Sliding head turning service

At AEC, we have invested in the latest CNC sliding head turning machines to provide our customers with an exceptional sliding head machining service.

We can quickly and efficiently produce standard to highly complex components from a wide range of materials up to 32mm in diameter.

Because our CNC sliding head machines typically offer a single set-up solution and reduced cycle times, they are superb at significantly cutting production costs.

If you need a fast turnaround of high-precision parts at a great price, please contact us about our first-class sliding head turning service.  

What is the difference between sliding head and fixed head machining?

Fixed head machining involves a workpiece being clamped onto a spindle that is fixed in place. Tooling then moves along the machine’s axis of rotation and cuts into the workpiece to produce a component.

In sliding head machining (also known as Swiss machining), the bar stock passes through a sliding headstock and a guide bushing. This firmly supports the material as it is fed into the tooling area of the machine. 

In the tooling area, the rapidly turning workpiece can move back and forth along the Z-axis while various stationary tools cut away the features of the part. 

Sliding head machines have the capability to produce complex components that are impossible to produce on fixed head turning machines. 

In particular, sliding head machining is excellent for creating long, slender components that have very small diameters, including parts with up to a 20:1 length to width ratio.