Laser marking of watch parts

made of gold, titanium, stainless steel or other valuable precious metals

Functional laser marking for part identification and traceability as well as engravings for design purposes are indispensable in the watch industry. While one engraved mechanically or etched in the past, more and more laser machines are now being used for marking tasks. Part numbers, serial numbers and/or charge labeling, as well as data matrix codes, but also decorative markings such as logos and graphics, are applied to watch parts, e.g. clockwork components, oscillation weights, bezels, crowns, housings, watch case backs or dials by means of laser marking. The advantage of the laser here is clearly the high precision so that even the smallest and filigree laser markings can be carried out efficiently, quickly and with high precision on wristwatches.

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

clock bezel laser engraved — laser engraved bezel of a watch

wooden clockwork prototype laser cut — Lasercutted prototype of a clockwork gear-wheel made of wood

clockwork cog laser cut — Laser cutted acrylic prototype of a clockwork gear-wheel

Application examples for laser marking and laser engraving of watch parts

Applications

With a fiber laser, clockwork components, oscillation weights, bezels, crowns, housings, watch case backs or dials are laser-marked or laser-engraved.
In addition, leather wristbands for wrist watches, silicone and elastomers for watch parts such as seals or also sapphire glass can be processed with a CO2 laser.

Other aspects are important in prototype construction such as clockworks. In contrast to serial production, a wide variety of materials are used for prototypes and individual parts are rather manufactured, which are constantly changed. Materials which are rather untypical for watchmakers, such as wood or acrylic also have to be processed; the processing of metal also plays an important role here. Trotec also offers a perfect solution here: the flatbed lasers of the Speedy range with Flexx function. Here, two laser sources (fiber and CO2 lasers) are integrated in a flatbed device, whereby both laser sources can be used uniquely in a single operation.

What is the point of buying a laser for the laser-engraving and laser-marking of watch parts?

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.

Function and advantages of laser technology

Flexible, dynamic data can be processed

Different markings with dynamic content possible without refitting or changing tools

Advantages of a Trotec laser

Intelligent and intuitive laser marking software SpeedMark, which 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
Time saving and consistently good results

Advantages of a Trotec laser

Broad product portfolio with suitable laser system for every requirement
Highest accuracy of the laser marking already at the "first shot" by means of camera-supported positioning;

Versatile application possibilities in prototype construction

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

Advantages of a Trotec laser

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

Marking in seconds for very fast cycle times

Very fast marking thanks to Galvo technology

Advantages of a Trotec laser

Maintenance-free Galvo fiber lasers for fastest marking with minimal service

Marking in seconds for more throughput

Very fast marking possible, even of variable contents (e.g. serial number)
Different markings possible without refitting or tool change

Advantages of a Trotec laser

Intelligent and intuitive 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-resistant, additionally heat- and acid-resistant
Particularly important for traceability and quality assurance

Advantages of a Trotec laser

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