Question 1

What is Swiss CNC machining?

Accepted Answer

Swiss CNC machining is a precision machining process that’s especially well suited for small, detailed parts and components that require tight tolerances. The biggest difference is how the material is supported close to the cutting tool, which helps us maintain accuracy even when we’re machining small-diameter or longer parts. It also allows us to perform multiple operations efficiently, often in a single setup.

Question 2

What tolerances can you hold?

Accepted Answer

We routinely work with tight tolerances and can hold tolerances down to ±.0001" when the part, material, and application require it. That said, every job is different. Send us your drawing and specifications, and we’ll review them to make sure we can consistently meet the tolerances you need.

Question 3

What size parts can you machine?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in small-diameter precision components, generally ranging from about .020" to .780"+ in diameter. If your part falls outside that range, feel free to send us the drawing anyway. We’re always happy to take a look and let you know if it’s a good fit for our equipment.

Question 4

What materials do you machine?

Accepted Answer

We work with a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, titanium, tool steels, carbon steels, and engineering plastics. If you have a specific alloy or less common material in mind, send us the material specification along with your print and we can determine the best way to approach it.

Question 5

What production quantities can you handle?

Accepted Answer

We can handle everything from smaller production runs to quantities of more than one million parts. Some customers come to us needing 10 pieces, while others need hundreds of thousands of parts produced consistently over time. We’ll recommend a manufacturing approach based on the part, quantity, and your production requirements.

Question 6

What types of parts are best suited for Swiss machining?

Accepted Answer

Swiss machining is particularly effective for small, complex, tight-tolerance components. That includes things like pins, shafts, bushings, fittings, connectors, fasteners, and other precision turned components. If you’re not sure whether your part is a good candidate for Swiss machining, send us the drawing. We can usually tell pretty quickly.

Question 7

What industries do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Over the years, we’ve produced precision components for customers in medical, dental, aerospace, defense, automotive, electronics, computer, sporting goods, and other industries. What matters most to us isn’t necessarily the industry—it’s understanding the requirements of the part and producing it correctly and consistently.

Question 8

What do you need from me to provide a quote?

Accepted Answer

The best place to start is with a part drawing or CAD file, the material, quantity, tolerances, and any finishing or special requirements. The more information you can provide upfront, the more accurately we can quote the job. If you don’t have everything figured out yet, that’s okay too. Send us what you have and we’ll go from there.

Question 9

What are your typical lead times?

Accepted Answer

Lead times depend on the complexity of the part, material availability, order quantity, and whether the job requires any secondary operations or special processing. Rather than give you a generic lead time that may not apply to your project, we’ll review the job and give you a realistic timeframe when we quote it.

Question 10

How do you ensure quality and consistency?

Accepted Answer

Quality starts with getting the process right. We focus on controlling the machining process so we can produce the same part consistently from the beginning of a run to the end. We also inspect parts throughout production to verify critical dimensions and make sure the finished components meet the requirements on your print.

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