SURFACE TREATMENTS
Surface treatments encompass all the techniques aimed at improving the properties of a component’s surface (reducing the coefficient of friction, protecting against corrosion, etc.) and/or enhancing its aesthetics. In watchmaking, surface treatments can be applied both to the external parts (case, dial, hands) (Case, Dial, hands) and to the Movement.
ELECTROPLATING TREATMENTS (GALVANIC TREATMENTS)
Electrolytic electroplating treatments appeared in goldsmithing and watchmaking as early as the mid-19th century. They make it possible to cover the surface of aa metal with a thin layer of another metal. This protects the substrate against oxidation and modifies its colour. In watchmaking, this process historically and mainly concerns components made of Brass (bridges, mainplates, Dials, etc.).
VAPOUR DEPOSITION (CVD & PVD)
This is the most recent surface treatment technology. First used in the medical and industrial fields, it appeared in horology as early as 1995. Like electroplating treatments (galvanic treatments), CVD and PVD processes protect the substrate against oxidation. They offer a range of colours that keeps expanding well beyond the limits of electroplating treatments (galvanic treatments). Depending on the nature of the deposited material (the precursor), CVD and PVD processes can also harden the surface of the substrate, modify its coefficient of friction or its electrical conductivity. The precursor can be of various natures and is deposited in a gaseous state under vacuum, then condensed onto the substrate.
ANODISING
This is a surface treatment specific to Aluminium, Titanium, Tantalum, or their alloys. It is an electrolytic process, carried out in a sulphuric acid bath, which oxidises the surface of the Metal. The surface oxide is harder than the substrate and gives it a stable and homogeneous appearance.
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