Interview with Anthony Saunier from AJS Production
"We have followed all the laser developments proposed by Laser Cheval".
Based in Porrentruy, Switzerland, AJS Production has been using laser technology developed by Laser Cheval for twenty years. Anthony Saunier, the company's managing director, explains how these innovations play an essential role in a production tool geared towards the watchmaking industry.
AJS Production defines itself as a watch manufacturer. What exactly is your core business?
Anthony Saunier: Watchmaking accounts for 90% of our business. We are an 'exotic' company in this market in terms of what we manufacture. As soon as a customer needs a non-standard product, they call on us. If, for example, they want atypical needles, they come to us. So we work as a subcontractor to create different parts to those traditionally found in watchmaking. We have invested heavily in technology to achieve this.
Your company employs 25 people. Laser technology is essential to your production tool for cutting, engraving and decorating. You work closely with Laser Cheval. What technology does it supply?
Anthony Saunier: We have 9 laser machines, all technologies combined. They represent 20% of our machinery. We've been using this technology, 100% supplied by Laser Cheval, for 20 years. We have followed all the developments proposed by this company, with whom we have built up a solid working relationship over the years.
"3 years ago, we switched to Femto Laser Cheval technology".
What laser technology do you use?
Anthony Saunier: We switched to automation 9 years ago, and 3 years ago we switched to Femto technology from Laser Cheval. Our strategy is always to use cutting-edge technology to stay one step ahead when it comes to finishing our products. In addition to the laser, we have developed a whole innovative production process, with patented technical solutions that add value to our products. The laser is an important stage in the process.
What are the uses of lasers at AJS Production?
Anthony Saunier: 3D laser engraving from a file is one field of application. This cutting-edge laser machining enables us to obtain very precise and detailed reliefs on watchmaking parts such as a dial or an oscillating weight.
At AJS Production, we have registered a patent for 'structural projection'. The process involves applying successive layers of paint to a part. These layers are then machined using a laser. The technology makes it possible to remove some of the paint very precisely, to the nearest pixel. This makes it possible to create a painted decoration on a part, which is much higher quality than printing. In a single operation, 3 or even 4 operations can be carried out in a thickness of 2 microns. This trompe l'œil result, with a 3D effect, is the result of AJS Production's unique expertise.
The laser is an important stage in the surgical process
Does your team share its experience with Laser Cheval to further improve laser technology?
Anthony Saunier: Our team communicates a lot with the Laser Cheval team about Lens, the laser operating software. We give them our feedback so that they can improve the system. Clearly, this software is the strong point of Laser Cheval, which developed it and continues to improve it.
