Advantages of a B-Axis Swiss-Type
Learn how a Northeastern shop leverages a Swiss-type lathe with a B-axis milling spindle to produce small batches of complex parts.
Share





The signature element of this Swiss-type machine is its B-axis milling spindle. This differs from conventional Swiss-type designs that use gang-style tools that are fixed in their orientation with the part, either perpendicular to the face or diameter of the barstock.
When equipped with a B-axis milling spindle, a Swiss-type lathe essentially becomes a five-axis turn-mill with the bonus of a sliding headstock. The sliding-headstock is what enables the machine to effectively turn long parts with small-diameters, while the B-axis milling spindle can approach workpieces in the machine’s main or subspindle at a variety of angles.
leverages this technology to produce small batches of long, complex parts. Learn more in this story.
Related Content
-
How to Mitigate Chatter to Boost Machining Rates
There are usually better solutions to chatter than just reducing the feed rate. Through vibration analysis, the chatter problem can be solved, enabling much higher metal removal rates, better quality and longer tool life.
-
Quick-Change Tool Heads Reduce Setup on Swiss-Type Turning Centers
This new quick-change tooling system enables shops to get more production from their Swiss turning centers through reduced tool setup time and matches the performance of a solid tool.
-
Ballbar Testing Benefits Low-Volume Manufacturing
Thanks to ballbar testing with a Renishaw QC20-W, the Autodesk Technology Centers now have more confidence in their machine tools.