SWISS CNC Machining

Gent Machine has 10 Marubeni Citizen Cincom Swiss CNC machines. We have both A and L series models of 20mm and 32mm diameter machines. Our Swiss CNC Machines are equipped with LNS automatic bar loaders to ensure they operate as efficient as possible. Swiss CNC machines are known throughout the industry, when compared to conventional CNC machines, as a “sliding head stock” machine. This means the bar stock slides in and out and the tools move left and right as the part is made. The machine has a guide bushing which supports the bar within an inch of most tools and then a collet further back to clamp and move the bar through the bushing and machine. The guide bushing layout creates the most rigid method of cutting material while minimizing tool deflection, therefore holding dimensions within tenths of a thousandth of an inch (.0001) and at sizes as small as the eye can see.

Our Citizens computer numerically controlled (CNC) can be used for smaller quantity orders requiring tight tolerances, fine finishes and exotic materials. They are also used to run extremely difficult parts, which require multiple cuts, asymmetrical milling and drilling, off center milling, and many other operations our other equipment could not handle. These machines kept us up to date in the world of high production turning.

Our Citizens are equipped with High Pressure Systems, Mist collection, and fire suppression systems. All of these devices play an integral role in ensuring our parts are made efficiently and conform to our customer’s specifications. Some of the machines are even equipped with a Long Parts device which allows us to make parts as long as needed. We’ve made a 13” spindle and even a 20” shaft and this isn’t even close to the limit. This is yet another advantage of swiss style CNC machines over conventional CNCs. A conventional cannot turn this length of a part because it cannot cut and re-chuck, cut and re-chuck as many times without losing support.

The High Pressure System takes our cutting oil and turns it into 1400 psi of chip breaking power. The system provides lines, which are aimed directly on the tool edge, to break and remove chips so they don’t wind around tools and interfere with our processing. It also helps improve part surface finish and a decrease in cutting/drilling time. The Mist collection system is an aftermarket addition. After losing gallons of expensive cutting oil from the high pressure system, we decided to purchase the system and immediately recovered gallons of oil and in the process keeping it off the walls and ceiling. Another wonderful attribute of these machines is their ability to run unattended. To ensure safety and peace of mind we installed a fire suppression system. This protects us from any fire in the machine anytime of the day.

Because swiss machines can not only turn but also mill, the ideal parts for a swiss machines are:

• E-cigaratte parts
• Firearms parts
• Long Shafts
• Parts with odd geometies
• Very tiny parts
• Spools
• Dental Implants
• Bone screws
• And many others

Gent Machine also has a Eurotech B446SY2 twin spindle twin turret CNC machine with a 2” capacity. It is one of the fastest 2” conventional CNCs on the market but also carries a higher price tag. However, since more output is our objective, this machine fits well with our high volume customers.

To compliment our Swiss machining production we work with our partners at Northern Precision Products in Leroy, Michigan. They have the skilled labor and now the swiss machining equipment to produce parts that cannot.