Screw machine

Where it comes up

• Screw machine productsTurned pins, fittings, shafts, and bushings made from bar stock on multi-spindle and Swiss screw machines at volume.

Related terms

Swiss turning

Swiss turning is a lathe process where bar stock feeds through a guide bushing so the cut always happens right next to support. That lets it turn long, slender parts to tolerances of ±0.0002–0.0005 in (±0.005–0.013 mm). It suits small precision parts up to about 1.25 in (32 mm) diameter.

CNC

CNC is computer numerical control, the use of programmed instructions to drive machine tool motion. CNC mills and lathes cut parts from solid stock to typical tolerances of ±0.005 in (±0.13 mm), and ±0.0005 in (±0.013 mm) on critical features. It suits prototypes and low-to-medium production.

Setup

Setup is the work needed to prepare a machine to run a specific part: loading tooling, fixtures, and programs, then running and inspecting first pieces. Setup cost is fixed per run, so it is spread over the lot size and is a main driver of MOQ.

Cycle time

Cycle time is the time needed to complete one full production cycle, such as one mold shot, one press stroke, or one machined part. It sets machine hours per part, so it is a primary input to piece price. In injection molding, cooling usually takes most of the cycle.