Swiss-type lathes are complex machines that require the right Swiss lathe training and experience to operate effectively. Such machinery has been an asset for many industries especially with its ability to create high-precision parts using exotic materials for various purposes.
At KSI School, we know how difficult it is to find skilled workers who know how to operate Swiss CNC machining equipment. That is why we introduced the KSI School, which offers basic, intermediate, and advanced Swiss lathe training classes that will allow CNC machining workers to learn and improve their skills.
Programming Swiss machines is not easy to do. They require users to not only know the basic functions but also to expertly perform tasks related to machine control. That’s why companies should invest in their ability for tool setting Swiss style machining and leveraging Swiss concepts to make the most in every machine shop.
What Does KSI School Have to Offer?
KSI School offers three main training classes that businesses can choose from. Your Swiss CNC Lathe operators and programs will be set on the right path to higher productivity and job satisfaction after graduating from our programs.
Here are the types of training we offer for CNC machines and machine tools:
Basic Training
Basic training typically involves learning about the machine layout, allowing inexperienced operators or those who need brushing up on their machining knowledge to learn the basic functions. The package will teach students how to perform tool setting and offsetting appropriately.
The standard machine operations are discussed as well as the measurement tools used to make the most of the CNC machines in a shop. Finally, basic print reading is taught since machine drawings are often used in almost every trade, providing users with the knowledge on how to interpret such illustrations.
The basic Swiss lathe training module costs $399 and takes approximately a day and a half for students to accomplish.
Intermediate Training
The intermediate training package from KSI School includes all of the classes that are taught in the basic module. However, it incorporates more advanced concepts such as introducing workers to programming that will allow them to create programming codes or computer instructions to control various machine tools.
Apart from the introduction, Swiss theory and part processing will also be taught as part of this package. They will learn to handle a Swiss type lathe and learn techniques for its cutting tools for more effective cutting operations.
Students will also learn how to set up their CNC machinery and barfeed, ensuring that all parts are in place to avoid issues.
The intermediate training course costs $599 per session and will take 2 and a half days to complete.
Advanced Training
Finally, the advanced training package offers the highest education and learning one can get from their training classes. Besides including all of the teachings you can get from the intermediate training module, users can learn how to perform advanced programming, canned cycles, and machine parameters all in the advanced package.
Advanced programming is particularly important for companies that want their CNC machine operators. This is because it allows operators to harness their expertise in using such machinery to even greater levels. Apart from that, professional CNC programmers are hard to find and this course offers an opportunity for companies to upskill their current workforce.
Lastly, operators will learn the proper tools to use during certain operations and the speeds or foods at which to operate them.
The advanced Swiss lathe training costs $799 per session and will last for 3 and a half days. Operators who finish the course are considered to be advanced CNC machinery users.
Differences Between Swiss-Type Machining from Conventional CNC Machinery
The growing popularity of Swiss-type machinery has allowed agencies like KSI School to open up its Swiss lathe training classes for students to learn how to operate such equipment. This is because these Swiss-type lathes have significant differences compared to the traditional CNC machines.
Conventional machinists and programmers can’t simply switch to Swiss-type CNC no matter how many years of experience they have. They will need to change the way they think and approach the machining cycle with such machinery.
Here are the primary differences to consider:
Difference #1: Negative Is Positive in Swiss CNC Machines
A CNC Swiss-type lathe has a Z-axis motion that travels due to movement from its stock rather than the tool itself. This change may seem minor but it significantly affects the offsets performed during programming.
Traditional lathes have stocks that stick out from their chucks based on varying lengths. The part’s surface is the Z zero while everything else is Z negative.
On the other hand, a Swiss lathe has a turning tool that is immovable while its stock is the part that performs the movement. Although its face may be Z zero, everything else after that is Z positive.
Such a difference is a crucial aspect taught to operators during basic training offered by KSI School.
Difference #2: Swiss-Type Lathes Are Segmented
The cycle of a Swiss-type lathe is different than a conventional model given the order of cuts in its cycle. For standard CNC machines, operators normally perform rough and finish works then implement features such as OD grooves to complete each item. The same can’t be said with Swiss machines.
Given the length of its guide bushing, the parts of Swiss-type lathes have to be segmented. This is to help prevent its bar stock from falling each time an operator retracts the stock.
Due to its segmentation, parts have to be machined in sections equivalent to the length of its guide bushing surface. Such a sequence will then entail performing an OD turn up at the groove location, start machining, bring it back to the last tool for OD turning, and then so on.
Difference #3: The Guide Bushing in a Swiss Lathe is Essential
Any Swiss-type CNC machine highly depends on its guide bushing. The proper size is more important here compared to that of traditional machinery.
With the wrong size, the guide bushing will cause the equipment to perform constant errors upon use. Concentricity problems will be noticeable and operators will have to stop to avoid wasting resources.
Furthermore, the guide bushings are available in various materials. There is the standard steel, carbide sleeved, and Meehanite. Since the guide bushing will have to interact with such workpiece materials, it’s only reasonable to choose the appropriate one to prevent issues.
