THE MACHINES
From age-old manual Bench machines, still often used in some contemporary workshops, to the most sophisticated numerical machines associated with advanced technologies, this chapter aims to list all the machines used in the process of manufacturing a watch. The operating principles of each machine, the advantages and disadvantages they may present, as well as the Materials they use, are detailed here for a better understanding of how watches work and how they are made.
THE FIXED GRAVER
This term refers to a type of manually driven Bench Lathe, particularly valued for machining the contours and recesses of thebridges andplates.
MACHINING CENTERS
This is a large family of machines capable of independently performing a defined sequence of machining operations using different tools. Machining centers appeared during the 1980s with the arrival of computing technology and are therefore CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machines
THE AUTOMATIC LATHE
The Automatic lathe is a Lathe automatic. It appeared at the dawn of the 20thcentury and its automation was then mechanically controlled by cam systems. Since 1980, electronics and computing have made it possible to digitally control Automatic lathes in a fully autonomous way.
THE MILLING MACHINE
The Milling machine is a motorized machining tool, equipped with a movable rotating spindle carrying the Cutting tool (the Milling cutter), whose shape is adapted to the operation assigned to it.
THE WIRE ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE MACHINING (EDM) MACHINE
This is a machine for cutting the profile (contour) of components. The wire EDM machine cuts Materialsconductive by electricity by burning the material through a controlled electric arc. It is valued for cutting complex profiles, thin and brittle components (springs), as well as for small series and prototyping. Only materials that conduct electricity are eligible for this technology.
LA “LIGNE DROITE”
La ligne droite est un instrument mécanique traditionnel utilisé en guillochage pour la gravure de motifs géométriques linéaires et répétitifs sur des surfaces métalliques, notamment sur les cadrans et les boîtes de montres. Apparue au cours du 18e siècle, cette machine repose sur un système de cames, de leviers et de chariots permettant le déplacement contrôlé d’un burin le long d’un plan rectiligne.
THE DRILL
Watchmaking mainly uses column drill presses of different sizes and levels of sophistication depending on their use. In addition to drilling, they are commonly used for tapping or Decoration.
STAMPING PRESSES
Stamping presses are used to cut, emboss and bend material (usually Metal) using a die and a punch. Stamping presses can be operated manually or hydraulically. Depending on their design and intended use, hydraulic presses can be automated to carry out sequences of operations through successive strikes (progressive stamping).
LATHES
Manual or motorized, lathes are machining tools primarily used for manufacturing circular parts.
THE ROSE ENGINE (GUILLOCHÉ LATHE)
This is a manually operated machine designed to engrave concentric geometric patterns. The graver is guided by a combination of cams that the guilloché engraver combines to define the engraving pattern. Historically, guilloché (engine-turning) is a decoration applied mainly to backs of cases as well as to dials.
LE TOUR À TAPISSERIE
Le tour à tapisserie est une machine de guillochage mécanique, principalement utilisée pour la reproduction de motifs décoratifs complexes sur les cadrans ou les fonds de boîte. Cet outil se distingue par sa capacité unique à reproduire fidèlement des motifs figuratifs gravés sur une matrice, appelés motifs de tapisserie, qui donnent leur nom à la technique.
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