1
Montferrand Mécanique
Clermont-Ferrand (63)
Clermont-based facility active for over 35 years, specialised in CNC and conventional precision mechanics. Offers a wide range of processes including wire and sinker EDM…
Machining process
Swiss Machining: Precision Bar Turning at Scale
Swiss machining, also known as bar turning, is an automated turning process that transforms metal bars into small and medium-sized cylindrical parts at high output rates. Performed on multi-spindle or sliding headstock lathes, it allows complex geometries (threads, grooves, drilled holes, milled features) to be produced in a single setup without manual re-fixturing. This process is favored for medium to very large production runs, in demanding sectors such as automotive, medical, connectors, and watchmaking, where repeatability and throughput are critical.
Where to find a swiss machining workshop
Cities are ranked by number of listed workshops. Each page details the companies and their specialities.
Cluses
74
14 workshops
Besançon
25
3 workshops
Bordeaux
33
3 workshops
Lille
59
3 workshops
Oyonnax
01
3 workshops
Annecy
74
2 workshops
Cholet
49
2 workshops
Colmar
68
2 workshops
Dole
39
2 workshops
Issoire
63
2 workshops
Thonon-les-Bains
74
2 workshops
Angers
49
1 workshops
Bourg-en-Bresse
01
1 workshops
Clermont-Ferrand
63
1 workshops
Le Creusot
71
1 workshops
Lyon
69
1 workshops
Montbéliard
25
1 workshops
Montpellier
34
1 workshops
Nantes
44
1 workshops
Nice
06
1 workshops
Thiers
63
1 workshops
Choosing the right supplier
When to choose Swiss machining over another process
Swiss machining becomes the right choice when you need to mass-produce cylindrical or rotationally symmetric parts from bar stock, with high repeatability and controlled per-part cost at large volumes. It becomes worthwhile beyond a few hundred to a few thousand parts, depending on the complexity of the geometry and the diameter. For prototypes, very small runs, or larger parts, conventional CNC turning remains more suitable, since it avoids the setup costs specific to Swiss machining. For non-turned geometries or very high volumes of simple shapes, other processes such as die casting or sintering may be more economical.
The criteria that truly distinguish two shops
The first criterion is bar capacity, meaning the maximum machinable diameter, which determines the range of parts that can be produced. Next comes the machine type: cam lathe, single- or multi-spindle CNC lathe, with or without integrated milling capability, which affects the complexity of parts achievable in a single operation. Commonly achievable tolerances range from a few microns to a few hundredths of a millimeter depending on the machine and material; it's best to verify the shop's actual capabilities rather than rely on a generic figure. The machined materials (steel, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, special alloys, sometimes engineering plastics) and the available inspection means (coordinate measuring machines, camera-based inspection, production statistics) are also key factors, as are the quality certifications suited to the target sector, for example automotive or medical.
What to prepare to get an accurate quote
A reliable quote requires a dimensioned drawing with functional tolerances clearly identified, the desired material grade and its supply form, as well as the planned quantity and, if possible, the required rate or staggered delivery needs. You should specify any expected heat or surface treatments, inspection or traceability requirements, and the desired lead time for the first delivery. Providing an existing part or sample, when possible, helps the shop confirm feasibility and refine its estimate.
Materials most often worked with this process
swiss machining workshops
A selection of listed workshops, all cities combined. The first 30 of 48 listed; the full list is on the city pages.
