Swiss Lathe — Swiss-Type Automatic Lathe
A Swiss-type lathe feeds bar through a guide bushing close to the cutting zone so slender parts can be supported near the tool; modern machines may also run without a guide bush for selected work.
How Swiss Lathe — Swiss-Type Automatic Lathe works
- The sliding headstock feeds bar in the Z direction while tools work close to the guide bushing.
- Main and subspindles, live tools and multiple tool groups can combine turning, milling, drilling and back-working.
- Guide-bush setup depends on bar quality, diameter control, material and part geometry.
- Bar feeder, high-pressure coolant, chip control and program synchronization strongly affect production.
What to compare
| Bar capacity | Maximum diameter, usable remnant and bar-feeder compatibility. |
|---|---|
| Guide-bush modes | Guide-bush, convertible or non-guide-bush capability and changeover requirements. |
| Tooling | Turning positions, live-tool speed, cross/back-working and driven-tool interfaces. |
| Spindles | Main/subspindle speed, power, synchronization and part-transfer envelope. |
| Support | Control generation, OEM service, tooling ecosystem and programmer/operator availability. |
Used-equipment inspection checklist
Verify the machine
- Run a representative part across both main and subspindle operations.
- Inspect guide-bush components, headstock motion and collets.
- Test live tools, cross drills and part transfer.
- Confirm bar feeder model, channel sets and interface.
- Review high-pressure coolant, mist collection and chip handling.
Verify the transaction
- Match the serial number and configuration to the seller's description.
- Identify every included and excluded accessory in writing.
- Confirm power, air, coolant, foundation, rigging and relocation requirements.
- Record a time-stamped operating demonstration and measured result.
- Price missing service, software, tooling and recommissioning before comparing offers.
Why this term matters in the used-machine market
Search results and listings often compress a complete production system into one label. Buyers should translate that label into capacity, condition, control generation, included tooling, serviceability and demonstrated output. Sellers improve credibility by disclosing those facts instead of repeating a brochure headline.
Market value is also specific to timing and buyer fit. A capable machine can trade poorly when its configuration is hard to relocate, support or redeploy; a common platform with documented maintenance, current controls and proven output may attract a wider buyer pool.
Related machine-tool terms
Frequently asked questions
Are Swiss lathes only for tiny parts?
They are strongly associated with small, slender precision parts, but available capacity and configurations vary by model.
Why offer non-guide-bush mode?
It can reduce guide-bush preparation and remnant considerations for shorter parts where near-cut support is not required.
Sources and further reading
Source roles are explicit: linked organizations describe their own products, programs or technical guidance. The Machine Blue Book independently organizes and interprets that material for education and used-equipment due diligence. A citation is not an endorsement, sponsorship or guarantee.
- Star CNC Machine Tool Corp. — SR-32JIII Swiss-Type Automatic Lathe. Current Swiss-type architecture, guide-bush options and machine configuration. Reviewed September 26, 2026.
- IMTS — IMTS Technology Sectors. Primary classification of metal removal, quality, automation, software, tooling and workholding sectors. Reviewed September 26, 2026.
See the complete source register, research methodology and editorial standards.