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Precision Swiss Machining
Are you looking for a way to make super small parts with amazing accuracy? At Istar Machining, we’re experts in Swiss machining, a special type of manufacturing that makes the tiniest parts with the tightest tolerances. From medical devices to aerospace components, our Swiss machining service delivers precision that you can count on.
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23 Years
Istar Machining's years in the industry
300,000 square feet
The size of Istar Machining's factory
300 CNC machines
Our CNC equipment count
1000 skilled workers
Istar's number of skilled machinists/operators
What is Swiss Machining?
Swiss machining (also called Swiss turning or Swiss-type lathing) is a special way to make small metal parts. Unlike regular machine tools, Swiss machines hold the material in a special guide bushing while it moves through the machine. This helps make very small, precise parts without them bending or vibrating.
This technique was first created in Switzerland to make tiny watch screws. Today, we at Istar Machining use it to create parts for many industries where small size and high precision matter.
“Swiss machining is like having a microscope for metalworking – it lets us create parts so precise they can fit inside the eye of a needle!” – Engineering Team at Istar Machining
How Swiss Machines Work
Swiss machines are different from regular CNC machines. Here’s what makes them special:
- Sliding headstock: The material moves through the machine instead of the cutting tool moving around the material
- Guide bushing: Holds the material close to where cutting happens to prevent bending
- Multiple tools: Can use many tools at once to make complex shapes
- Live tooling: Can drill and mill while the part spins
- Sub-spindle: Catches the part to work on both ends without resetting
This design makes Swiss machining perfect for small, complex parts that need to be extremely accurate. At Istar Machining, we use the latest Swiss machines with up to 13 axes of movement!
Materials We Work With
Our Swiss machining service can handle many different materials:
Material Type | Common Uses | Swiss Machining Benefits |
Stainless Steel 303/304 | Medical implants, bone screws | Corrosion resistance, biocompatible |
Titanium Gr5 | Aerospace parts, medical devices | Lightweight, strong, biocompatible |
Brass 360 | Electronics connector pins | Good conductivity, easy machining |
PEEK | Medical implants, industrial parts | Heat resistant, chemical resistant |
Aluminum Alloys | Lightweight parts, electronics | Good strength-to-weight ratio |
Need a different material? Just ask! Our team at Istar Machining can help you choose the right material for your project. We also offer aluminum CNC machining and other material options.
Swiss Machining Advantages
Why choose Swiss machining for your small parts? Here are the biggest benefits:
1. Incredible Accuracy
- Can achieve tolerances as tight as ±0.0005 mm (that’s thinner than a human hair!)
- Perfect for parts where every tiny detail matters
- Consistent quality across thousands of parts
2. Smooth Finishes Without Extra Work
- Creates surface finishes as smooth as Ra 0.4 µm right off the machine
- No need for extra polishing or finishing
- Saves time and money on production
3. Perfect for Small Runs and Big Batches
- Efficient for orders from 100 to 100,000+ parts
- 24/7 automation for non-stop production
- Cost-effective for high-volume needs
4. Complex Shapes in One Step
- Can make threads, tiny holes, and unusual shapes in a single setup
- Reduces need for multiple machines or operations
- Faster production and better part quality
At Istar Machining, we combine these advantages with our expertise in precision CNC machining to deliver parts that exceed your expectations.
Technical Details
For engineers and technical buyers, here are the specifics of our Swiss machining capabilities:
Machine Specifications
- Diameter Range: We can work with material from 0.5mm to 32mm
- Tolerance Capability: Standard ±0.002 mm, with ±0.0005 mm available for special needs
- Surface Finish: Ra 0.4–1.6 µm typical
- Multi-Axis Integration: Our machines feature 7–13 axes for complex geometries
- Lead Times: 5–10 days for prototypes; 2–3 weeks for production runs
Our Equipment
At Istar Machining, we use top-of-the-line Swiss machines:
- Tornos Deco 20a for ultimate precision
- Citizen L32-X for larger diameter work
- High-pressure coolant systems for chip management
- Advanced measurement systems for quality control
Industries We Serve
Our Swiss machining services help many industries create their most important small parts:
Why Choose Istar Machining for Swiss Machining?
There are many reasons to partner with us for your Swiss machining needs:
Experience
Our team has decades of combined experience
Quality Focus
ISO 9001, AS9100, and ITAR compliance
Advanced Technology
Latest Swiss machines with full automation
Complete Solutions
From design assistance to finishing services
Competitive Pricing
Efficient processes mean better value
On-Time Delivery
We respect your deadlines and production schedules
The Swiss Machining Process
When you work with Istar Machining for your Swiss machining needs, here’s what happens:
Design Review
Our engineers review your CAD files to ensure they're optimized for Swiss machining
Material Selection
We help you choose the best material for your application
Programming
Our CAD/CAM specialists program the machine for your specific part
First Article
We make a sample part for your approval
Production
Once approved, we begin full production
Frequently Asked Question
A: We can make parts with features as small as 0.3mm and tolerances of ±0.0005mm.
A: Stainless steel, brass, aluminum, titanium, and some plastics like PEEK work extremely well.
A: Swiss machining offers better precision for small parts, can achieve tighter tolerances, and is more efficient for high-volume production of small components.
A: While we specialize in higher volumes, we can accommodate orders as small as 100 pieces.
A: Typically 5-10 days for prototypes and 2-3 weeks for production runs, depending on complexity and quantity.
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