CNC Swiss Machining Nickel Silver is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled turning with material-aware setup for Nickel Silver — an alloy that is corrosion resistant with a bright silver-white finish — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
Starting Parameters for CNC Swiss Machining Nickel Silver
| Cutting speed (carbide) | 110-180 m/min |
|---|---|
| Feed | 0.08-0.25 mm/rev |
| Spindle speed, Ø8 mm bar | 4380-7160 rpm |
| Insert / tool class | ISO N — sharp, polished, uncoated or DLC |
| Coolant | Emulsion |
| Length-to-diameter capability | up to ~10:1 (slower feeds for this grade) |
Shown for Nickel Silver (C752 / CuNi18Zn20), the most common Nickel Silver grade we see for CNC Swiss Machining. Starting values for Nickel Silver (C752 / CuNi18Zn20), Half-hard or spring temper; optimised on the first article.
CNC Swiss Machining Capability for Nickel Silver
- Ø1–32 mm bar
- Slenderness without deflection
- Tolerance to ±0.003 mm
- High-volume small parts
Nickel Silver material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Turning Nickel Silver page.
How CNC Swiss Machining Nickel Silver Works
The Nickel Silver bar or billet rotates in the spindle while single-point tools shape outer diameters, bores, faces, grooves and threads. Constant surface speed control keeps cutting conditions stable from large to small diameters.
Every job begins from your CAD model or 2D drawing. Fixturing and tool paths are planned so the most critical dimensions are produced in the most rigid, repeatable setup. Critical dimensions are checked on the first part and monitored through the run.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Swiss Machining Nickel Silver
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Outside diameter | ±0.05 mm | ±0.005 mm |
| Bore diameter | H9 | H6 |
| Length / shoulder position | ±0.10 mm | ±0.020 mm |
| Concentricity OD to ID | 0.05 mm TIR | 0.010 mm TIR |
| Roundness | 0.02 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Thread class | 6g / 2A | 4h / 3A |
| Surface finish, as turned | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 0.4 µm |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
Design Tips for CNC Swiss Machining Nickel Silver
A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. Consistent diameters, standard thread forms and avoiding extremely long, slender features help Nickel Silver turned parts stay concentric and economical. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC Swiss Machining Tolerances & Surface Finish
Turned Nickel Silver holds diameter tolerances to about ±0.005 mm with concentricity within 0.01 mm and good roundness. Turned finishes of Ra 0.4–0.8 µm are achievable with finishing passes and sharp tooling.
Final tolerances are governed by the material's behaviour, wall thickness and overall stiffness. We give honest DFM feedback if a callout would be costly or better achieved another way.
Applications of CNC Swiss Machining Nickel Silver
CNC Swiss Machining of Nickel Silver supports parts across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor, energy and general industrial sectors. We scale from one-off prototypes to ongoing production while holding the same quality.
Typical Nickel Silver Parts for CNC Swiss Machining
Illustrative examples of CNC Swiss Machining Nickel Silver parts and the callouts that usually drive the process plan. They show the kind of work that fits this process; they are not specific customer orders.
Valve seat
- Material
- Nickel Silver
- Size
- Ø28 × 14 mm
- Key callouts
- Seat angle 45° ±0.1°, roundness 0.005 mm, Ra 0.2 µm
- Batch
- 800 pcs
Seat finished with a single-point diamond pass, no interruption.
Precision shaft
- Material
- Nickel Silver
- Size
- Ø16 × 240 mm
- Key callouts
- OD h6, concentricity 0.01 mm TIR, keyway 5 H9
- Batch
- 1,000 pcs / year
Turned between centres so both journals share one datum.
Threaded fitting
- Material
- Nickel Silver
- Size
- Ø22 hex × 38 mm
- Key callouts
- G3/8" thread class 4h, bore H8, sealing face Ra 0.8 µm
- Batch
- 2,500 pcs
Run on a sub-spindle lathe so the back face is finished without a second setup.
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC Swiss Machining Nickel Silver
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact Nickel Silver grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
Other Metals for CNC Swiss Machining
Other Processes for Nickel Silver
Send the drawing, the Nickel Silver grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Swiss Machining Nickel Silver?
Achievable tolerances for Nickel Silver turning depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. Turning holds diameter tolerances to around ±0.005 mm with concentricity within 0.01 mm. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.
What surface finish is achievable on Nickel Silver with CNC Swiss Machining?
Surface finish on Nickel Silver is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Swiss Machining Nickel Silver?
CNC Swiss Machining prototypes for Nickel Silver can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.
Can VT machining make custom Nickel Silver parts to my drawing?
Yes. Nickel Silver turning is made to order from your CAD/2D drawing. Share your geometry, material grade, tolerance and quantity and we will confirm feasibility, lead time and pricing.
Why is Nickel Silver a good choice for CNC Swiss Machining?
Nickel Silver is corrosion resistant with a bright silver-white finish, which makes it well suited to CNC Swiss Machining. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Nickel Silver turning part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
What material thickness or size range suits CNC Swiss Machining Nickel Silver?
Turned Nickel Silver parts are produced from bar or chuck stock across a wide diameter range.