2
ACMA
Bordeaux (33)
3
Alpha Industries
Arbent (01)
4
ARAM
Rezé (44)
5
BA Usinage
Cluses (74)
Precision mechanics facility located in Cluses, in the Maladière industrial zone. Specialised in Swiss machining, grinding and sub-assembly fitting, with prototype produ…
6
Bibollet Décolletage
Cluses (74)
Bar turning company established in Cluses, working with all common materials including stainless steel, steel and brass. Produces bar-turned parts in small, medium and l…
7
Boutté Décolletage
Angers (49)
8
C.F.U.P
Lyon (69)
Lyon-based industrial subcontractor specialized in precision machining on CNC machines for 35 years. Services cover turning, milling and precision Swiss machining, inclu…
9
C.F.U.P
Montpellier (34)
10
CETIM-CTDEC
Cluses (74)
Technical centre for the Swiss machining industry based in Cluses, bringing together laboratories, theoretical and practical training, as well as services for companies …
11
CFUP
Bordeaux (33)
12
Challamel Hervé
Cluses (74)
Bar turning and turning company established in Cluses since 1970, on avenue de Colomby. Produces precision mechanical parts in small and large batches through partially …
13
CSA
Colmar (68)
CSA is a subcontracting company specialised in precision mechanics and industrial bar turning. It machines steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass and copper through tu…
14
DDI
Annecy (74)
Annecy-based company specialised in Swiss machining from 4 to 25 mm on multi-spindle and CNC machines, working stainless steel, steels and brass. It serves all sectors o…
15
Décolletage René Cullaffroz
Cluses (74)
Family-owned company with over 50 years of operation established in the Cluses area, manufacturing precision mechanical parts from Ø 0.50 mm to Ø 32 mm. It covers a wide…
16
Décolletage Technic Vallée
Cluses (74)
Subcontractor in precision bar turning and micro bar turning based in Cluses. Performs precision turning with stated responsiveness on quotes and lead times, including r…
17
Dupriez Mécanique de Précision
Lille (59)
Precision mechanics workshop present for over 60 years in the Lille region. Specialised in turning, milling and bar turning to customer drawings. Works as an industrial …
18
EDL Décolletage
Courpière (63)
19
Erofil 71
Le Creusot (71)
20
Établissement situé à Lomme – Mécanique générale et décolletage inox
Lomme (59)
General and precision engineering workshop located on Rue Victor Hugo in Lomme (a delegated commune of Lille). Offers milling, turning, stainless steel Swiss machining a…
21
Établissements Paul Marchand
Cluses (74)
Bar turning SME founded in 1971, located on rue du Docteur Gallet in Cluses. Specialised in the manufacture of bar-turned parts in ferrous metals and their alloys, with …
22
FML Décolletage
Cluses (74)
Family-owned Swiss machining company in Cluses with over fifty years of activity, producing precision mechanical parts from Ø 0.50 mm to Ø 32 mm. Covers a wide range of …
23
Fralsen
Besançon (25)
Besançon-based company present for over fifty years in the manufacture of precision microtechnical parts. Covers a wide range of batch sizes, from small to large runs. M…
24
Gay et Fils
Scionzier (74)
Haute-Savoie company working exclusively as a subcontractor for Swiss machining, cold heading and foundry professionals. Specialised in secondary operations and mechanic…
25
Gradel Décolletage Industries
Besançon (25)
Besançon-based facility specialising in CNC precision Swiss machining, covering diameters from 4 to 25 mm. Works with a wide range of materials including stainless steel…
26
Iacazzi et Cie
Thonon-les-Bains (74)
27
IDMM
Besançon (25)
Company based in the Besançon area, specialising in CNC precision machining. Produces parts by milling, Swiss machining and CNC turning starting from the design phase. W…
28
Industrie Dôloise de Micro-Mécanique (IDMM)
Dole (39)
29
Léger Industries Décolletage
Cluses (74)
Swiss machining company founded in 2022 and located on rue de Flavy in Cluses. It focuses on manufacturing precision bar-turned parts in small and medium batches for var…
30
LJ Industries
Annecy (74)
Industrial subcontractor based in Meythet/Annecy, covering Swiss machining, machining, sheet metal work and plastic injection. The company is positioned on rotational pa…
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Swiss machining and conventional CNC turning?
Swiss machining is optimized for series production from bar stock, with automated cycles and often several operations completed in a single setup. Conventional CNC turning, being more flexible, is better suited to small runs, prototypes, or larger parts, but typically comes with a higher per-part cost at large volumes.
What tolerances can be achieved with Swiss machining?
Typical tolerances range from a few microns to a few hundredths of a millimeter depending on the machine, material, and part geometry. It's recommended to specify critical functional tolerances on the drawing so the shop can confirm its actual capability.
What materials can be machined using Swiss machining?
Most steels, stainless steels, brass, aluminum alloys, and special alloys are commonly machined using Swiss machining. Some shops also work with engineering plastics. The choice depends on the material's machinability and the availability of bar stock in the required diameters.
At what quantity does Swiss machining become worthwhile?
Swiss machining generally becomes attractive starting at a few hundred parts, and its economic advantage grows with volume. For smaller quantities, setup costs can make conventional CNC turning a better fit.