Difference #4: Using Oil Rather Than Water
The majority of Swiss-type lathes employed today consume oil and use it as its cutting fluid instead of water.
Oil has better lubricity compared to water allowing for greater freedom of movement due to minimized friction while preventing bacteria that could harm both machines and personnel. It also helps prevent operators from getting pruney fingers since they don’t have to deal with water-based coolants during operations.
The main disadvantage of using oil as a coolant is that it’s not as effective in dissipating heat compared to water. This can cause Swiss machines to become hotter, and therefore, affect the entire work area. It also means that operators will need to use shop towels or gloves regularly each time they change tools to avoid getting burnt.
Having the appropriate fire-suppression system in place is essential with Swiss-type lathes. This type of safe handling and more will be taught in the KSI School training classes.
Difference #5: Swiss CNC Machines Have Excellent Machining Cycles
Swiss lathes are capable of completing a part in just a single cycle compared to multiple operations or using several machines through the traditional approach. This allows operators to save on time and cost, thereby improving the overall productivity of their machine shops.
Compared to conventional CNC lathes that have only 3 or 4 axes, the Swiss-type models have as many as 13 axes in all. People who use Swiss machines for the first time are often astounded at how quickly such equipment can produce parts in just a small work area.
What Industries Typically Require CNC Machinists?
CNC machine operators are in great demand in a wide range of industries nowadays. This is especially true since highly-precise parts are often required in producing top-quality products.
No matter the field, CNC machinists are capable of finding work for various companies. Some of the most popular industries they are needed include:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Aviation
- Computers and technology
- Medical and dental
- Military defense
A major advantage of obtaining formal Swiss lathe training is not only to prepare graduates for entry-level work in machine shops, but it also ensures they can operate productively using such revolutionary CNC machines. Young students can even begin acquiring work experience even while at school as they’re often assigned support roles.
Many companies are also in dire need of trained or experienced CNC machinists. With the right education, businesses can get the training their newly-hired or existing workers need to operate Swiss-type machines effectively and efficiently.
How Much Do CNC Machinists Make in a Year?
Based on a report by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer numerically controlled tool operators earn a median yearly salary of around $42,260 as of May 2020. This statistic is based on the 50 percentile, which means that some can earn more than that amount while others can earn less.
The salary of CNC machinists significantly depends on many factors. Experience in using the right equipment is one of the most important aspects employers consider.
Benefits of Using Swiss-Type Lathes
Most companies that use precision machinery are still stuck with standard lathes when they need to turn and mill parts. Conventional machines only move their tools around while the part remains stationary, resulting in substandard accuracy, versatility, and productivity.
With a Swiss-type lathe, users will have the ability to machine small, complex parts allowing them to create highly-refined products for precision engineering.
If you aren’t yet convinced in investing in Swiss-type machines and getting Swiss lathe training, here are several benefits to consider:
- Ability to machine small and complex parts: Despite being able to machine miniature parts within specific requirements, traditional CNC machines often take a lot of time to complete each piece. They also have limited capabilities such as the inability to move the part being machined. With Swiss lathes, operators can create more geometrically-complicated parts with improved precision and effectiveness.
- Faster cycle times: Due to its ability to complete parts in just a single step, Swiss lathe operators have the added benefit of being more productive than their counterparts. Furthermore, Swiss-type lathes can use software to further increase the speed of their procedures.
- Efficient use of barstock/billet: Since a Swiss CNC machines can machine smaller items, the barstock needed to operate such equipment is reduced. Using a smaller barstock or billet is far less expensive than the traditional machines. This means that you can save on cost while still achieving the results you desire.
Conclusion
The labor market for qualified CNC machine operators is tight. Most of the skilled workers are already employed in various industries, which makes it difficult for companies to find and recruit the talent they need. This is exactly what KSI School is trying to solve.
Our organization aims to provide the necessary training classes CNC machine users need to upgrade their skills to the next level. The Swiss lathe training packages we provide are designed to help operators learn how to use such revolutionary machinery for increased productivity and efficiency.
Companies looking to take advantage of such education can consider the three packages we have available:
- Basic training package ($399 per training): machine layout, toolsetting/offsetting, machine operations, measurement tools, basic print reading.
- Intermediate training package ($599 per training): basic training, programming introduction, Swiss theory and part processing, machine and barfeed setup, sample part programming.
- Advanced training package ($799 per training): intermediate training, advanced programming, canned cycles, machine parameters, tooling selection and speeds/feeds.
At KSI School, we have experienced trainers who can pass down their knowledge and expertise to your machine operators so they can make better programming and machine setup decisions. Your company will experience more efficiency and productivity over time with skilled machinists and greater profits overall.
Sign up today to get started with one of our training classes.
Cited Source:
1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2020 51-9161 Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes519161.htm
References:
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5. https://www.americanmachinist.com/machining-cutting/article/21895348/swissmachine-training
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7. http://www.marucit.com/about/cnc-training.html
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9. https://inversesolutionsinc.com/benefits-of-advancing-to-a-cnc-swiss-lathe/
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