Watch Dial Appliqué Hybrid Cutting for Fine Recesses and Tips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watchmaking appliqué manufacturing methods face limitations in creating complex shapes and high production costs due to the constraints of stamping and laser cutting techniques, particularly for appliqués with narrow parts, hollows, or pointed areas.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid cutting method combining laser beam cutting for delicate areas and stamping for non-delicate areas to achieve complex shapes like recesses, grooves, and protruding parts, reducing production costs while maintaining quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If stamping technique is used to cut appliqués, then production cost is low for large-scale production, but the shape complexity is limited and cannot create narrow parts, hollows, or pointed areas with small radius
Solution Approach 1:
The contour of the appliqué is divided into two parts: a first part defining delicate features (pointed areas, fine grooves, tapered portions) and a second part defining non-delicate features. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured using the most suitable technique for its specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different manufacturing techniques are applied to different parts of the appliqué contour based on local requirements. Laser beam cutting is used locally for delicate areas requiring high precision, while stamping is used for non-delicate areas where cost-effectiveness is prioritized.
2Shape
If laser beam cutting is used to cut appliqués, then shape complexity can be achieved including narrow parts, hollows, and pointed areas, but manufacturing cost becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
Laser beam cutting is applied partially only to the extent necessary for creating delicate features, rather than being used for the entire contour. This partial application reduces the overall manufacturing cost while still achieving the required shape complexity in critical areas.
3Shape
If laser beam cutting is used for the entire contour, then all delicate features can be created, but production time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting process is segmented into two stages: laser beam cutting for the first part of the contour containing delicate features, and stamping for the second part. This segmentation reduces total production time by using the faster stamping process for non-critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing approach changes from a single continuous laser cutting process to a hybrid process combining laser cutting and stamping. This parameter change in the manufacturing method optimizes both production time and feature quality.
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
The hybrid cutting method enables the production of appliqués with intricate designs at lower costs by leveraging the speed of stamping for non-delicate areas and the precision of laser cutting for delicate features, improving industrial output and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam cutting step of a first part of the contour defining the pointed area and/or the fine groove of at least one first recess
Implementation Method 2
a stamping step of cutting, by means of a die, namely by stamping, a second part of the contour that is complementary to the first part
Data Source
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AI summary
The method for cutting an appliqué, intended for a watch dial, comprises a laser beam cutting step of a first portion of the appliqué's contour, defining a pointed area and/or a fine groove of at least one first recess and/or the tip and/or the tapered portion of at least one first protruding part, and a stamping step of a second portion of said contour that is complementary to the first portion. This hybrid cutting technology makes it possible to obtain appliqués having, at the end of the cutting process according to the invention, a contour that defines at least one recess with a pointed area and/or a fine groove and/or that defines at least one protruding part forming a tip and/or a tapered portion with configurations and, in particular, dimensions that cannot be obtained by stamping alone.