Precision Small Part Manufacturing through Swiss Screw Machining

At Hi-Standard Machining, we pride ourselves on a "perfectionist mindset." While our facility in Racine handles a vast array of manufacturing needs, our Swiss CNC 7-axis screw machining stands out as the premier solution for high-volume, high-precision small parts.

Swiss-style machining is unique because the workpiece moves along the longitudinal axis while the tools remain stationary. This provides maximum rigidity and support right at the point of operation, allowing us to produce long, slender, and incredibly complex components with tolerances as tight as ±.0001".

To help our partners understand the depth of our capabilities, we are taking a closer look at the 11 specialized parts we produce daily and how the Swiss machining process ensures their quality.

1. Screws

While the name "screw machine" implies a single focus, the precision screws we produce are far from standard. Utilizing 7-axis movement, we create micro-screws for medical instruments and electronics. The Swiss process allows for perfect thread consistency and burr-free finishes on parts that are often too small for traditional lathes.

2. Fittings

Fittings are the unsung heroes of fluid and gas systems. Whether it’s a brass fitting for a heavy machinery hydraulic line or a stainless steel component for a diagnostic tool, Swiss machining allows us to mill, drill, and tap these parts in a single setup, ensuring leak-proof precision.

3. Bolts

High-strength bolts produced via Swiss CNC are designed for applications where failure is not an option. By machining from certified bar stock, we maintain the structural integrity of the metal, providing the automotive and defense industries with fasteners that withstand extreme tension.

4. Pistons

In small-scale hydraulics and pneumatic cylinders, the piston must fit with absolute perfection to maintain pressure. Our 7-axis machines allow us to create complex piston geometries and smooth surface finishes that reduce friction and wear over time.

5. Connectors

In the world of electronics and aerospace, connectors require intricate internal geometries. Swiss machining excels here, allowing us to create tiny, multi-featured connectors that provide reliable electrical or mechanical contact in demanding environments.

6. Cylinders

Small precision cylinders often serve as the housing for other moving parts. The stability of the Swiss sliding headstock ensures that the inner and outer diameters remain perfectly concentric, even on components with very thin walls.

7. Bearings

Precision bearings require exceptional roundness and surface smoothness. Our Swiss CNC equipment can turn, face, and polish bearing surfaces to exacting standards, ensuring smooth rotation and longevity in medical and industrial applications.

8. Adapters

Adapters often bridge two different thread types or sizes. We use our high-speed Brown & Sharpe and Swiss machines to produce adapters that transition seamlessly between systems, maintaining high-pressure seals without the need for secondary finishing.

9. Bushings

Bushings act as spacers or vibration dampeners. Because Swiss machining supports the material so close to the cutting tool, we can produce very thin-walled bushings from materials like Delrin or brass without the risk of the part deforming during the cut.

10. Axles

Small-diameter axles used in precision motors or gear assemblies must be perfectly straight. The Swiss method is the gold standard for long, thin parts; because the bar stock moves through a guide bushing, we eliminate the "deflection" that occurs in standard machining, resulting in a perfectly straight axle every time.

11. Studs

Similar to bolts but threaded on both ends, studs require precise synchronization of threading operations. Our multi-axis machines can thread both ends and even include a hex or flattened middle section for easy installation, all in one efficient production cycle.

Why It Matters

By expanding our use of Swiss CNC technology, Hi-Standard Machining provides more than just parts; we provide "Total Service." From the initial tool design to the final CMM quality check, we ensure that every screw, axle, and connector leaving our Racine facility is a testament to 80 years of American machining excellence.

Need a quote for your next high-volume project? Contact Hi-Standard Machining today.