EPHJ
These six innovations have been forwarded to the 750 exhibitors at the 2023 show, who will choose their winner. The verdict will be announced at the EPHJ exhibitors' evening on 6 June.
The jury of the Exhibitors' Grand Prix, consisting of Eric Rosset (Professor at HES-SO), Pierre Amstutz (Director of the Geneva Watchmaking School), André Colard (founder of EPHJ), Olivier Saenger (founder of EPHJ) and Alexandre Catton (Director of the EPHJ Show), has selected the following six innovations:
Femtika
3D manufacturing of miniaturised devices using ultra-short pulse technology Femtika offers a revolutionary technology for 3D manufacturing of miniaturised devices. Its approach combines multi-photon polymerisation (MPP) and selective laser etching (SLE) to produce highprecision polymer or glass components. This technology makes it possible to create complex devices such as moving gear systems and microfluidic chips, opening up new opportunities for prototyping and innovation in microdevices.
GF
Microlution ML-5 GF Machining Solutions presents Microlution ML-5, a laser micromachining solution for the watch industry. ML-5 offers constant accuracy, reduced machining times and great design flexibility. Using femtosecond laser technology, it can machine a variety of materials without thermally affecting the machined areas. ML-5 demonstrates its versatility in the manufacture of different watch geometries, delivering exceptional results and highlighting its ability to meet the geometric and technological challenges of the watch industry.
GrindoSonic® MK7
Control in the manufacture of high-end watches is crucial to ensure consistent excellence and optimal quality. GrindoSonic® MK7, an advanced measurement system based on the impulse excitation technique (IET), can detect defects down to the level of one part per million (ppm) and ensure optimal mechanical performance. It measures the elasticity, porosity and asymmetry of components without damaging them. Thanks to its precision and its ability to guarantee high quality standards, GrindoSonic® MK7 is an ideal solution for the high-end watch industry.
MPS Watch
The new innovative Oscrew system MPS WATCH presents Oscrew, a new system for fixing oscillating weights for self-winding watch movements. Oscrew is an aesthetically pleasing, reliable and removable solution involving no additional components. This innovative system combines the advantages of crimping, locking blades and the MPS Flyfix system. Laboratory tests have confirmed its reliability, even under extreme conditions. MPS WATCH, a division of MPS Micro Precision Systems AG, specialises in watch ball bearings and supplies high-quality movement components to watch manufacturers.
Percipio Robotics
Tulip pliers. Percipio Robotics, a spin-off of the FEMTO-ST research institute, presents Tulip, an innovative gripper for handling objects from 50 µm to 10 mm. Tulip pliers are compact, robust and reliable, with a long stroke and high gripping force. They also offer a high level of adaptability thanks to low-demand customised tools and tool attachment systems. Tulip is suitable for applications in a range of fields including watchmaking, microelectronics, biomedical and optics.
Henri Schaller
Jura Air Spray: shaking up the market Jura Air Spray proposes to replace liquid aerosol propellants with compressed air, offering environmental and health benefits. The project aims to reduce the size of aluminium containers and cut transport and manufacturing costs, while enhancing safety. With over 15.5 billion aerosols sold each year, the system could potentially capture 50% of the global market. Originally launched in the 1990s, the project is seeking to revive this innovation in response to current concerns.