Swiss-Style Turning Centers

Maier CNC Swiss turning centers provide start-to-finish machining (simultaneous turning and milling/drilling) in one operation. ML ProLine machines are available in five different series with configurations ranging from four axes with up to 11 tools to 11 axes with up to 30 tools.

Originally developed for the Swiss watch-making industry, Swiss-type turning centers are designed to turn small, complex parts with high precision, but Maier machines can also handle barstock to 32 mm in diameter. Machines feature 6,000 or 8,000 rpm 5/7.5 hp main spindles, 6,000 or 8,000 rpm 3.5 hp subspindles, and 1,260 ipm rapid traverses within a distance of 0.03937". Several models offer simultaneous processing with two or three tools and are capable of secondary processing (milling and drilling) by means of a 2-hp front drilling spindle. To facilitate complex machining combinations, three independent carriages are available for automatic placement.

These machines achieve high dimensional accuracy through rigidity. In the Z axis, the tool is stationary and the stock advances from the main spindle through a guide bushing to expose only the length to be machined. The bushing and, when necessary, a subspindle, clamp the stock tightly in place to minimize deflection. Meanwhile, the machine’s Y axis provides milling.