How to quickly identify how many axes a swiss lathe has?

Swiss cnc lathe has several axes, you must know the knowledge!

 

Swiss lathe, also known as swiss-type-lathe, is a high-precision, high-efficiency CNC lathe that is widely used in the machining of precision parts, especially those in the medical, electronics, watch and automotive industries. So do you know how many axes swiss lathe is actually a machine?

 

A typical swiss cnc lathe usually consists of 4 or 5 axes, depending on the relevant configuration and customer requirements.

 

A 4-axis swiss lathe usually consists of only a few basic axes, namely X-axis, Z-axis, C-axis and Y-axis, while a 5-axis swiss lathe consists of X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, C-axis and B-axis. Different axes control different trajectories.

 

But in fact, nowadays, the development of swiss lathe is very fast, can deal with all kinds of complex and difficult precision parts processing, so conform to the processing requirements, also naturally appeared in the 6-axis swiss lathe.

 

The 6-axis Swiss-type lathe has a higher machining capacity than the traditional 3-axis or 5-axis lathe and is suitable for the efficient production of complex parts. In general, six-axis refers to the following independently controlled axes of motion:

1. X-axis (lateral movement)

Controls the lateral feed of the tool and affects the cutting diameter.

Affects OD machining, turning, milling, etc. of parts.

2. Y-axis (vertical movement)

Controls the upward and downward movement of the tool for eccentric drilling, milling, and other processes.

Suitable for shaped parts machining.

3. Z-axis (vertical movement)

Controls the forward and backward movement of the spindle (main feature of Swiss lathe).

The workpiece is fixed in the guide sleeve, and the workpiece moves along the Z-axis when the tool cuts, improving accuracy.

4. C-axis (spindle rotation)

Controls the spindle indexing rotation for precision machining such as drilling, tapping, and milling.

Provides the lathe with capabilities similar to a 4-axis machining center.

5. B-axis (Tool rotation axis)/Y2-axis (Vertical feed of subspindle)

B-axis: Allows the tool to rotate within a certain angle for multi-angle machining (e.g., angled holes, beveled milling).

Ideal for complex geometric parts such as orthopedic implants, fuel injector nozzles, etc.

Y2 axis: four movable tools and four fixed tools, suitable for synchronized machining with two spindles.

Suitable for batch mass production to improve efficiency.

6. Sub-Spindle

Allows workpieces to be machined double-ended, with the spindle working in tandem with the sub-spindle.

Allows chamfering, backside milling, and secondary machining to increase productivity.

 

Advantages of the 6-axis Swiss Lathe

✅ Higher machining flexibility: supports combined machining of turning, milling, drilling and tapping.

✅ Multiple processes in a single clamping: reduces manual intervention and improves accuracy.

✅ Suitable for mass production of high-precision parts: especially suitable for complex parts with diameters of 1-32mm.

✅ Higher surface finish: reduce the need for secondary machining and increase productivity.

 

 

Conclusion

The 6-axis Swiss Lathe offers enhanced machining capabilities and is particularly suited to the production of parts requiring high precision and complex geometries. If you need to machine difficult, small parts, the 6-axis Swiss Lathe is an excellent choice! 

 

If the 6-axis Swiss Lathe (centerfeed machine) has a Y2 axis instead of a B axis, the structure and machining capacity will be different, especially in the case of two-spindle (two-channel) machining.