Laser marking of watch parts

Laser technology for watch manufacturing – highly precise and economic

In the past, watch manufacturers have used mechanical engraving or etching methods for functional part-marking to assist in identification and traceability in addition to engraving creative or personalised designs. Presently, laser systems are favored for marking and engraving due to their state-of-the-art technology.

Functional engravings such as serial numbers, batch numbers, or datamatrix codes, as well as decorative markings such as logos or graphics can be easily lasermarked on various watch components like clockwork parts, momentum wheels, bezels, crowns, housings, bottoms, or even clock faces.

Precision is undoubtedly one of the big advantages of laser technology, therefore, even the smallest and most intricate designs can be laser marked with high speed and precision. Galvo fiber lasers tend to be ideal for these applications, such as the SpeedMarker laser systems from Trotec.

Suitable materials for laser engraving and laser marking

stainless steel
titanium
ceramics
brass
gold and other precious metals
leather (for the wristbands with wristwatches)
silicone and elastomers for seals
sapphire glass

Impressions

Bezel in cs are typical parts that are laser engraved — [Translate to en-GB | english (United Kingdom):] Laser engraved bezel of a watch

[Translate to en-GB | english (United Kingdom):] Laser cut prototype of a clockwork gear-wheel made of wood

[Translate to en-GB | english (United Kingdom):] Laser cut acrylic prototype of a clockwork gear-wheel

Unbeatable flexibility of laser marking

Laser marking systems offer a unique flexibility, allowing the user to process different applications, sizes, various clock parts, as well as the ability to produce single pieces or larger batch sizes. The interface to ERP systems (such as SAP) enable the highest productivity, and the SpeedMark laser software can quickly process variable data according to individual orders with ease. This leads to shorter running times and minimum waste. There is also an option for a camera assistant system integration that enables more accurate mark-positioning.

Another big advantage of laser systems and laser marking equipment is that you can mark or engrave many different materials.

Watch manufacturers usually process:

Stainless steel
Titanium
Ceramic
Brass
Gold

All these materials can be optimally marked with fiber lasers.

For marking of other materials such as leather for wristbands, silicone and synthetic elastomers for seals, or indirect marking of sphire glasses, you can use CO₂ laser systems.

Why buy a laser engraving machine to engrave and laser-mark watch parts?

The unbeatable flexibility of laser marking
Laser marking machines offer a unique flexibility, allowing the user to process different applications, sizes, various clock parts, as well as the ability to produce single pieces or larger batch sizes. The interface to ERP systems (such as SAP) enable the highest productivity, and the SpeedMark laser machine software can quickly process variable data according to individual orders with ease. This leads to shorter running times and minimum material waste. There is also an option for a camera assistant system integration that enables more accurate mark-positioning.

Function and advantages of laser technology

Flexible, dynamic data can be processed

Different markings with dynamic content are possible without refitting or changing tools

Advantages of a Trotec laser machine

The intelligent and intuitive laser marking software SpeedMark can easily process data from existing ERP systems and all dynamic contents in codes

Non-contact and process-safe material processing

The material does not have to be tightly clamped or fixed saving time and offering consistently good results

Advantages of a Trotec laser machine

Broad product portfolio with suitable laser system for every requirement
The high accuracy of the laser marking can be achieved instantly thanks to camera-supported positioning;

Versatile application possibilities in prototype construction

Various materials such as wood, acrylic, leather and metals can be processed with a laser system

Advantages of a Trotec laser machine

Flexx technology with 2 laser sources (CO2 and fiber laser) in one laser machine

Marking in seconds for very fast production cycle times

Very fast marking thanks to Galvo laser technology

Advantages of a Trotec laser machine

Maintenance-free Galvo fiber lasers for fast marking with minimal machine service

Marking in seconds for more throughput

Very fast marking is possible even when marking variable content such as serial numbers
Different markings are possible without refitting or tool change

Advantages of a Trotec laser machine

Intelligent and intuitive laser marking software for easy operation
Fast and precise positioning of components using a camera system: SpeedMark Vision – Smart Adjust
Integration of contents from ERP data files possible

Permanent marking

In contrast to other technologies, laser marking is permanent and abrasion, heat and acid resistant, which is particularly important for traceability and quality assurance

Advantages of a Trotec laser machine

Product portfolio with matching fiber laser systems for all requirements- Flatbed systems with a working surface up to 726 x 432 mm
Galvo work stations with working surfaces up to 620 x 315 mm
OEM Galvo fiber laser for integration into production lines
Special systems according to customer requirements

Perfect marking results - fine tool

Precise and smallest geometries can be highly accurately marked
Marking processes can be combined to clean the material after processing or to provide a higher contrast (e.g. with data matrix codes)

Advantages of a Trotec laser

High-quality optics and best beam quality thanks to high-quality components
Camera-based component positioning for maximum precision and ease of use

Diverse design possibilities

Practically any design can be realised with a laser
Even 1-point fonts and fine geometries are still clearly legible
Full freedom when designing and marking logos, designs, bar codes or serial numbers
Even photos can be applied in the shortest possible time