High-precision welding for the watchmaking industry

To meet the needs of laser assembly, our teams are very often consulted for specific applications in the watchmaking sector. In addition to the quality of the technical realisation, the aesthetic result is a priority for the major watchmaking references.

Advice and solutions

Finesse and precision are intrinsic requirements of the watchmaking sector, which manufactures both small and precious parts. These values are compatible with the technological evolution of production systems. The proof is in the Laser Cheval company, which is consulted by major watchmaking references. They come to us for advice and solutions to further improve the level of finish of their products.

Expertise in high precision welding

We have adapted our know-how in the mastery of high-precision laser beam welding to work on steel watch straps. At our production site in Marnay, Franche-Comté, we weld the pins (approximately 0.6 mm in diameter) driven into the links of the bracelet to hold them together. This is a very delicate technical operation, which must guarantee the good mechanical resistance of the whole. In order for the pin to remain perfectly in the bracelet, it is necessary to obtain a sufficient level of laser penetration to ensure the good resistance of the weld over time. To test the resistance, controls by metallographic cutting are carried out internally. The result, before completion, is a deep, homogeneous, resistant weld, with an aesthetic appearance without blowing or traces of heating of the bead. In addition to this precision, the speed of execution is of the order of 0.5 seconds per weld!

The importance of positioning tools

This result is not only due to the performance of the welding laser. The positioning tooling is also very important for the success of the operation. This is the fixture on which the parts are positioned for welding. The fixture is usually supplied by the customer.

Experienced technicians

This process can only be carried out under the control of experienced technicians who adjust the laser parameters and know how to optimise them to meet the customer's specifications.

A technology used for other watchmaking assemblies

Laser Cheval's services for the watchmaking industry are not limited to welding the pin to the link of a steel watch bracelet. Many customers use this welding process to assemble crowns, bearings for oscillating weights, or movement elements such as the date finger.

A laser welding project? Call on Laser Cheval, your expert partner!
Do you have a specific request? Do you want to check the feasibility of your project and move towards laser welding? Whatever your questions, Laser Cheval is at your disposal to advise you and accompany you in the best conditions. Laser Cheval has a range of jigs and machines controlled by software. To meet your specific requirements, Laser Cheval can design a suitable machine.

Contact us on 03 81 48 34 60 or by e-mail laser@lasercheval.fr