Watches & Jewelry
Filigree components require maximum precision for production and finishing at the highest level. This is why ACSYS is the first port of call for high-quality laser processing systems in the watch and jewelry sector.
In particular, the precise engraving, structuring, fine cutting and fine welding of precious metals can be produced and finished on laser systems specially tailored to the needs of the watch and jewelry industry. Innovative solutions, such as laser polishing via Pulse Forging® without changing tools, are the result of our many years of expertise in working with materials, systems, and lasers for watches and jewelry.
Precision mechanics
Laser technology plays a decisive role in the manufacture of mechanical watches. Whether laser fine cutting of the finest components, such as gear wheels, hands, or dials, or laser fine welding or micro-welding of the balance wheel or decorative elements – the precision and efficiency of ACSYS laser systems provide the perfect basis for the highest quality requirements combined with cost-effectiveness.
Fine blanking of gears
Ultra Short Pulse lasers in particular can be used to cut free-form geometries from temperature-sensitive materials precisely and with maximum edge quality. The material is not melted or thermally stressed due to the low energy input, which means that precise cutting edges for filigree structures can be realized.
Micro welding
In the watch and jewelry sector, micro-welding with laser technology sets standards in precision manufacturing. With laser systems from ACSYS for fine welding, tiny metal components such as those found in watch movements or filigree jewelry can be joined permanently and gently. Micro-welding ensures high joint strength with minimal thermal influence. Especially with precious metals such as gold or platinum, micro welding enables seamless and aesthetically pleasing results without affecting the material structure.
Fine engraving
Precise laser fine engraving enables particularly intricate structures and designs to be incorporated into jewelry, watches, or lifestyle products in the watches and jewelry sector. With the help of ACSYS laser systems, even complex 3D engravings can be realized without the need for any attachments.
Gold, silver and other high-quality precious metals in particular can be processed precisely and economically. Whether used for security features, hallmarks, or individual engravings, laser systems from ACSYS remain flexible, letting you combine the engraving process with other process steps, such as frosting or laser polishing, in one system.
Engraving watch backs
Watch backs can be finished with numerous engraving effects and structures, depending on the parameterization and the type of laser. It is also possible to create different frostings (multi-frosting) with ACSYS laser systems. It is also possible to individualize and mark components with personalized data. The same applies to the generation of security features and consecutive numbering or labeling.
Circumferential, seamless laser engraving on rings
With NC-controlled dividing heads and the high-precision Live Adjustment System (LAS) from ACSYS, which displays a camera-supported live view of the result on the screen, maximum accuracy and repeatability can be combined at high traversing speeds. In particular, the perfect coordination of hardware and software, as well as process-related parameters, ensures that laser engraving is applied around the circumference of rings without leaving any marks.
Internal labeling & engraving of cambered rings
The internal inscription of cambered rings is one of the supreme disciplines of jewelry finishing, as is the seamless, all-round laser engraving and inscription on the circumference of rings. Thanks to the perfect combination of laser technology, software and process expertise, laser systems from ACYS are perfectly suited for the internal marking of rings. The result is maximum precision with maximum flexibility for the highest quality requirements with valuable materials.
Surface finishing
Laser systems in the watch and jewelry sector are used for the effective and efficient matting of watch backs, as well as for laser polishing or the creation of jewelry colors on metallic surfaces. The combination of these processes allows companies to achieve superior finishes without the typical abrasion that is associated with traditional mechanical processing. Additionally, a machine that can produce color expands the design possibilities to attract new consumers who want a unique product. By combining several process steps in one tool, ACSYS laser systems enable you to reduce the overall process time and increase efficiency.
Spot colors / rainbow effect
ACSYS laser systems with both nanosecond and femtosecond lasers offer innovative solutions for creating refractive structures on metallic surfaces, such as chrome, embossed steel or stainless steel, for individual security features and optical effects. The colors are not applied directly with the laser, but a structure is created that can be applied to the workpiece by embossing, plastic injection molding or laminating.
