CAM systems have become indispensable to the watch and jewellery industry. They are used to manufacture microparts (within the scope of micro-mechanics) as well as intricate pieces of jewelry. They allow manufacturing companies to benefit from many advantages, such as high levels of flexibility and process reliability.
For manufacturing companies, producing delicate precision pieces for premium watches or jewellery is not an easy task. This calls for many microscopically small milling parts produced in large series at a consistently high level of quality. That is why NC programmers from the watch and jewellery industry place specific requirements on their CAM systems: They need maximum precision, excellent surface quality, and the best possible process reliability.
When it comes to clockwork components made from platinum, steel, brass, titanium or other premium materials, hyperMILL® makes it possible for NC programmers to produce precision parts in an efficient, accurate and reliable way. Highly developed 5-axis machining strategies make it possible to manufacture complex free-form surfaces as well as time-consuming engravings in just a single process. The result: impressive milling results with outstanding surfaces that significantly reduce the effort required for time-consuming additional finishing processes.
Feature and macro technology
The feature recognition in hyperMILL® makes it possible to identify the constructive properties of a component; for example, all holes including the corresponding manufacturing information.
Predefined programming macros use this information and thereby enable automated programming of the machining operations.
5-axis drilling
The 5-axis drilling function allows drilling jobs with different tool angles to be programmed simply and quickly. All the necessary positions are independently calculated by this milling strategy, and all lead-in points are connected with one another in a path-optimised and collision-checked way.
5-axis curve machining
5-axis curve machining enables efficient, secure manufacturing of engravings and chasings. Short clamped tools can be used directly on steep walls without collisions.
5-axis swarf cutting
Wide spaces between paths used in 5-axis swarf cutting reduce milling time and improve the workpiece surface. Defined stop and milling surfaces as well as stock tracking make it possible to easily and precisely optimise machining operations.
For watchmakers, time is, naturally, a particularly important factor. Optimised processes are the best means of saving time. hyperMILL® offers many solutions to develop efficient processes. Feature and macro technology as well as custom automation make it possible to save precious programming time. Powerful simulation solutions can minimise set-up times. Moreover, reducing the amount of follow-up work also always means shorter machining times and therefore reduced costs.
This video shows the machining of a tiara in cooperation with Oyama Engineering. This part represents superb surface quality, smallest details and highest precision.
