Tool Installation in Swiss Lathe Dual-Spindle and Dual Row Machines

About swiss lathe twin spindle double row cutter series what is the tool mounting like?

 

Swiss lathe lathes, regardless of the series, have a reputation for high precision, high efficiency, and the ability to machine complex parts. However, the swiss lathe with double spindle and double row of tools is a little different from other swiss lathes. It usually adopts an inclined design, which has an important effect on tool mounting, chip evacuation, rigidity and so on. Today, we will have a detailed introduction to tool mounting in its inclined structure. The others will be carried over a little.

 

Design features of tilting type lathe:

1. greater rigidity:

The bed of the machine tool adopts a tilting design (generally 30°-45°), which improves the overall rigidity of the machine tool, reduces vibration, and improves machining accuracy and work stability compared with the traditional horizontal lathe.

 

2. Optimized chip removal:

Gravity optimization + inclined design allows the cutting waste to fall into the discharge system automatically, reducing the accumulation of waste chips, especially suitable for high-speed operation and ultra-high feed machining.

 

3.High space utilization:

The design of inclined bed body makes the arrangement of main spindle, turret and sub-axis closer, reduces the footprint of the lathe, and at the same time optimizes the running trajectory of the tool.

 

Tool mounting：

As the lathe bed is inclined, so naturally an arrangement of tools is also inclined, and its tool installation requires specific Tool Holders and Cutting Tools.

 

(1) Front row of tools & rear row of tools

Front Tool Post：

Mainly used for spindle processing, (external turning, drilling, threading, etc.)

Due to the beveled design, it is closer to the workpiece, reduces tool overhang and improves rigidity.

 

Back row of tools (Back Tool Post):

Mainly used for sub-spindle machining (back machining, cutting off, chamfering, etc.).

The same oblique structure, and the front row of tools to form a complementary, improve processing flexibility.

 

Generally speaking, the choice of tool post is not a lot, mainly depends on the installation of static tools or dynamic tools (front and rear row of tools are the same).

 

(2) Power Tool Holders (Live Tool Holders)

On some models, power tools (milling cutters, drills) are mounted on an inclined tool holder, which allows for mill-turn combined machining, such as side milling, face drilling, tapping, etc.

Due to the inclined design of the tool holders, the direction of force on the power tool is more reasonable and vibration is reduced during machining.

 

(3) Advantages of tilting tool holder

✅ Reduced interference: with the tool holder tilted, the tool can be closer to the workpiece, reducing interference problems and improving machining efficiency.

✅ Increased rigidity: the tool support is more stable, reducing the phenomenon of letting the tool go during machining and improving machining accuracy.

✅ Optimized chip evacuation: since the tool holder is tilted, chips fall off more easily and do not accumulate on the tool holder.

 

Applicable workpiece types

Due to the design of the Swiss Lathe inclined bed + inclined tool evacuation, it is particularly suitable for machining high-precision, small, slender parts, for example:

 

Medical industry: dental implants, orthopedic instruments, bone spikes, surgical tools

Electronics industry: connectors, micro pins, sensor parts

Automotive industry: fuel injectors, precision shafts, valve components

Aerospace: small complex components, hydraulic joints

Watch industry: miniature shafts, gears, screws

 

Summary

✅ Swiss Lathe adopts the design of inclined bed + inclined tool holder, which enhances machine rigidity, optimizes chip evacuation, reduces tool interference and improves machining accuracy.

✅ It is suitable for mass production of high-precision, small and complex parts, especially widely used in medical, electronics, automotive, aerospace and other industries.