Pulse Forging
With ACSYS Femtosecond Lasers and the patented Pulse Forging® technology, you can make surfaces clean, smooth and shiny – similar to polishing. Neither the material properties nor the hardness of the treated material are changed. In combination with Direct Laser Engraving, precise engravings with filigree gradients and finely polished surfaces are possible without changing tools. Pulse Forging® works more accurately than any other process and smoothes even the smallest structures with a surface roughness of SA 0.1 µm.
Frosting / matting
A perfect imitation of a sandblasted structure can be achieved through the targeted use of lasers. Other effects and structures are also possible by setting the appropriate parameters. ACSYS laser technology can also be used to apply different frostings (multi-frosting) to a single tool. Each stamp is given its own individual frosting, which is generated randomly and is not repeated. Another plus is the quick and easy positioning using the unique LAS HDµ camera system.
Sapphire crystal & ceramic
Ultra-short pulse lasers (USPL/UKP) can be used to process particularly hard and transparent materials. Especially in the watch industry, ceramic is used as a material for bezels and other components. Ceramic components can be processed with high precision using ACSYS femtosecond lasers. Lasers with ultra-short pulses are also used for cutting and drilling sapphire watch crystals. This extremely hard material can hardly be processed using conventional methods – laser systems from ACSYS offer a real alternative here.
About Femtosecond Lasers
ACSYS employs advanced femtosecond laser technology, capable of removing less than 1 µm of material with each pulse. Pulse durations ranging from picoseconds to femtoseconds on our ultra-short pulse lasers allow unprecedented control over the energy transferred to the material. This enables highly precise engravings with extremely fine depth resolution without significant thermal damage.
Micro-engraving with these lasers is ideal for producing embossing stamps, authenticity seals, and detailed marking applications. Open up a new world of precision processing with our USPL/UKP systems today.
Cutting sapphire crystal / watch glass
With the help of ultra-short laser pulses and the associated high intensity peaks, extremely high cutting quality can be achieved when cutting extremely hard materials. The combination of laser beam source, special software parameterization and coordinated optics ensures an optimally shaped laser beam for cutting sapphire glass. This process can be used in the watch industry as well as for cutting LED glass wafers in the electronics sector.
Texture ceramic bezel
Ceramic inlays are considered the ultimate in watches. With a Vickers hardness of 1250 HV, a ceramic bezel is not only resistant to heat and corrosion, but is also a real haptic highlight. This also applies to the design, as selective laser ablation is used to remove the thinnest layers of ceramic in order to create three-dimensional recesses – for example for multi-colored scales. ACSYS laser systems allow the creation of intricate structures, precise markings and the targeted processing of ceramic surfaces in the μm range.
Products and solutions
CUSTOM
From individualized laser systems with a wide range of options to tailor-made laser solutions: Customer-specific adaptations are almost always possible with laser systems from ACSYS.
PIRANHA
Engraving, marking, structuring, welding, cutting: The PIRANHA® masters all disciplines of laser processing. This is what makes it so versatile and flexible in use.
SHARK
Fast, powerful, effective and highly precise: this is how SHARK® works – the innovative laser cutting system from ACSYS.
MULTISHIFT
The MULTISHIFT® from ACSYS is versatile, ergonomic, automated, full of high-tech and an eye-catcher. If only because you can watch the laser at work here.
BARRACUDA
The BARRACUDA® from ACSYS combines numerous laser processing methods with plenty of room for individual requirements. This provides maximum flexibility.
How We’re Different
ACSYS has been delivering top-performing, tailor-made laser micromachining since 2003. We are a medium-sized company that is proud to be owner-managed and staffed by over 120 innovative minds.
Our team is focused on creating systems for engraving, marking, structuring, welding, and cutting. In these realms, we are committed to continuous research and development, improving technologies and the capabilities of laser material processing in a variety of industries. With this mindset, we have created solutions for many applications, including mint and print, medical, and beyond.
Upgrade Your Watch and Jewelry Marking Equipment
ACSYS is ready to help you change the way you create markings on watches and jewelry. Contact us today for more information on our systems.
Your ACSYS laser expert
Do you have any questions?
I am happy to help.
Ilyes Sassi
Key Account Manager Watch & Jewelry
Telephone: +49 7154 808 75 532
E-Mail: i.sassi@acsys.de