CNC Swiss Machining Nickel is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled turning with material-aware setup for Nickel — an alloy that is corrosion and heat resistant — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
Starting Parameters for CNC Swiss Machining Nickel
| Cutting speed (carbide) | 45-110 m/min |
|---|---|
| Feed | 0.08-0.2 mm/rev |
| Spindle speed, Ø8 mm bar | 1790-4380 rpm |
| Insert / tool class | ISO S — sharp PVD-coated carbide |
| Coolant | Flood emulsion |
| Length-to-diameter capability | up to ~10:1 (slower feeds for this grade) |
Shown for Nickel 200, the most common Nickel grade we see for CNC Swiss Machining. Starting values for Nickel 200, Annealed; optimised on the first article.
CNC Swiss Machining Capability for Nickel
- Ø1–32 mm bar
- Slenderness without deflection
- Tolerance to ±0.003 mm
- High-volume small parts
Nickel material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Turning Nickel page.
How CNC Swiss Machining Nickel Works
The Nickel 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.
We start from your supplied geometry and tolerance scheme. The setup is designed to minimise re-clamping, which protects positional accuracy across features. A first article is verified against the drawing before the balance of the batch is released.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Swiss Machining Nickel
| 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.
CNC Swiss Machining Tolerances & Surface Finish
Turned Nickel 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.
The tightest tolerances are reserved for the features your drawing flags as critical. Share your tolerance scheme and we will confirm what is realistic before quoting.
Design Tips for CNC Swiss Machining Nickel
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Consistent diameters, standard thread forms and avoiding extremely long, slender features help Nickel turned parts stay concentric and economical. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC Swiss Machining Nickel
Nickel parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Nickel Parts for CNC Swiss Machining
Illustrative examples of CNC Swiss Machining Nickel 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.
Bearing spacer
- Material
- Nickel
- Size
- Ø35 / Ø22 × 9 mm
- Key callouts
- Thickness ±0.005 mm, parallelism 0.005 mm
- Batch
- 4,000 pcs
Turned then double-disc ground — thickness this tight is not a lathe job.
Nozzle body
- Material
- Nickel
- Size
- Ø12 × 46 mm
- Key callouts
- Ø0.6 mm orifice ±0.01 mm, internal taper 20°
- Batch
- 600 pcs
Orifice EDM-drilled after turning; a drill wanders at that diameter.
Connector pin
- Material
- Nickel
- Size
- Ø3.0 × 24 mm
- Key callouts
- OD ±0.005 mm, straightness 0.02 mm over length
- Batch
- 20,000 pcs
Swiss-turned from bar with a guide bushing; nothing else holds Ø3 mm over 24 mm.
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
- 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 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
Send the drawing, the Nickel 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 is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Swiss Machining Nickel?
CNC Swiss Machining prototypes for Nickel 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 parts to my drawing?
Yes. Nickel 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.
What surface finish is achievable on Nickel with CNC Swiss Machining?
Surface finish on Nickel is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
Does CNC Swiss Machining Nickel require dedicated tooling?
Most Nickel turning work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.