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Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about our services, production process, and quality assurance at Swiss Machine Products.

What is Swiss-style machining?

Swiss machining is a precision CNC turning process in which the workpiece is supported by a guide bushing near the cutting tool. This allows extremely tight tolerances and is ideal for producing small, long, and complex parts with high accuracy.

What types of parts are best suited for Swiss machining?

Swiss machining is ideal for small, intricate components, especially long and slender parts such as pins, shafts, connectors, screws, and medical device components.

What industries typically use Swiss-machined parts?

Swiss machine shops commonly produce parts for industries such as medical devices, aerospace, electronics, automotive, defense, and telecommunications, where high precision and consistency are critical.

Can I make design changes after receiving a quote?

Yes. If design changes are required after a quote is issued, we can review the updated drawings or CAD files and provide a revised quote based on the new specifications.

What file formats do you accept?

We prefer PDF drawings. We typically accept STEP (.stp/.step), IGES (.igs), SolidWorks (.sldprt), DWG, and PDF drawings. If you have a different format, our team can usually accommodate it. Prior to production, a static drawing will be required to ensure both SMP and our customer are sure of the final part for production.

Can you assist with prototyping or early-stage product development?

Yes. We regularly work with engineers during the prototype and pre-production phases to validate designs and ensure the parts can transition smoothly to production.

What materials do you commonly machine?

We machine a wide range of materials commonly used in aerospace, defense, and medical applications, including:
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Brass and copper alloys
- Titanium
- Inconel and other specialty alloys
- Engineering plastics such as PEEK, Delrin, and PTFE

Can customers provide their own materials?

Yes. Customer Furnished Material is welcome when required for traceability, specialty alloys, or compliance with internal material specifications. Our QMS is designed to handle CFM to our customers' requirements.

What tolerances can Swiss machining achieve?

Swiss machining can produce extremely precise parts. Many Swiss machines can hold tolerances as tight as ±0.0002 inches, depending on part geometry and material

What types of parts are best suited for Swiss machining?

Swiss machining is ideal for small, complex precision components, particularly long, slender parts such as pins, shafts, connectors, fasteners, and medical device components.

What quality certifications does your shop maintain?

We are ISO 9001 & ISO 13485 certified. We are MIL-I-45208A and NIST Compliant. We are also CMMT and ITAR compliant.

What inspection and quality control processes do you use?

- We provide AS9102 Inspection Reports with our products when required by customers. Keynence Digital Computerized Optical ComaparatorA fully stocked Quality Control Lab
- In-process quality checks
- First Article Inspection (FAI)
- Documented quality control procedures

Can you provide material certifications and traceability?

Yes. We provide material certifications, heat lot traceability, and documentation packages.

What finishing processes are available?

Common finishing services include deburring, polishing, anodizing, plating, heat treating, passivation, and coating, depending on the application requirements.

Do you take orders of any quantity?

We are set up as a production-run machine shop. Our typical run sizes vary from 50 pcs to 30,000 pcs. While those are our efficiency parameters, we often take orders outside those parameters on a case-by-case basis.

Do you accept Blanket Orders or Annual Buys?

We also accept blanket orders from our customers for annual or scheduled purchasing. This helps you control your schedule and control costs.

We work with Kanban, Two Box, Ultriva, Source Day, and other customer platforms to ensure smooth, fluid working partnerships with our customers for blanket orders.

What are your typical lead times?

Lead times vary based on part complexity, material availability, and order volume. If you have a specific lead time requirement, please let us know when requesting a quote, and we will confirm per your job requirements and customer needs, and let you know if we can support your schedule.

What information do you need to provide a quote?

To generate an accurate quote, we typically require:
- PDF, CAD files or engineering drawings
- Material specifications
- Tolerance requirements
- Surface finish requirements
- Order quantities and expected volumes
- Any inspection or certification requirements

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We ship parts throughout the United States and internationally and can coordinate shipping with your preferred carrier or logistics provider.

Do you offer design or engineering support?

Yes. Our team can assist with design for manufacturability (DFM) to help optimize your part for Swiss machining. This can improve manufacturability, reduce costs, and ensure consistent production quality.

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