At Reata Engineering, we provide advanced mechanical, electrical-mechanical, and turnkey assembly services as part of our commitment to “making the complex simple for you.” 

Today, we’re spotlighting one of the capabilities we use to support our assembly operations. Swiss turning, or Swiss screw machining, allows us to meet customer needs by providing low volumes (i.e. 10-1,000) of high-quality assembly components in a prompt and cost-effective manner. 

Read on to learn all about our Swiss turning services. 

How Low Volume Swiss Turning Services Support Assembly Operations

When we assemble products for customers, we often need small components measuring less than 1” in diameter that are impossible to source off the shelf. Ranging from the simple to the highly complex, these components must be custom-made for each assembly. Common types of components include: 

  • Pins
  • Screw assemblies
  • Shafts
  • Gears
  • Bushings
  • Bearings
  • Other small widgets 

Most contract machining shops would use a standard lathe to turn these components—not because it’s a better or faster solution, but because Swiss turning requires a level of foresight and preparation that they aren’t ready to invest in.

At Reata Engineering, we know that Swiss turning is actually a much more efficient process for low volume components when run correctly, so we’ve put in the effort to perfect our Swiss turning services in these areas: 

  • Tooling. We have a huge selection of tooling that allows us to run different size materials. Rather than having to order tooling each time we run a new job, we can choose from our robust tooling library.
  • Experience. While other contract machining shops will often put their lathe operator on the Swiss screw machine, we have highly trained programmers who specialize in this capability. They think outside the box to determine the best approach to Swiss turning assembly components.
  • Material sourcing. Our close relationships with well-vetted material suppliers enable us to source Swiss turning materials quickly and cost-effectively. Common materials for these components include:

We often source centerless ground material, which is ideal for holding tight tolerances and maintaining part consistency. 

Benefits of Swiss Turning Assembly Components at Reata Engineering

Here’s what you can expect from Reata Engineering’s Swiss turning services: 

  • Efficient process. We run our Swiss turning machines either semi-attended or completely lights out for incredible efficiency. Our machines are capable of milling and turning simultaneously, which consolidates multiple steps into a single operation. We pass these efficiency bonuses onto customers in the form of lower costs and shorter lead times. 
  • Longer parts. A standard lathe has certain limitations when it comes to part length. With our Swiss turning machine, we can make long parts much more easily.
  • Part consistency. We put in all the proper planning to ensure that our Swiss turned components are consistent across the board. We’re capable of holding tolerances as tight as .0002” or .005 mm. 

When you need assembly services, Reata Engineering can handle all aspects of the project for you, including Swiss turning low-volume assembly components quickly and cost-effectively. Request a quote today!

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