How Might You Use a Desktop CNC Swiss-Type?

The APSX Nano CNC desktop Swiss-type lathe could be used for a range of tasks within a traditional machine shop. (The machine’s standard polycarbonate safety shield was removed for photography purposes only.) Source (all photos): PM

You’ve likely heard of CNC desktop mills. Those have been around for a while. But have you ever heard of, let alone seen, a desktop CNC Swiss-type lathe? There’s a good chance you haven’t. Until now.

APSX in Cincinnati, Ohio, offers one in its Nano. And yes this compact and affordable machine does feature a Swiss-type’s signature guide bushing functionality with all the advantages that design offers.

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APSX was started in 2017 with the introduction of its PIM desktop injection molding machine. In fact, users of that machine include NASA, Boeing, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and various U.S. military agencies. The company also offers its Spyder benchtop CNC milling machine, a machine APSX uses itself to create mold components and parts for the PIM and Nano in-house.

This machine offers 13 tooling stations: six OD, five ID and two 500-W live-tool spindles. Blue LED lighting assists with workzone visibility. 

The Nano Swiss-type was developed a few years ago. Initial applications included mold ejector and locator pins as well as medical sample testing tubes during COVID-19. But while it requires only 120 volts of power, basic compressed air supply, weighs in at 150 pounds and has a base footprint of 14 by 31 inches, it’s not a toy.

The Nano is designed to machine plastics or metals ranging from aluminum to titanium and can run dry or with adjustable mist coolant. Its main spindle is rated at 1,800 rpm and 300 watts. In terms of tooling positions, it offers 13: six OD, five ID and two 2000- to 10,000-rpm pressured, air-chilled, 500-W live tool spindles with ER11 collets.

The Nano comes standard with a 0.5-inch guide bushing, but guide bushings are available in sizes of 0.25, 0.375, 0.625 and 0.75 inch. Maximum bar length is 20 inches and machinable length is 17 inches. Like most Swiss-types, ground barstock is recommended and the company offers various cut-to-length materials (metals and plastics) with bar diameter tolerance of -0.0005 to 0 inch. A sliding cover enables access to barstock/guide bushing area.

The Nano comes standard with a 0.5-inch guide bushing, but five guide bushings ranging from 0.25 and 0.75 inch are available.

A keyboard, pendant and computer installed with and APSX programming software are included. Postprocessors for Adobe Fusion 360, Esprit, Mastercam and Solidcam are available, and APSX is working with other CAD/CAM providers to create postprocessors to support their software. Tooling kits and accessories are available as are Horn USA cutters such as threading, grooving, parting, and side- and back-turning tools.

Of course, the big question is…how might shops use such a machine? Perhaps it could be for low-volume work that they might not want to run on traditional CNC Swiss-type or maybe helping key customers with prototype work or machining miscellaneous parts (such as plastic washers or spacers) required for their assemblies. Swiss shops could also collect and run ground barstock remnants from their production machines to save material costs.

Another potential use could be for shopfloor training. Would it make more sense to train someone how to adjust a guide bushing, touch-off tools and become familiar with a CNC sliding-headstock lathe in general with a desktop machine or one of your high-production Swiss-types?

I’m curious to know how you think your shop could use a machine like this. Email me at dkorn@productionmachining.com and let me know.