Rules of Swiss-Type Machining: Tooling Partners

The number-one rule of Swiss-type machining – the process is the product. Swiss-type machinists work smart. Less effort, less machine time, longer tool life and maximum repeatability. Producing the most precise pieces while achieving quicker turnaround times with improved tool life is the ultimate goal for any manufacturing shop.

A classic challenge of the CNC Swiss machining world has been finding capable operators, but the increased momentum behind the industry has made finding a reliable tooling partner as challenging. This week’s Rules of Swiss-Type Machining covers finding the ideal tooling partner to meet your shop’s needs as you serve leading industries including medical, automotive, aerospace, dental and robotics amongst others.?

Whether you have added a CNC Swiss machine to your shop for the first time or you are seasoned in Swiss machining, what was once a niche segment is now becoming a leader in manufacturing. As the world of Swiss turning gets bigger, so do the needs to Swiss machinists. Setting up and running CNC equipment to the level of precision required to meet most production standards means that you need the expertise of a CNC Swiss machining professionals that have not only a catalog to meet all your needs, but the support team to back it up. A tooling partner with technical applications expertise can help direct you produce your orders as efficiently as possible.

"As technologies continue to advance, it’s important to have a solid tooling partner that can lend the application support and consultation to help increase the productivity of small-parts operations. Often times, the industry and type of application are a good place to start when it comes to identifying process improvements," said Patrick Loughney, product manager of small part machining at Sandvik Additive Manufacturing, in the article Tooling Up For Micromachining featured in Production Machining.

Looking at catalogs of machining and tooling options can be overwhelming for the most experienced of machinists. This is especially true working on the microscale, as the standards of quality tend to be higher in the industries served by shops that specialize in small-parts machining.

Ask yourself:

Who am I serving?

Are the materials difficult to work with?

Where is the hole being made, and at what diameter and depth?

How should the surface finish look?

What’s the volume of production?

When does the work need to be completed?

Why should they choose my shop again over the competitors?

“The CNC tools segment is expected to drive the market in the near future owing to the increasing demand for process automation across industries. The rising automation of production process owing to the increasing demand for improved precision and short lead time is further expected to result on the growth of the market. Key players are thus, focusing on the development of CNC systems to cater to the various industrial requirements,” states a recent machine tools market breakdown from Fortune Business Insights.

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global machine tools market is projected to grow from $113.26 billion in 2021 to $164.92 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 5.5% with the CNC machines segment leading growth during the forecast period.

“The precision engineering segment is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate as a result of the increasing demand for high accuracy in complex product manufacturing. The surging demand from semiconductors, medical technology, and marine industries is resulting in the growth of precision engineering. Furthermore, the increasing opportunity in advance materials, sensors, and lasers and optics is contributing to the growth of the precision engineering industry,” said Fortune Business Insights.

Loughney included that creating a solid micromachining plan before running a job “can save component materials, reduce cycle times, decrease tooling costs, decrease idle machine time and increase the quality of the components."

“Many years of Swiss tooling experience have armed us with the knowledge and skill to take on the toughest of applications,” Scott Laprade, GenSwiss Inc. applications and tech supervisor.

“GenSwiss is an expert in specialized processes.”

Laprade noted that other processes, like small diameter knurling, the broaching of small polygonal drive features, and other live tooling applications, including custom solutions that fit machinists’ needs, as their specialties.

“GenSwiss works with dependable partners for the design and production of performance enhancing attachments for Swiss-style machines. These attachments can help get more useful life out of older equipment or prepare a late-model machine with enhanced capability,” said Laprade.

GenSwiss designs and manufactures custom tooling solutions using the latest technology in the CNC Swiss machining world. Their unique high precision tools and accessories make them an ideal tooling partner. Through working with Switzerland’s premiere small parts manufacturing and CNC Swiss machining innovators like PCM Willen SA, UTILIS AG, and Louis Belet SA they offer everything that you will need to give your shop a competitive edge.

“Many of our own custom signature products are manufactured using Swiss CNC machines and state-of-the-art tool grinders,” Laprade included.

“Some of the products include Ti-Loc mill extensions and saw arbors, signature series saw arbors, compact bump-style knurl holders, coolant-thru collet sleeves, precision ground rotary broach tools, and compact rotary broach holders."

Laprade highlighted that GenSwiss designed and manufactured Signature Series products are becoming a favorite among CNC Swiss-style machinists.?

“Whether it be manufacturing tool holders in-house or working with one of our leading suppliers, GenSwiss is ready to serve. Our warehouse and inventory are constantly growing to meet the needs of our customers and reduce lead times,” said Laprade. ?

With more than 35-years of experience in the CNC Swiss-machining industry, GenSwiss’ company mission is to “improve distribution efficiencies and increase manufacturing productivity.”

“Our team is knowledgeable, and with that knowledge comes a passion and commitment to our customers,” said David Che, GenSwiss applications and tech support professional.

“We aren’t just the experts. We are the people that you can count on.”

With applications solutions that offer better tool life and cost savings, and an innovative product line that covers all your CNC Swiss-machining needs, GenSwiss provides precision tools and accessories for small parts manufacturing and Swiss-type machines from Citizen, Star, Hanwha, Tsugami, Tornos, Nexturn, Nomura, Miyano, and more.

“No matter what, GenSwiss takes every step possible to help you solve any problem that you may encounter,” said Jennifer Williamson, GenSwiss customer service and sales associate.

Want even more?Rules of Swiss-Type Machining? Check out our installments covering Hydraulic Clamping, Micro-Boring,?Micro-Reaming?and?Thread Whirling.

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More about GenSwiss…

Genevieve Swiss Industries, Inc.?brings to market unique high precision tools and accessories, advancing small parts manufacturing and enhancing Swiss-type machine processes. Our high quality product line of cutting tools, machine tool holders, and live spindles are imported from three of Switzerland’s primarily world-class manufacturers:?PCM Willen SA,?UTILIS AG, and?Louis Belet SA.?

With more than 35-years of experience in the industry, GenSwiss aims to improve distribution efficiencies and increase manufacturing productivity. We strive to deliver products which meet or exceeds customer expectations, providing a reliable service with application solutions for YOUR critical small parts manufacturing.

Our own GenSwiss designed and manufactured?Signature Series?products are becoming a favorite among CNC Swiss-style machinists.?These products include high quality rotary?broach tools,?Ti-Loc? extensions?and?saw arbors,?high precision straight shank saw arbors,?compact straddle knurl holders, and?many more.

Have any questions about your Swiss machine holders, tools, and attachments? Reach out to the CNC Swiss machining experts! GenSwiss is here to make your Swiss machining job easier. It is more than Swiss turning, it’s a lifestyle.??