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Lucky for us, screw machines embody an integral aspect of machining for precision components. The ability to produce components to incredibly tight tolerances is essential to many industries (automotive, medical devices, electronics, to name a few). However, what are screw machines and differentiable between typical precision machining processes, such as CNC machining?
In this blog we will discuss key components of screw machines, the changing landscape of swiss screw machining, and the distinctions between CNC and screw machines. If you are a manufacturing or procurement engineer, knowing how screw machines uniquely operate becomes critical in honing manufacturing processes to get best-in-class results.
1. What Are Parts of a Screw Machine ？
You must first understand screw machines are made of components that work seamlessly to automate the production of small complex parts. A classic screw machine is defined as being composed of several mechanical components that wor in unison in automating operations to produce microscopic components while innovatively controlling and modifying mechanical processes. The most relevant pieces of a screw machine include;
Spindle – A spindle of a screw machine, refers to a rotating shaft, in general manufacturing terms. The spindle will hold the stock, or raw material of a part, and rotates the stock smoothly and continuously to machine the component, not perfectly, but accurately enough to the the next stage of the cutting and shaping of the part will continue.
Turret – A turret on a screw machine is part of the tooling component of the machine housing the tools in position on a round disc to enable rapid cutting tool indexing & exchanges within the machine without incurring downtime between operations.Chuck- The chuck is the part that holds the material as it is fed in. The chuck securely clamps the stock so that it does not move while it is being machined. As a result, you are able to machine material with great precision.
Guide Bushing- The guide bushing provides support for the material as it is fed through the machine. The guide bushing prevents deviation of the material during the entire cutting of the operation. The guide bushing helps to keep the material in alignment.
Feed Mechanism- The feed mechanism is responsible for moving the material forward or backward in the machine so that the operator can ensure that the tool reflects the correct location being cut; subsequently, the operator has great expectations for precision.
Cutting Tools- Screw Machines typically utilize some of the following cutting tools: drill bits, taps, or specialized tools based on the desired shape or cut required.
Drive Mechanism- The drive mechanism is responsible for powering the spindle and other associated parts, but it is an important part that enables very precise movements in all ways.
Familiarity with these components is essential to factor when you are selecting your screw machine, as these parts work together to efficiently machine precision and more complex tasks.
2. What is Swiss Screw Machining?
You may have heard of the term Swiss screw machining and wondered how it differs from other screw machine types. Swiss screw machining is a fraction of CNC machining that is extremely precise and ideal for producing highly complex-part shapes.
The Swiss screw machining process forces the material through the guide bushing and is machined by a rotating spindle, which is able to perform a cutting action that yields high precision. With this type of machining process defined, it is well appreciated that the tolerances can be extremely tight, and with complicated geometries performed with precision. It is for that reason Swiss screw machining is commonly used in aerospace, electronics, and medical/aid devices.Swiss screw machines are ideal for making long, slender parts with great detail and accuracy and superb surface finish. When it comes to precision, Swiss screw machining is seen as the gold standard, particularly when looking to produce small, detailed parts.
3. What are the 7 Parts of a Milling Machine?
While screw machines and milling machines are different, there is some overlap in their design and function. Both machines use precision tools to cut and shape the material, but milling machines serve to remove material from a workpiece to create an elaborate shape.
The seven main parts of a milling machine are as follows:
Base - the portion of the milling machine that provides support and stability for the whole machine.
Column - the part of the milling machine that houses the spindle and provides vertical movement for the cutting tool.
Saddle - the part that holds the workpiece and allows for horizontal movement.
Table - the surface that the workpiece is mounted on.
Spindle - this holds the cutting tool; the spindle is driven to rotate the tool.
Knee - the component that provides vertical movement to the table.
Ram - supports the saddle and is used to move the workpiece horizontally.
Screw and milling machines contain precisions components, such as the spindle, guide bushing, and cutting tools. However, the screw machine and milling machine have different roles in the manufacturing process.
4. What is the Difference Between a CNC and a Screw Machine?
So what is the difference between CNC machines and screw machines? While both are CNC (computer numerical control) machines, screw machines are specifically designed for high volume, small-part production. Here is the breakdown:
Screw Machines. Screw machines are primarily a high-speed production process to manufacture small cylindrical parts. Screw machines are made to produce of medium to large parts that are produced in bulk, and at a high rate of speed. For example, screw machines manufacture parts such as pins, screws, and fasteners, with very tight tolerances, in mass quantities. Their capability is to perform several operations of turning, drilling, and tapping in a sequence to manufacture a part quickly, and efficiently.
CNC Machines. CNC machines are much more adaptable than screw machines. They can be used to produce many different parts and handle a wide range of materials. CNC machines are capable of milling, turning, and grinding, therefore they are a more flexible solution for custom manufactured parts, prototypes, and larger workpieces.
While screw machines are ideal for manufacturing large volumes of the same part, CNC machines shine when you need the flexibility to manufacture a range of part components.
5. Why Is It Called a Screw Machine?
A screw machine is so called because, they have the ability to produce screws, bolts, and other threaded parts. The original purpose of the machines was also to primarily manufacture screws but since that time, screw machines have evolved to be capable of producing many different precision components. The name stayed the same even after its evolution, based on its original intent of use.
6. What does CNC mean on a screw?
When you see CNC on a screw, it means that the part was created using computer numerical control technology. CNC machining is used to create precise components by automating the movement of machine and tools with pre-programmed commands. CNC on a screw means that the part was manufactured with precision and very tight tolerances.
7. Conclusion. How screw machines and CNC machining provide precision.
Whether you are looking for screw machine parts for high volume production, or you are specifically looking for Swiss screw machining in order to produce small and complex components, both technologies provide specific advantages for easily manufactured precision components. By understanding the distinction between screw machines and CNC machines, you will be able to make more educated decisions you to reach your business requirements.
At Falcon CNC Swiss, our CNC engineers and machinists, produce high-precision screw machine products using CNC machining, and Swiss screw machining. Whether you need custom screws, or electrical contacts, or other precision parts, we have the tools and capabilities to manufacturer exactly what you require.
If you would like to find out how screw machine products, and CNC Machining, could help facilitate your manufacturing process, contact us today! We will help you get the precision parts all while delivering them on-time and within budget!
