Swiss CNC Machining
This type of machining is particularly well-suited for manufacturing medium and high-volume production of components from round bar.
Our Machinery
For high-speed, high-precision complex machining of small parts and difficult cutting materials, Summers Engineering has the following machinery:
- 2 x STAR SV-32 CNC Swiss-type Automatic Lathe
Maximum Part Size for 3-axis CNC Milling and 3+2 axis CNC Milling
Part size limitations
Metric size
Maximum Part Size
1050mm x 560mm x 460mm
Minimum Feature Size
Ø 0.50 mm
Maximum Part Size for 5-axis CNC Milling
Part size limitations
Metric size
Maximum Part Size
500mm x 500mm x 500mm
Minimum Feature Size
Ø 0.50 mm
CNC Milling Tolerances
Where individual tolerance is not specified, we follow ISO 2768 standards for CNC Machining.
Component Feature Size
Tolerance Limit - Metals
Tolerance Limit – Plastics
0.5mm to 3mm
±0.01mm
±0.01mm
Over 3mm to 6mm
±0.01mm
±0.01mm
Over 6mm to 30mm
±0.01mm
±0.2mm
Over 30mm to 120mm
±0.02mm
±0.3mm
Over 120mm to 400mm
±0.05mm
±0.5mm
Over 400mm to 1000mm
±0.1mm
±0.8mm
Maximum Part Size for CNC Turning
Part size limitations
Metric size
Maximum part diameter
460mm
Maximum part length
750mm
Maximum swing over carriage
460mm
Maximum spindle bore
80mm
CNC Turning Tolerances
Where individual tolerance is not specified, we follow ISO 2768 standards for CNC Machining.
Component Feature Size
Tolerance Limit - Metals
Tolerance Limit – Plastics
0.5mm to 3mm
±0.01mm
±0.05mm
Over 3mm to 6mm
±0.01mm
±0.05mm
Over 6mm to 30mm
±0.01mm
±0.1mm
Over 30mm to 120mm
±0.01mm
±0.15mm
Over 120mm to 400mm
±0.02mm
±0.2mm
Over 400mm to 1000mm
±0.05mm
±0.3mm
Maximum Part Size for SWISS CNC Turning
Part size limitations
Metric size
Maximum part diameter
Ø32mm
Maximum part length
300mm
SWISS CNC Turning Tolerances
Where individual tolerance is not specified, we follow ISO 2768 standards for CNC Machining.
Component Feature Size
Tolerance Limit - Metals
0.5mm to 3mm
±0.01mm
Over 3mm to 6mm
±0.01mm
Over 6mm to 30mm
±0.01mm
Over 30mm to 120mm
±0.01mm
Metals
Summers has experience and the ability to source and manufacture a wide range of exotic materials including the following metals:
Material Name
Material Description
Tool Steels
Tool Steel is a high-carbon, high-alloy steel known for its exceptional hardness, toughness, and wear resistance.
Titanium
Titanium is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant metal known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent biocompatibility, and resistance to extreme temperatures.
Inconel
Inconel is a family of nickel-based superalloys known for their exceptional heat resistance, high strength, and excellent corrosion resistance in demanding environments.
Invar
Invar is a low coefficient of thermal expansion alloy, composed of iron and nickel. Known for its dimensional stability and precision in temperature-sensitive applications.
Exotic Stainless Steels
Highly durable stainless steels such as Duplex Stainless Steel which has excellent strength and extreme corrosion resistance.
Plastics
In addition to a wide range of exotic metals, Summers also has the experience to source and machine the following exotic plastic materials:
Material Name
Material Description
PEEK
High-performance thermoplastic, very high strength, thermal and chemical resistant.
Polypropylene
Great chemical resistance and can be purchased in food-safe grades.
G-10 / FR4
High strength, high insulation, high chemical resistance properties. FR4 is also flame retardant.
Summers’ SWISS CNC Machining Service offers our clients the advantage of high precision and efficiency for producing large volumes of smaller diameter turned parts. Swiss CNC machining, also known as sliding head machining or Swiss turning, utilises advanced CNC machines with a sliding headstock and guide bushing.
This unique setup allows for reduced cycle times and extremely consistent machining of complex components, particularly those with small diameters. Swiss CNC machining is a highly productive solution for industries that require intricate parts with tight tolerances, such as:
Aerospace:
- Lightweight stainless-steel fasteners for aircraft assembly
- High-precision aluminium connector components for avionics systems
- Aircraft bushings for structural applications made from aerospace grade alloys.
Medical:
- Stainless steel orthopaedic surgical instruments
- Titanium alloy implant components
- High-precision dental tools and components made from biocompatible materials
Automotive:
- High-pressure fuel system components in steel and brass
- Sensor parts for engine monitoring made from corrosion-resistant alloys
- Precision transmission components in high-strength steel
Industrials:
- Hydraulic fittings for fluid power systems made from brass and steel
- High-strength fasteners for heavy machinery in alloy steel
- Precision-machined valve components in stainless steel
Agriculture:
- Durable stainless-steel components for irrigation systems
- High-performance aluminium parts for crop spraying equipment
- Robust steel fittings for agricultural machinery
Available surface finishes for CNC machining
Surface finishes are applied after machining and can change the appearance, surface roughness, hardness, and chemical resistance of the produced parts. Below are some of the surface finishes that Summers Engineering offers.
Name
Description
As machined (Ra 3.2μm)
All parts machined by Summers will have a Ra 3.2μm as a minimum. Parts are machined and deburred as specified by drawings.
Smooth machining (Ra 1.6μm)
Smooth machining is an improvement on the ‘As machined’ finished where a lower feed rate achieves a smoother and more reflective finish.
Bead Blasted
Parts are bead blasted with glass beads which results in a grainy texture and reduce machining marks.
Anodised
Available in several colours but commonly black or clear. Anodising offers a durable protective coating. CNC machined parts appear as a gloss finish after anodised.
Bead Blasted / Rumbling + Anodised
Same physical properties as an anodised finish but with a matte look due to the bead blasting / rumbling.
Hard Anodised
For extra longevity and durability, hard anodising or hard coat anodising is a tough and thick coat finish ideal for aluminium applications where high wear resistance is required.
Laser Etching / Laser Engraving
Involves the use of a laser to burn a specific depth into material to create images, text, or graphics on the surface of the object.
Powder Coated
Offered in a variety of colours. This finish improves the strength and wear-resistance of metal parts. Compatible with all materials and available in glossy or matte gloss.
Black Oxide
A conversion coating, compatible with steel, stainless steel, and copper. Provides a mild improvement to the parts corrosion resistance.
Electroless Nickel Plated
The coating is a nickel phosphorus alloy which has an attractive stainless steel-like appearance. Ideal for wear abrasion and corrosion resistance.
Electropolishing
Provides a shiner appearance to parts and makes them easier to clean. It also deburrs the surface roughness of stainless steel on a microscopic level.
Chromate Conversion Coating
The coating is a nickel phosphorus alloy which has an attractive stainless steel-like appearance. Ideal for wear abrasion and corrosion resistance.
Zinc Plating
Is a process where zinc is applied by using a current of electricity. Zinc plating protects the metal from the effects of corrosion or rust.
Silver Plating
Offering little electrical resistance silver plating is commonly used in industrial applications where copper parts are coated for electrical applications.
