Brass & Copper Parts is a specialist provider of Swiss machining services, producing ultra-precision Swiss machined parts and components for demanding applications across the USA. Our Swiss-type CNC turning centers deliver the tightest tolerances, most complex geometries, and finest surface finishes achievable in production-volume precision turning — making us the preferred partner for medical device, aerospace, electronics, and instrumentation manufacturers.
What Is Swiss Machining?
Swiss machining (also called Swiss screw machining, Swiss turning, or Swiss-type CNC machining) is a specialized CNC turning process originally developed in Switzerland for the watchmaking industry. Unlike conventional CNC lathes, Swiss-type machines support the workpiece directly at the cutting zone through a guide bushing — this virtually eliminates deflection and vibration, enabling the machining of extremely slender, long, and complex parts to tolerances that conventional turning cannot achieve.
Modern CNC Swiss-type machines feature multiple tool carriers, live tooling, sub-spindles, and simultaneous machining operations — allowing complete part production in a single pass from bar stock, minimizing part handling and maximizing dimensional consistency.
Advantages of Swiss Machining for Precision Parts
- Ultra-Tight Tolerances: Diameter tolerances to ±0.0002″ (±0.005 mm) routinely achieved on slender parts
- Long Slender Parts: Capable of machining parts with length-to-diameter (L/D) ratios of 20:1 or higher without deflection
- Complete Part in One Setup: Turn, mill, drill, thread, and form — all in one cycle from bar stock
- High Repeatability: Cpk values greater than 1.67 maintained across production runs of millions of pieces
- Excellent Surface Finish: As-machined Ra values of 0.4–1.6 µm without post-processing
Our Range of Swiss Machined Parts & Components
Brass Swiss Machined Parts
Brass Swiss machined parts are precision components manufactured using advanced Swiss-type CNC lathes, ideal for high-volume and tight-tolerance production. The excellent machinability of Brass allows for intricate geometries, fine threads, and superior surface finishes. These parts are widely used in electrical, plumbing, and automotive applications due to their corrosion resistance and conductivity. Swiss machining ensures minimal material wastage and consistent repeatability across batches. This process is especially suitable for small, complex parts requiring high dimensional accuracy and reliability.
Stainless Steel Screw Machine Parts
Stainless steel screw machine parts are produced using automatic lathes to deliver durable and high-strength components. Known for their corrosion resistance and mechanical robustness, these parts are widely used in medical, aerospace, and industrial sectors. Stainless steel grades such as 303, 304, and 316 provide versatility depending on application requirements. Screw machining enables efficient mass production with consistent quality and cost-effectiveness. These parts are ideal for applications where strength, longevity, and resistance to harsh environments are critical.
Copper Swiss Machining
Copper Swiss machined components are precision-engineered parts known for their excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Using Swiss-type CNC machines, manufacturers can produce complex copper parts with high accuracy and fine detailing. These components are commonly used in electrical connectors, terminals, and power distribution systems. Despite copper being softer and more challenging to machine than Brass, Swiss machining techniques ensure precision and smooth finishes. The process is ideal for high-performance applications where conductivity and precision are essential.
We produce Swiss machined components across a broad spectrum of applications and materials:
Swiss Machined Medical Components
Ultra-precision medical device parts including bone screws, surgical instrument components, cannula hubs, catheter fittings, endoscope components, dental implant abutments, and drug delivery device parts. Manufactured from 316L stainless, titanium (Grade 2 and Grade 5), and PEEK to ISO 13485 quality standards.
Swiss Machined Connector Pins & Electrical Components
High-precision connector pins, socket contacts, spring pins, pogo pins, and terminal inserts for high-density electronic connectors, PCB assemblies, and semiconductor test sockets. Produced from C14500 tellurium copper, C17200 beryllium copper, and C36000 brass for optimal conductivity and spring characteristics.
Swiss Machined Aerospace Components
Precision aerospace fasteners, hydraulic fittings, actuator pins, and sensor housings machined from aluminum 7075, titanium 6Al-4V, Inconel 718, and 17-4 PH stainless to AS9100 quality standards.
Swiss Machined Fluid Control Components
Miniature valve bodies, orifice inserts, nozzles, check valve components, and flow restrictors for hydraulic, pneumatic, medical, and analytical instrument applications. Tolerances to ±0.0005″ on critical bore diameters.
Swiss Machined Fasteners & Threaded Components
Micro-screws (M1.0 to M3.0), custom miniature bolts, pins with threaded ends, and complex fasteners with multiple diameters and features — produced in stainless steel, titanium, and specialty alloys for miniaturized applications.
Swiss Machined Shafts & Spindles
High-precision shafts with multiple diameters, ground finishes, and tight concentricity requirements for motors, encoders, pumps, and precision mechanical assemblies.
Swiss Machined Fittings & Tube Connectors
Miniature and micro-scale fluid fittings, Luer lock connectors, barbed connectors, and tube adapters for medical, analytical, and laboratory applications requiring leak-free performance and biocompatibility.
