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Automated press-fitting for watch movements
Stoco SA has developed a servo press for a well-known watch manufacturer for the automated assembly and pressing of small components into watch plates. It automatically inserts components such as shock absorbers, locking pins or small "jewels" into the plates and bridges. The jewels are micro-bearings such as anchors, balance wheels and various gears, which are made from rubies or corundum.
At the heart of the servo press from Stoco is the compact GSM20 electric actuator with integrated servo motor, a force measuring device and a precision measuring probe. The latter measures the height of the component in relation to a reference area on the board - independently of the position evaluated by the absolute encoder. During press-fitting, the press descends quickly to bring the press-fit tool into contact with the PCB. The press then slows down and continuously measures the pressing force and the position of the component. This allows the press-in process to be controlled in such a way that the desired press-in depth is achieved with a permanent accuracy of less than 1 µm!
The component loading system works without horizontal movement between the press and the platen, as it is integrated into the press and the height reference measurement takes place directly during the press-in movement thanks to a sophisticated mechanism. This significantly shortens the cycle time and corresponds to the principle of an "iterative press" suitable for series production. For the first time, watchmakers no longer have to intervene manually in the construction of mechanical watches. In this way, twelve watches can be produced per minute - around the clock and fully automated. Up to 15 servo presses are integrated per production line.
