to the spindle chuck point with minimal overhang, resulting in high rigidity, stable cutting, and reduced vibration/tool deflection.

Single Setup Completion: Eliminates cumulative errors from multiple setups, ensuring exceptional geometric tolerances like concentricity and positional accuracy.

High Efficiency:

Multi-Turret, Multi-Spindle Collaborative Machining: Typical configurations include:

Main Spindle: Holds the bar stock for primary turning operations.

Sub-Spindle (Counter Spindle): Takes over the work piece after front-end machining is complete to perform back-end operations (e.g., back turning, drilling, tapping) – enabling backside machining without a second setup.

Multiple Radial/Axial Driven Tool Turrets: Equipped with live tools (milling cutters, drills, etc.) for simultaneous or sequential combined operations such as turning, milling, drilling, tapping, boring, and grooving.

Simultaneous Machining: The main spindle, sub-spindle, and multiple turrets can perform different operations concurrently, drastically reducing cycle times, especially for complex parts.

Continuous Production: After the sub-spindle takes the part, the main spindle can immediately begin machining the front end of the next bar, enabling uninterrupted continuous production.

Short Travel Distances: Z-axis travel typically needs only to be slightly longer than the single part length, minimizing non-cutting time.

Ideal for Small, Slender, Complex Parts:

Exceptional for Slender Shafts: For slender shafts with high length-to-diameter ratios, prone to bending/vibration on traditional lathes. Swiss lathes provide tool support very close to the cutting point with minimal work piece overhang, ensuring outstanding stability and precision.

Efficient Small Part Production: Highly suitable for high-volume production of small diameter parts (common range Φ1mm - Φ32mm, max ~Φ42mm), relatively long parts, and complex-shaped parts requiring multi-operation combined machining.