Schaublin 42 CNC

$320,000 - $450,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

Maximum Bar Diameter

42 mm

Main Spindle Speed

6,000 rpm

Spindle Bore

46 mm

Main Spindle Power

7 kW

Counter Spindle Speed

5,000 rpm

Number of Axes

6 (X, Y, Z, X2, Z2, C)

Overview

The Schaublin 42 CNC is an ultra-precision Swiss-type sliding headstock lathe built to Schaublin's exacting Swiss manufacturing standards, with a 42mm bar capacity that positions it at the upper end of the precision Swiss-type market. Designed for demanding industries including watchmaking, medical devices, aerospace instrumentation, and optics, the 42 CNC combines traditional Swiss precision craftsmanship with fully digital CNC control to deliver parts with tolerances measured in microns.

Schaublin's approach to machine design centers on geometric accuracy and thermal stability. The 42 CNC's cast-iron structure is precision-ground and hand-scraped at critical interfaces, a hallmark of Swiss machine tool craftsmanship that minimizes geometric error accumulation over the machine's working life. The spindle system uses precision angular contact bearings with preloaded mounting to ensure minimal radial and axial runout even at elevated speeds, a requirement for the optical and watchmaking parts the 42 CNC regularly produces.

The machine's tooling system is engineered for maximum rigidity and repeatability. Tool presetting and quick-change capability reduce setup time while maintaining the dimensional repeatability needed for first-part-good production. The 42 CNC supports driven live tools for milling, drilling, and off-center operations, extending its capability well beyond pure turning to complete complex parts in a single setup with the guide bushing providing support throughout.

With CNC control integrated into the iconic Schaublin platform, the 42 CNC serves manufacturers who need Swiss watchmaking precision extended to larger diameter work. Its 42mm capacity handles a broad range of medical implant components, optical instrument bodies, precision instrument housings, and high-accuracy mechanical parts that demand both surface finish excellence and geometric precision beyond the reach of standard production lathes.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Maximum Bar Diameter	42 mm
Main Spindle Speed	6,000 rpm
Spindle Bore	46 mm
Main Spindle Power	7 kW
Counter Spindle Speed	5,000 rpm
Number Of Axes	6 (X, Y, Z, X2, Z2, C)
Live Tool Speed	6,000 rpm
Maximum Turning Length	200 mm
Positioning Accuracy	0.002 mm
CNC System	Fanuc 31i / NUM
Machine Weight	~2,400 kg
Coolant Pressure (Max)	60 bar

Specifications sourced from schaublin.ch — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Hand-scraped precision interfaces and Swiss craftsmanship deliver geometric accuracy far beyond standard production lathes
42mm bar capacity handles larger medical implant and instrument parts typically out of reach for smaller Swiss machines
Ultra-low spindle runout (sub-micron) enables optical-quality surface finishes on precision instrument components
Counter spindle enables complete front and rear machining in one setup, eliminating secondary operation errors
Schaublin's heritage in watchmaking precision translates directly to exceptional long-term geometric stability

Limitations

Premium Swiss craftsmanship commands a significant price premium over Asian or standard European Swiss-type alternatives
Lower maximum spindle speed (6,000 rpm) compared to high-speed Swiss machines limits productivity on small-diameter aluminum and brass parts
Specialized maintenance and service typically requires factory-trained Schaublin technicians

Best For

Watchmaking and horology components requiring sub-micron tolerances and optical surface finishes Medical implant and surgical instrument bodies where geometric accuracy is regulated and auditable Aerospace and defense precision instrument housings and optical component mounts Research and scientific instrument manufacturers producing small-batch precision parts with extreme accuracy requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Why is Schaublin's precision superior to standard production Swiss-type lathes?

Schaublin machines undergo hand-scraping of critical bearing and guideways surfaces, a labor-intensive Swiss craftsmanship tradition that achieves geometric accuracy beyond what ground surfaces alone can provide. This, combined with preloaded precision spindle bearings and thermally stable cast iron construction, results in machines that hold tighter tolerances over longer periods than most production-focused Swiss-type lathes.

02 What industries use the Schaublin 42 CNC?

The 42 CNC serves the Swiss watchmaking industry for movement parts and cases, medical device manufacturers producing implants and surgical tools, aerospace instrumentation makers, optical instrument manufacturers, and scientific research institutions that require extreme precision on parts up to 42mm diameter.

03 How does the 42 CNC compare to the Schaublin 102 CNC?

The 42 CNC is a Swiss-type sliding headstock machine optimized for bar work up to 42mm with guide bushing support for long, slender parts. The 102 CNC is a precision turning center (fixed headstock) suited for chucked work and larger diameter parts. The 42 CNC is chosen when workpiece slenderness or Swiss-type precision is paramount; the 102 CNC when larger chuck work is required.

04 Can the Schaublin 42 CNC machine titanium and nickel alloys?

Yes. The machine's rigid structure, low spindle runout, and high-pressure coolant capability make it capable of machining titanium (Ti-6Al-4V), stainless steel (316L, 17-4PH), and nickel-based superalloys commonly used in medical and aerospace applications, though cycle times will reflect the inherent machinability challenges of these materials.

05 Is the Schaublin 42 CNC suitable for production volumes or primarily for small-batch precision work?

The 42 CNC is capable of both, but it is best justified in applications where part accuracy requirements are beyond what production-focused machines can deliver reliably. Many users run it for medium-batch precision work where the premium accuracy translates directly into reduced scrap, inspection costs, and rework, making the higher machine investment economically rational.