Kennametal Meets Small Parts Machining Demands

Machining small parts calls for high precision, tight tolerances and excellent surface finishes. Kennametal’s TopSwiss platform is designed to meet these demands across industries like medical, aerospace and defense, automotive and general engineering. 

But first, what is Swiss-type turning?

Performed on a CNC Swiss lathe, this method involves a sliding headstock and guide bushing, which rotates the workpiece on a spindle as it is fed across a stationary cutting tool. Parts range from bone screws and hip and shoulder implants to bushings and fuel injectors and can be made from various materials.

Practical Swiss-Type Tips 

Precision and tolerance: For greater accuracy in the geometries when machining, being able to minimize deflection (bending of the workpiece) is very important. By reducing the amount of material sticking out from the guide bushing, you can minimize bending and increase the precision needed for the component. Additionally, by using sharp cutting edges, you can reduce cutting forces, which can result in more precise cuts and a smooth surface finish.

Avoid workpiece damage: Choosing the right material can significantly affect how the workpiece comes out. Harder materials may require a slower machining speed, while softer materials may require a more forceful speed to achieve optimum results. Coolant usage can also be a factor to help prevent damage to the parts.

Achieve better chip evacuation: The challenge of working on small parts is the combination of tight spaces and chip size. Along with adjusting cutting speeds, feed rates and the material being machined, you will have to manage the depth of cut to prevent chip build-up.  Effective chip evacuation also involves ensuring proper coolant flow to clear the tool’s path and selecting the appropriate solid-cutting tools, inserts, grades and coatings.

Maximize your tool path: As we know, machining small parts has limited space in which to work. But if you select the right cutting tools and parameters, use CNC software that can meet your complex requirements and properly apply the workholding necessary to reduce vibrations, you can successfully maximize the efficiency of the part.

As part of the small parts line, Kennametal’s TopSwiss tooling features sharp cutting edges, low cutting forces and superior chip evacuation that result in longer tool life and excellent surface finishes. 

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