Timepiece Component Manufacturing with Micro-Injection and Femtosecond Laser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machining techniques are inadequate for producing timepiece components with complex shapes that require both precise geometry and low surface roughness, particularly for ceramic parts, as they are time-consuming and tool-wearing, making it difficult to achieve both functional and guide portions with optimal mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A method combining micro-injection molding and femtosecond laser machining to form a blank with a functional portion and a guide surface, where the first portion is formed through injection molding and the second portion is finalized using laser machining, ensuring precise geometry and low surface roughness without affecting the first portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional machining techniques are used to produce timepiece components with complex shapes, then the geometry can be achieved, but the manufacturing time is very long and tools wear rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is divided into two distinct segments: micro-injection molding for forming the functional portion with complex geometry, and laser machining for processing the guide portion. This segmentation allows each process to be optimized for its specific function, achieving both precise geometry and reasonable manufacturing time without tool wear issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical machining with laser machining for processing the guide portion. This substitution eliminates tool wear and reduces manufacturing time while maintaining high precision, as the laser beam can rapidly remove material without physical contact or mechanical tool degradation
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional machining techniques are used for ceramic parts, then material removal is possible, but the process is extremely time-consuming and tools wear rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
Conventional mechanical machining is replaced with laser machining for ceramic parts. The laser beam efficiently processes hard and brittle ceramic materials without mechanical tool wear, dramatically reducing manufacturing time while maintaining ease of manufacture for these difficult-to-machine materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameters by using laser energy instead of mechanical force. This parameter change allows efficient processing of ceramic materials that are otherwise extremely difficult and time-consuming to machine conventionally, as the laser can vaporize and remove ceramic material rapidly without tool wear
3Manufacturing precision
If the entire component is machined to achieve precise geometry and low surface roughness, then both portions can be processed, but the manufacturing time increases and tool wear accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
Different processing methods are applied to different portions of the component based on their specific requirements. Micro-injection molding is used for the functional portion where complex geometry is needed, while laser machining is applied to the guide portion for precise surfaces. This local quality approach optimizes both surface roughness and manufacturing time by matching the process to the specific needs of each component region
Solution Approach 2:
The component is segmented into two portions with different processing requirements. The functional portion is formed by micro-injection molding to achieve complex geometry, while the guide portion is processed by laser machining for precise surfaces. This segmentation avoids the need to machine the entire component, reducing manufacturing time and tool wear while maintaining high surface quality where needed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method allows for the efficient production of timepiece components with precise geometry and low surface roughness, suitable for various materials, including ceramics, enabling the manufacturing of complex components with improved mechanical properties and reduced manufacturing time.
Implementation Method 1
a second machining step, particularly a second laser machining step, in particular femtosecond laser machining, of at least part of the blank of the timepiece component
Data Source
AI summary
The method for manufacturing a timepiece component (10) having at least one first portion with at least one functional flank, for transmitting energy to another component or dissipating energy from another component, and at least one second portion with a guide surface,includes carrying out a first micro-injection (E1) forming a blank (10′) of the timepiece component, the blank having the at least one first portion and the at least one functional flank and a blank of the second portion,then a second machining (E2), particularly a second laser machining, in particular femtosecond laser machining, of at least part of the blank of the timepiece component, this part including the blank of the second portion for forming the second portion with the guide surface.