Swiss CNC Machining Near Milwaukee, WI
Precision Equipment and Machine Envelope
Swiss machining of tight-tolerance components requires matching the right part geometry to the optimal machine layout. At Gerard Machine, our primary turning center fleet uses sliding-headstock technology with guide-bushing support. By holding stock firmly adjacent to the cutting tool, our equipment eliminates deflection even at extended length-to-diameter ratios. This setup allows us to manufacture complex geometries in a single automated pass.
Our Swiss CNC machining limits accommodate precision turned stock with diameters ranging from 0.125 inches up to 1.250 inches. With multi-axis live tooling, high-pressure coolant delivery, and sub-spindles capable of complete back-machining, we eliminate secondary operations on complex parts.
Material Versatility and Alloy Capabilities
Selecting the ideal alloy dictates tool selection, cycle times, and ultimate part performance. Our facility processes a comprehensive spectrum of metals and high-performance polymers:
- Stainless Steels: 303, 304, 316L, 17-4 PH, and 416
- Non-Ferrous Metals: Aluminum 6061-T6, 7075-T6, Brass C360, and Tellurium Copper
- Steels: 12L14, 1215, 1018, 1045, 4140, 8620, ETD 150, 52100
- Plastics: PEEK, Delrin (Acetal), PTFE, and Ultem
Whether your print requires severe corrosion resistance for surgical applications or high strength-to-weight ratios for defense assemblies, Gerard Machine delivers consistent machining results across all material classes.
Request Your Engineering Consultation Today
Ready to optimize your supply chain with high-precision components manufactured locally? Contact our engineering team today to review your print specifications and volume targets. We provide fast, itemized quotes to move your project seamlessly from prototype development to full production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Swiss machining different from conventional CNC turning?
In conventional turning, the workpiece remains stationary while being supported only at the chuck, making long, thin parts vulnerable to tool pressure and chatter. Swiss CNC machining feeds the bar stock through a guide bushing past a stationary cutting tool. Because the cutting occurs millimeters from the support point, deflection is virtually eliminated, allowing for tighter tolerances on thin or extended geometries.
Can Gerard Machine provide full material traceability for regulated industries?
Every order processed at our shop can include full material test reports (MTRs), certificates of conformance, and lot traceability from the mill source. This documentation ensures complete compliance for aerospace, medical, manufacturing and industrial sectors operating under strict quality audits.
What is the typical lead time for a custom production run?
Standard lead times range between two to four weeks depending on raw material availability and post-processing requirements. However, we maintain dedicated setup capacity for expedited prototyping and offer expedited turnaround times for critical manufacturing partners near Milwaukee, WI, and nationwide. We can and have turned parts around the same day!
How do you manage quality control for micro-sized or tight-tolerance parts?
Our quality department utilizes high-magnification optical comparators, calibrated micrometers, pin gauges, and thread ring and plug gauges to verify critical dimensions and features to sub-thousandth tolerances. Every critical feature identified on your print is checked at pre-determined sampling intervals during production runs to ensure total dimensional consistency from the first off the line to the last.