Complex micro components from bar stock
Complete machining of micro components is only possible using machining centers with integrated component handling, clamping and in-process measurement technology. The wide variety of solid carbide micro tools now available plays a vital role in ensuring process reliability.Plates, dials and cases for pocket watches and wristwatches, instruments for minimally invasive surgery, medical orthopaedic and dental implants, appliance housings, carrier plates and bearings used in navigation systems and gyroscopes in aviation all have one thing in common: Their dimensions generally amount to just a few millimetres or even a few tenths of millimetres. These micro components need to be produced in small and medium series to an extremely high degree of accuracy. Tolerances within micrometres or even nanometres are a standard requirement. To ensure economical working and optimum customer proximity, specialist manufacturers are now producing this type of ultra-precise micro component in many manufacturing locations around the globe. However, the design, engineering and implementation of suitable machining centres, milling and turning centres and stand-alone machines is still the preserve of a handful of specialist manufacturers located predominantly in Europe and specifically in Switzerland. Only these few are able to draw on sufficient expertise and experience gathered over many decades to guarantee the required stringent standard of quality, accuracy and reliability in the machines they produce including the overall production sequence.
Complete machining of
micro components in a sequence
One such specialist in machining centres for micro production is Willemin-Macodel SA in Delémont. Its location on the edge of the Swiss Jura region is no coincidence: This is the very heart of the Swiss watch and precision mechanics industry. Founded 40 years ago, the company has remained an innovative, sound family firm to this day. At its location in Delémont, over 230 skilled employees working in the development, construction and assembly departments produce around 400 high-end precision machining centres every year. These have workspaces ranging from 200 x 200 x 250 mm to 800 x 500 x 630 mm, and are designed as machining centres with vertical spindle and as turning and milling centres with five (and more) CNC axes. Alongside the turning spindle with spindle passages of between 32 and 60 mm depending on the machine design, the milling and turning centres have a vertically swivelling milling unit with motor spindle (up to 60.000 rpm) and a horizontally displaceable swivel table with three or four stations which accommodates a counter spindle, a tailstock centre and one or two vices (Figure 1).
MANUFACTURER
Sphinx Werkzeuge AG
CH-4552 Derendingen
Tel. +41 32671 2100
Fax +41 32671 2111
www.sphinx-tools.ch
USER
Willemin-Macodel SA
CH-2800 Delémont
Tel. +41 3242 70303
Fax +41 3242 65530