Materials for Swiss Machined Parts — Grades & International Equivalents
Our Swiss machining capabilities span a wide range of metals. The table below covers the most commonly machined metal grades:
| Material | UNS / Grade (USA) | EN (Europe) | DIN (Germany) | JIS (Japan) | Common Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free-Cutting Brass | C36000 | CW614N | CuZn39Pb3 (2.0401) | C3604 | Connectors, fittings, fasteners |
| Tellurium Copper | C14500 | CW118C | CuTeP (2.1546) | C1450 | Electrical contacts, pins |
| 303 Stainless Steel | S30300 | 1.4305 | X8CrNiS18-9 | SUS303 | Medical, aerospace, fittings |
| 316L Stainless Steel | S31603 | 1.4404 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | SUS316L | Implants, pharma, marine |
| 17-4 PH Stainless | S17400 | 1.4542 | X5CrNiCuNb16-4 | SUS630 | Aerospace, high-strength parts |
| Titanium Grade 2 | R50400 | 3.7035 | Ti Grade 2 | TP340C | Medical, biocompatible parts |
| Titanium Grade 5 (6Al-4V) | R56400 | 3.7165 | Ti6Al4V | TAP6400 | Aerospace, orthopedic implants |
| Aluminum 6061-T6 | A96061 | EN AW-6061 | 3.3211 | A6061 | Lightweight structural, housings |
| Aluminum 7075-T6 | A97075 | EN AW-7075 | 3.4365 | A7075 | Aerospace, high-strength |
| Inconel 718 | N07718 | 2.4668 | NiCr19Fe19Nb5Mo3 | — | High-temp, turbine components |
Swiss Machining Technical Capabilities
- Bar Diameter Range: 1 mm to 32 mm in round, hex, and square bar stock
- Maximum Part Length: Up to 300 mm in a single setup
- Tolerances: Diameter ±0.005 mm (±0.0002″), concentricity within 0.003 mm TIR
- Surface Finish: Ra 0.4 µm (16 µin) as-machined
- Thread Capability: M0.6 to M24 and inch equivalent forms
- Live Tooling: Radial and axial milling, cross-drilling, slotting
- Volume Capacity: 100-piece prototypes to 10M+ piece annual contracts
Industries We Serve Across the USA
- Medical Devices & Surgical Instruments: Bone anchors, catheter components, implant parts (ISO 13485 certified process)
- Aerospace & Defense: Structural fasteners, hydraulic fittings, actuator components
- Electronics & Semiconductors: Connector pins, test probes, spring contacts, shielding
- Optical & Instrumentation: Precision shafts, lens barrels, adjusting screws
- Automotive: Fuel injection components, transmission parts, ABS sensor hardware
- Oil & Gas: Downhole tool components, instrument fittings, valve trim
Why Choose Brass & Copper Parts for Swiss Machining?
- True Swiss Machining Expertise: Over 20 years of specialized Swiss-type CNC machining experience across Citizen, Tsugami, and Star machine platforms.
- Micro-Part Specialists: Parts as small as 1 mm diameter with M1 threads and 0.5 mm bores — capability few suppliers match.
- Medical & Aerospace Grade Quality: ISO 13485-aligned processes; CMM verification with GD&T reporting on all critical features.
- Complete Secondary Operations: Passivation, electropolishing, anodizing, thread rolling, centerless grinding — one complete supply source.
- Free DFM Review: Engineers optimize your design for Swiss production, reducing cycle time and cost without compromising function.
- Fast Prototyping: Sample parts in 5–10 business days; full production within 4–6 weeks from approved drawings.
- USA-Focused Delivery: DDP delivery to any US location with competitive, factory-direct pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions — Swiss Machining
Q1: What is the difference between Swiss machining and conventional CNC turning?
A: In Swiss machining, a guide bushing supports the part directly at the cutting zone, eliminating deflection on long, slender parts. Swiss machines also feature simultaneous multi-axis live tooling, enabling complete complex parts in a single setup — capabilities conventional turning cannot match.
Q2: What is the smallest part you can Swiss machine?
A: We routinely machine parts from 1.0 mm diameter bar stock including M1.0 x 0.25 micro-screws typical of surgical instrument and watchmaking applications. Minimum bore diameter is approximately 0.3 mm with specialized micro-boring tooling.
Q3: Can Swiss machined parts have milled features and cross-holes?
A: Yes. Our Swiss-type machines are equipped with live rotary tooling for radial and axial milling, cross-drilling, slotting, flat milling, and gear hobbing — all in a single setup without secondary operations.
Q4: Are Swiss machined medical parts biocompatible?
A: Biocompatibility depends on the material chosen. We machine titanium (Grade 2 and Grade 5), 316L stainless steel, cobalt-chrome alloys, and PEEK — all proven biocompatible. All medical parts include dedicated tooling, controlled environments, and full material traceability.
Q5: What drawings or files do you need to quote Swiss machined parts?
A: We prefer dimensioned 2D drawings (PDF, DWG, DXF) with complete GD&T callouts, plus 3D CAD files (STEP, IGES). Quotations are typically provided within 24–48 hours of receiving drawings.
Q6: Can you machine exotic alloys like Inconel, Hastelloy, and titanium?
A: Yes. We have experience machining difficult alloys including Inconel 625/718, Hastelloy C276, titanium 6Al-4V, cobalt-chrome (CoCrMo), and MP35N using specialized tooling, cutting parameters, and coolant management.
Q7: Do you offer Swiss machined parts compliant with AS9100 for aerospace?
A: Our quality system is aligned with AS9100 Rev. D requirements. We maintain first article inspection (FAI) per AS9102, PPAP documentation, and full material traceability with certificates of conformance for aerospace programs.
Quality Certifications & Standards
Brass & Copper Parts maintains ISO 9001:2015 certification with processes aligned to ISO 13485 (medical) and AS9100 (aerospace). Swiss machined components are inspected using CMM systems with full GD&T reporting, digital optical measurement, surface roughness testing, and thread gauge verification.
Request a Swiss Machining Quote
Whether you need 100 prototype Swiss machined parts or a multi-million-piece annual production supply, Brass & Copper Parts delivers precision, quality, and reliability. Upload your drawings today for a fast competitive quotation, or contact our Swiss machining specialists for a technical consultation — at no charge.
