The 5 nominees for the Exhibitors’ Grand Prix 2022 revealed

Following the deliberations of the 2022 Exhibitors’ Grand Prix Jury, which analysed the numerous innovations submitted, a list of 5 nominees was selected. These 5 innovations have been forwarded to the 700 exhibitors of the 2022 edition who will choose their winner. The verdict will be announced on June 14 during the EPHJ exhibitors’ evening.

The jury of the Exhibitors’ Grand Prix, composed of Eric Rosset, Professor 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 5 innovations:

Positioning for optical measurement of turned parts without adjustment

qmt+ innovates and offers the qmtvline positioning system which, thanks to an optical angle transmission system and a glass “V”, allows the positioning of the component and its observation without any adjustment or alignment. This patented technical solution allows for very fast measurement (5 to 10 times faster than traditional fitting) with high precision and without impact on the operator’s capability. 

XTS No Cable Technology (NCT)

Beckhoff is making a quantum leap in machine flexibility with a new type of technology for the XTS: No Cable Technology (NCT), which enables contactless continuous power supply and synchronous data transmission to the XTS trucks in real time. The XTS modular system has been extended to include a special motor module and electronics that can be mounted on the truck. The hardware required for the NCT is fully integrated into the motor module, so the existing functions and compact design are retained. No additional connections or power lines are required.

Micro mills with central coolant

Micro mills work at high speeds. The cutting fluid does not reach the cutting edge or only slightly. This is due to the fact that the cutting fluid is blown around the rotating tool and is squeezed out by the workpiece. The lubrication is insufficient. This degrades the surface finish of the workpiece and there is a high risk of the chip sticking in the flute and causing the tool to break. Micro mills with a central channel and lateral outlets allow the cutting fluid to be brought as close as possible to the cutting edge. The technological challenge with these cutters is to create a central micro-channel by laser drilling outlets.

Transparent ceramics – the alternative to sapphire

Transparent ceramics are manufactured from high-purity raw materials using a sintering process. In contrast to conventional technical ceramics, the material is 100% compacted so that no pores remain. Among the many advantages of transparent ceramics are the inexpensive and fast production of prototypes compared to injection moulding, environmentally friendly technology by avoiding waste or relatively low sintering temperatures.

Lasea Neo

A revolutionary machine dedicated to the watchmaking sector, 5 times more powerful and 2 times more compact than conventional micromachining systems, with a productivity multiplied by 10, LASEA Neo offers many advantages, including the ability to machine and decorate movement parts (wheels, bridges, rubies, springs, plates, etc.) or casing parts (hands, dials, bezels, etc.). It is a very high precision laser micromachining station dedicated to high productivity. It is built on a marble structure which guarantees excellent thermal stability for the beam path and excellent flatness for the high precision axes.

 

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