Sliding head turning makes small, long and precise turned parts from bar stock. The bar moves through a guide bush close to the cutting tool, so even thin parts do not bend while they are cut. Many tools, including live milling and drilling tools, finish a part complete in one cycle. It is used for pins, shafts, connectors, medical and electronic parts in thousands.
Quick facts
- Bar size
- About 1–32 mm (0.0394–1.26 inch) diameter typical
- Tolerance
- About ±0.005–0.01 mm (±0.0002–0.0004 inch)
- Best for
- Small, long or slender parts
- Operations
- Turning, drilling, milling, threading, back working
- Batch
- Hundreds to many thousands
- Usually priced
- Per piece, plus setting for new parts
Sliding head or fixed head CNC lathe?
| Sliding head | Fixed head CNC lathe | |
|---|---|---|
| Part size | Small, up to about 32 mm (1.26 inch) | Larger diameters |
| Long thin parts | Excellent | Bend and chatter |
| Complete in one cycle | Usually | Often needs a second setting |
| Setting time | Longer | Shorter |
| Best batch | Large | Small to large |
Typical parts
- Pins, shafts and spindles
- Electrical connectors and contacts
- Hydraulic and pneumatic fittings
- Medical screws and dental parts
- Watch and instrument parts
What to send
- Drawing with tolerances and surface finish
- Material and bar size (brass, free-cutting steel, stainless, aluminium)
- Quantity per order and per year
- Plating or heat treatment after machining
- Inspection report needed
Need sliding head turning (swiss type) done?
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Questions
- What is the guide bush?
- A close-fitting bush that supports the bar right next to the tool, which is why thin parts stay straight.
- Is Swiss turning only for small parts?
- Mostly. Machines handle bar up to about 32–38 mm (1.26–1.50 inch); bigger parts go on fixed head CNC lathes.
- Is it costly for small batches?
- Setting takes time, so it pays off on large batches; for a few pieces a CNC lathe may be cheaper.
The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 29 October 2026.