How Swiss-type machines differ
| Feature | Post impact |
|---|---|
| Sliding headstock (Z moves the bar) | Z motion and direction conventions differ from fixed-head lathes |
| Guide bushing | Cutting happens close to the bushing; bar re-chucking sequences |
| Gang tool post | Tool selection by position, no turret index |
| Back-working (sub-spindle) tools | Separate tool set and coordinates |
| Two or three channels | Separate programs with wait codes |
Channel synchronisation
$1 (MAIN) $2 (BACK)
T0100 T2100
G00 X12. Z-0.5 ...
!2L10 !1L10 (wait pair - format varies)
G01 X-0.5 F0.03 G00 Z-5.Wait code format differs by builder (for example Citizen, Star or Tsugami-type controls); the post uses the machine's documented format.
Cycle time is everything
- Overlap front and back operations across channels.
- Avoid unnecessary retracts in the gang tool layout.
- Optimise bar re-chucking and part ejection sequences.
CAM support
Swiss-type programming is supported by specialist CAM modules in several systems, including SolidCAM, Mastercam and Esprit. The post must match the CAM's channel and synchronisation model.
On Swiss machines, a second saved per part can be worth thousands of hours a year.
Swiss-type post development
See our CNC post processor development service and multi-turret post development.