Sliding headstock lathes, also known as Swiss-type CNC lathes, are highly precise and efficient machining equipment primarily used for the processing and manufacturing of precision parts. They utilize a moving headstock design, allowing for relative motion between the tool and the workpiece, enabling the completion of multiple complex machining operations in a single setup, such as turning, milling, drilling, and tapping. This machining method significantly reduces the number of setups, effectively avoiding positioning errors caused by repeated clamping, thus ensuring high-precision machining of parts.
Our sliding headstock lathes are equipped with advanced CNC systems and high-precision transmission components, offering exceptional stability and machining accuracy, specializing in providing turning and milling composite machining services for micro-shaft parts. Our professional technical team has extensive experience in operating and programming sliding headstock lathes, and can develop customized machining solutions based on customer needs and part characteristics. Whether it’s small precision parts or parts with complex structures and high-precision requirements, we can provide high-quality machining services using sliding headstock lathe technology. We are particularly experienced in the precision turning of medical implants, especially those made of titanium alloys and nickel-titanium shape memory alloys.
Processing capacity
| Category | Description |
| Customized services | Machinable materials include stainless steel, alloy steel, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, titanium alloys, high-temperature alloys, and some engineering plastics; the process supports various techniques such as high-speed turning, surface milling, groove milling, drilling, tapping, and knurling, specializing in the machining of ultra-small precision parts (Ø0.5mm) and multi-process composite machining (turning, milling, drilling, and tapping in a single operation). |
| Delivery date | For small batch orders, the lead time is 5-10 days, subject to actual project assessment. |
| General tolerances | Dimensional tolerance: ±0.005mm; Roundness tolerance: ±0.003mm (These tolerances are consistently maintained with standard machining processes; further optimization is possible for special requirements.) |
| Maximum part size | Diameter × Length: 25 × 200 mm (adjustable upon negotiation in special cases) |
Our advantages
- High-precision machining: The unique machining method and high-precision equipment configuration of the sliding headstock lathe enable micron-level machining accuracy, meeting the stringent requirements for part precision in high-end fields such as aerospace, medical devices, and electronics. It can also guarantee dimensional and geometric accuracy when machining small parts, such as aerospace fuel nozzles.
- High-efficiency production: Multiple machining operations can be completed in a single clamping setup, reducing clamping and equipment adjustment time, and significantly improving processing efficiency. At the same time, the sliding headstock lathe has high-speed cutting capabilities, allowing it to process a large number of parts in a short time, making it suitable for mass production.
- Complex shape machining capabilities: In addition to conventional turning, the machine can also process complex-shaped parts through functions such as milling and drilling. This includes parts with features such as polygonal contours, eccentric holes, and irregular grooves, providing more possibilities for product design and innovation.
- Customized Services: Based on the diverse needs of our clients, we can provide customized processing solutions. From process design and tool selection to optimization of machining parameters, we can meet our clients’ individual requirements. Whether it’s the research and development of new products or mass production, we can provide satisfactory services to our clients.
- Quality Assurance: We have established a rigorous quality control system, from raw material inspection and processing monitoring to finished product testing, ensuring that every part meets quality standards. We also have a comprehensive after-sales service team that can respond promptly to customer needs and resolve customer issues.
Application areas
Aerospace Industry
Used for manufacturing small, precision parts in the aerospace field, such as fuel injectors for engine fuel systems, connectors for avionics equipment, and small fasteners in aircraft structural components. These parts require extremely high precision and reliability, and Swiss-type machining can meet their stringent quality standards.
Medical Device Industry
Processing precision components for medical devices, such as orthopedic implants, dental implants, and tiny parts for pacemakers. The high precision and hygienic safety of Swiss-type CNC machining ensure the quality and performance of medical devices, providing a guarantee for patients’ health.
Electronics Industry
Manufacturing tiny components for electronic devices, such as connectors, shielding covers, and hinges for products like mobile phones and computers. Swiss-type CNC machining can meet the electronics industry’s demands for miniaturization, high precision, and mass production of parts. In the case of machining PIN pins for electronic connectors, it ensures a length tolerance of ±0.005mm for parts with a diameter of 0.8mm.
Automotive Industry
Precision machining of critical parts for automotive engines, transmissions, steering systems, etc. The high efficiency and precision of Swiss-type CNC machining can improve the quality and production efficiency of automotive components. In a case study of micro-hole machining for automotive fuel injectors, the process involved a combined operation of 0.3mm micro-hole drilling and conical surface turning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between precision machining and ordinary CNC lathe machining?
Sliding headstock lathes utilize a machining method where the spindle head moves, allowing for the completion of multiple complex processes in a single clamping operation. This results in higher machining accuracy and is suitable for processing slender shafts and small, precision parts. Conventional CNC lathes require more clamping operations and have limitations in processing complex parts; their accuracy and efficiency are inferior to sliding headstock lathes when machining small, precision components.
What is the minimum tolerance that can be achieved with precision machining?
Under standard machining conditions, the dimensional tolerance of parts machined on a Swiss-type lathe can generally be controlled to within ±0.005mm, and the roundness tolerance to within ±0.003mm. For special parts requiring higher precision, tolerances can be further reduced through process optimization and equipment adjustments.
How can machining accuracy be ensured for multi-material composite parts?
Our engineering team frequently utilizes thermal deformation compensation technology in conjunction with online measurement systems to achieve an accuracy of ±0.008mm for stainless steel and plastic composite parts.