EN
High-precision pressing of watch components in tool and die making

High-precision pressing of watch components in tool and die making

Ferotech AG is a Swiss tool and mold manufacturing company based in Oberburg. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of injection and die-casting, deep-drawing, and stamping tools, and also offers contract manufacturing and contract work.

In a recent project, Ferotech AG faced the challenge of precisely pressing delicate components for high-quality watches using its tools. The pressing process had to be carried out with very high precision and finely tuned force control, as even the slightest excess force or uncontrolled movements could damage the delicate components.

To implement this process, Ferotech opted for an electric servo press solution from Parkem.

Process Verification in the Parkem Laboratory

Before the project was implemented, Ferotech conducted extensive process trials in our laboratory in collaboration with Parkem.

The goal of these tests was to verify and optimize the planned pressing process under real-world conditions. This allowed force curves, positions, and process parameters to be precisely analyzed and validated.

This testing phase ensured early on that the sensitive assembly process could be implemented in a stable, reproducible manner without damaging the components.

The Solution: ecoPRESS Servo Press

The ecoPRESS is particularly well-suited for precise joining and pressing processes that require exact control of force, position, and speed. Thanks to integrated sensors and a servo drive, pressing operations can be performed and monitored with high reproducibility.

One advantage in this application is standalone operation via an HMI control panel. This allows the press to be operated without an additional machine control system. Operators can set and monitor all parameters—such as force, position, or speed—directly via the touch panel.

This compact solution is ideal for workstations or individual assembly processes that do not require a higher-level control system.

Implementation and Commissioning

Parkem supported Ferotech throughout the entire project, from the joint project definition and parameterization of the pressing functions to the implementation of the ecoPRESS solution. Parkem also provided support for on-site commissioning and operator training. Thanks to the close collaboration and preliminary testing in the Parkem laboratory, the pressing process was implemented reliably and successfully put into practice.

Result

With the ecoPRESS servo press, Ferotech now has a precise, repeatable, and easy-to-use solution for pressing sensitive watch components.

The combination of electric servo technology, precise force control, and intuitive operation ensures a stable process while delivering high product quality.

The project impressively demonstrates how the ecoPRESS delivers reliable and reproducible results even in high-precision applications in the micro and precision sectors.

Technical Highlights of the Solution

  • ecoPRESS servo press with 5 kN pressing force
  • High-precision force and position control
  • Integrated force sensor
  • Stand-alone operation via 7" HMI control panel
  • Reproducible pressing processes without damaging sensitive components
  • Process validation in the Parkem laboratory
  • All-in-one solution: servo press (hardware), parameterization, and commissioning