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Swiss Type CNC Lathe QT-15Z
Xiongyi
The QT-15Z type center-type turning and milling compound three-axis all adopt Taiwan ball guide rails and are driven by bus absolute value servo motors. The Swiss type CNC lathe overall casting structure is more rigid and compact. It has the characteristics of fast tool change speed and high precision. The processing efficiency is 15%-40% higher than that of the row tool type, and swiss type cnc lathe can be equipped with various fully automatic feeders to achieve fully automated production. The left and right row tool structure has a large number of row tools and a fast tool change speed. It can be equipped with a one-to-two power head to achieve one-time forming of drilling, milling and tapping. It can process various slender shafts, fixed guide sleeves, and higher processing accuracy, so that the workpiece maintains higher coaxiality and finish.
Advantages and characteristics:
Fast tool change and large number of tools to improve processing efficiency.
Small size and reasonable structural layout. Small footprint.
Adopt fixed guide sleeves. High processing accuracy.
Optional one-to-two power heads can achieve one-time forming of drilling, milling and tapping
Swiss type CNC lathe machine QT-15Z.pdf
QT-15Z Technical Parameters | |||
| No. | Item | Specifications | |
| 1 | Spindle | Maximum bar diameter | 15mm |
| Height of spindle center from ground | 930mm | ||
| Spindle speed range | 0-5000rpm | ||
| Spindle through hole diameter | 15mm | ||
| Spindle motor power | 2.2kw | ||
| 3 | X/Y/Z Stroke | Maximum X axis travel | 38mm |
| Maximum Y axis travel | 80mm | ||
| Maximum Z axis travel | 140mm | ||
| 4 | Motor power | X Axis servo motor power | 0.4kw |
| Y Axis servo motor power | 0.4kw | ||
| Z Axis servo motor power | 0.4KW | ||
| Side milling power head servo motor (optional) | 0.2KW | ||
| 5 | CNC | System | Taiwan Baoyuan |
| Cutting speed | 1-5000mm/min | ||
| X/Y/Z Axis rapid feed rate | 18000 mm/min | ||
| 6 | Tool Arrangement System | Turning tools | 8 |
| Tool size | 8*8mm | ||
| Front drilling | 4 | ||
| Drilling shaft size | ER11/12mm | ||
| Side milling power head (optional) | ER11 2 | ||
| 7 | Machine Dimensions | Total weight of machine | 800KG |
| Dimensions | 1250*800*1800mm | ||
A Swiss-type CNC lathe isn't something you'd find in your grandpa's garage. These precision machining tools are built for high-accuracy, small-diameter parts and are widely used in medical, electronics, and aerospace industries. Unlike traditional lathes, the cutting happens right at the guide bushing, which keeps the workpiece stable even when you're machining long, slender parts.
The Swiss lathe concept was born in Switzerland in the 1800s—hence the name. Originally designed to manufacture tiny, intricate watch parts, the concept has evolved drastically with the introduction of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) in the 1970s.
Swiss-type CNC lathes typically feature:
A sliding headstock
A fixed guide bushing
Multi-axis movement (up to 7+)
High spindle speeds
Bar feeder compatibility
Think of it this way—if a traditional CNC lathe is a pickup truck, a Swiss lathe is a sleek race car. Both can take you places, but one is faster and more refined for specific tracks.
Swiss lathes:
Offer tighter tolerances
Allow for simultaneous multi-tool operations
Provide better support for long, thin workpieces
"Single spindle" refers to having one primary spindle handling all the turning operations. Unlike dual-spindle machines (which can simultaneously handle front and back-end machining), single spindle lathes focus on one task at a time—but with razor-sharp precision.
Spindle motor
Bearings
Chuck or collet system
Encoder for positioning
Lower cost than multi-spindle options
Simpler to operate and maintain
Ideal for small to medium production runs
Precision medical parts like bone screws
Long, thin electronic connectors
Watch and instrument shafts
Medical Device Manufacturing
Automotive Components
Aerospace Fasteners
Consumer Electronics
The sliding headstock is what gives Swiss lathes their superpower. The bar stock moves longitudinally while the tool remains stationary—opposite of what you'd see in a traditional lathe.
The guide bushing supports the material close to the cutting tool, reducing deflection and increasing precision.
Swiss machines can run multiple tools at once, with the tools perfectly synchronized to the spindle rotation—saving time and boosting output.
Need tolerances under 5 microns? No problem. That’s the bread and butter of Swiss lathes.
With multiple axes at play, you can reduce cycle times by machining different features simultaneously.
Modern Swiss CNC lathes are often paired with automatic bar feeders—so you can run production all night without a human.
Don’t let the small footprint fool you—these machines can pack serious punch in terms of capability.
Fewer setups, faster cycle times, and less material waste = lower overall cost.
Once dialed in, you’ll get the same part again and again with zero variation.
Stainless steel
Aluminum
Brass
Titanium
Heat buildup with stainless
Tool wear on titanium
Burr formation with aluminum
Live tools rotate and are great for milling or drilling on the fly.
Static tools don’t move—ideal for traditional turning operations.
Match your tool type with:
The part geometry
Material hardness
Surface finish requirements
Swiss lathes speak the same language as other CNC machines: G-code. Commands tell the machine what to do and when.
FANUC
Mitsubishi
Siemens
BAOYUAN
Good programming can shave seconds off cycle time—multiplied by thousands of parts, that’s huge savings.
Bone screws
Stents
Surgical tools
Fasteners
Connectors
Micro shafts
Balance shafts
Contact pins
Coil housings
Inspect for wear, check alignment, and clean chips daily.
Keep your coolant clean and your lubrication system topped off.
Use gauges and lasers to ensure tight tolerances stay that way.
Wear goggles
Avoid loose clothing
Don’t override safety interlocks
Emergency stop buttons
Safety doors and shields
Software alarms for overloads
Swiss CNC lathes aren’t cheap, but the quality and consistency they offer can pay off in just a few jobs.
Invest in quality tooling
Optimize programming
Schedule preventative maintenance
Max bar diameter
Number of tool posts
Spindle speed
Number of controlled axes
Citizen
Star
Tsugami
Hanwha
Tornos
Xiongyi
Integration with IoT, AI-powered predictive maintenance, and automatic job scheduling are becoming standard.
Modern machines offer remote monitoring, adaptive controls, and advanced diagnostics.
Single spindle Swiss-type CNC lathes may look like compact machines, but they’re absolute beasts when it comes to precision, speed, and reliability. Whether you’re machining delicate medical components or high-tolerance aerospace parts, these machines are built to outperform. If you're looking to elevate your production game, investing in a Swiss lathe is a smart move—just be ready for the precision revolution.
1. What makes a Swiss-type CNC lathe unique?
It uses a sliding headstock and guide bushing for exceptional stability and precision during machining.
2. Is a single spindle Swiss lathe good for mass production?
Yes, it’s ideal for long runs of small, precise parts with minimal deviation.
3. Can Swiss lathes machine complex geometries?
Absolutely. With multiple axes and live tooling, they handle complex parts with ease.
4. Do I need special training to operate a Swiss CNC lathe?
Basic CNC knowledge helps, but many brands offer training modules specific to their machines.
5. How long does it take to program a Swiss lathe?
Depends on the part complexity—but once programmed, it runs smoothly with minimal tweaks.
