Tornos SwissNano

A new Tornos SwissNano 7 with LNS bar feeder, shipping, and installation runs approximately $150,000-$220,000 (list price around EUR 165,000-185,000). The SwissNano 4 is priced similarly. Used SwissNano machines are relatively scarce on the secondary market due to the specialized nature of the applications they serve. When available, used models typically command 60-75% of new pricing.

The SwissNano 4 handles bar stock up to 4mm diameter with a 16,000 RPM spindle, optimized for the smallest micro-components like watch parts and hearing aid components. The SwissNano 7 accepts up to 7mm bar stock with a 15,000 RPM main spindle and 16,000 RPM counter spindle, covering a wider range of micro and small components. The SwissNano 7 is the more versatile choice for most shops; the SwissNano 4 is for dedicated ultra-micro applications.

Standard Swiss lathes like the Star SR-20J or Citizen L20 can technically machine small parts within their range, but they're optimized for 10-20mm diameter work. At 2-5mm diameters, their spindle speeds may be insufficient for optimal surface speed, their tooling systems are oversized, and their precision may not reach the sub-micron level. The SwissNano is engineered specifically for this micro realm—every aspect from spindle design to thermal management to tool positioning is optimized for parts under 7mm.

The primary industries are watchmaking (the SwissNano's original market), medical devices (micro-implants, hearing aids, dental hardware), electronics (micro-connectors, precision pins), and automotive (micro-sensor components, fuel injector parts). The machine is also used in jewelry manufacturing, fiber optics, and defense applications requiring precision miniature turned components.

Yes. The SwissNano is designed for production environments with integrated bar feeding capability and parts collection. However, micro-machining presents unique challenges for unattended operation: tiny chips can cause problems if not managed properly, tool wear at micro scales progresses differently than on larger parts, and environmental factors (temperature, vibration) have outsized effects on accuracy. Most shops running SwissNano machines invest in environmental controls and monitoring systems to support reliable lights-out production.

TISIS is Tornos' proprietary programming and machine management software. It provides an intuitive interface for setting up complex multi-path operations, simulating toolpaths, and managing production. TISIS connects to the machine via Ethernet and supports remote monitoring and diagnostics. The software is designed to simplify the programming of simultaneous front and back operations that are essential for efficient micro-component production.