CERAMICRO: Development of a modified MEMS processing route for the production of accurate wear resistant ceramic components for use in the watch industry

• Unité de recherche: INNOSUISSE
• Numéro de projet: 9611.1;7 PFNM-NM
• Titre du projet anglais: CERAMICRO: Development of a modified MEMS processing route for the production of accurate wear resistant ceramic components for use in the watch industry

Description succincte (Anglais)

CERAMICRO: Development of a modified MEMS processing route for the production of accurate wear resistant ceramic components for use in the watch industry

Résumé des résultats (Abstract) (Anglais)

Friction and wear has been an issue since mechanical watches were first invented. Since the beginning, mechanical watch mechanisms have required lubrication of moving parts. Several attempts have recently been made to remove lubrication, with varying results. The goal of this project is to explore the realization of an innovative MEMS processing route for the production of ceramic components (wheels) in mechanical watch movements. Many advanced ceramic materials have a low coefficient of friction and high wear resistance, presenting a possibility of removing lubrication for these parts. Recent advances in MEMS processing technology and nanophased and polymer derived ceramics give an excellent possibility of successfully producing high precision miniaturized components in these advanced ceramic materials.