EP4293430A1 - Method for manufacturing a part made of a plurality of precious metals and resulting part - Google Patents
Method for manufacturing a part made of a plurality of precious metals and resulting part Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4293430A1 EP4293430A1 EP22179302.9A EP22179302A EP4293430A1 EP 4293430 A1 EP4293430 A1 EP 4293430A1 EP 22179302 A EP22179302 A EP 22179302A EP 4293430 A1 EP4293430 A1 EP 4293430A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- materials
- powders
- precious
- sintering
- alloys
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 41
- 239000010970 precious metal Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 23
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 9
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 74
- 238000005245 sintering Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 46
- 229910000510 noble metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 74
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- KDLHZDBZIXYQEI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Palladium Chemical compound [Pd] KDLHZDBZIXYQEI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Chemical compound [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 13
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000000889 atomisation Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910052763 palladium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052697 platinum Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052762 osmium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- SYQBFIAQOQZEGI-UHFFFAOYSA-N osmium atom Chemical compound [Os] SYQBFIAQOQZEGI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000002490 spark plasma sintering Methods 0.000 description 7
- 229910001020 Au alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000003353 gold alloy Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000010948 rhodium Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000010938 white gold Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910000832 white gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- KJTLSVCANCCWHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ruthenium Chemical compound [Ru] KJTLSVCANCCWHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052741 iridium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- GKOZUEZYRPOHIO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iridium atom Chemical compound [Ir] GKOZUEZYRPOHIO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910000923 precious metal alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910052703 rhodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- MHOVAHRLVXNVSD-UHFFFAOYSA-N rhodium atom Chemical compound [Rh] MHOVAHRLVXNVSD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910001112 rose gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910052707 ruthenium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910052706 scandium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- SIXSYDAISGFNSX-UHFFFAOYSA-N scandium atom Chemical compound [Sc] SIXSYDAISGFNSX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000220317 Rosa Species 0.000 description 1
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005219 brazing Methods 0.000 description 1
- ZPUCINDJVBIVPJ-LJISPDSOSA-N cocaine Chemical compound O([C@H]1C[C@@H]2CC[C@@H](N2C)[C@H]1C(=O)OC)C(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 ZPUCINDJVBIVPJ-LJISPDSOSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001254 electrum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010419 fine particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010940 green gold Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000227 grinding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(III) oxide Inorganic materials O=[Fe]O[Fe]=O JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000049 pigment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010939 rose gold Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052701 rubidium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- IGLNJRXAVVLDKE-UHFFFAOYSA-N rubidium atom Chemical compound [Rb] IGLNJRXAVVLDKE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002344 surface layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052718 tin Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009466 transformation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000844 transformation Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010930 yellow gold Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001097 yellow gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B37/00—Cases
- G04B37/22—Materials or processes of manufacturing pocket watch or wrist watch cases
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F3/00—Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the manner of compacting or sintering; Apparatus specially adapted therefor ; Presses and furnaces
- B22F3/10—Sintering only
- B22F3/105—Sintering only by using electric current other than for infrared radiant energy, laser radiation or plasma ; by ultrasonic bonding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F7/00—Manufacture of composite layers, workpieces, or articles, comprising metallic powder, by sintering the powder, with or without compacting wherein at least one part is obtained by sintering or compression
- B22F7/06—Manufacture of composite layers, workpieces, or articles, comprising metallic powder, by sintering the powder, with or without compacting wherein at least one part is obtained by sintering or compression of composite workpieces or articles from parts, e.g. to form tipped tools
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
- C22C—ALLOYS
- C22C1/00—Making non-ferrous alloys
- C22C1/04—Making non-ferrous alloys by powder metallurgy
- C22C1/0466—Alloys based on noble metals
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
- C22C—ALLOYS
- C22C5/00—Alloys based on noble metals
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
- G04B19/06—Dials
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B45/00—Time pieces of which the indicating means or cases provoke special effects, e.g. aesthetic effects
- G04B45/0015—Light-, colour-, line- or spot-effects caused by or on stationary parts
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B45/00—Time pieces of which the indicating means or cases provoke special effects, e.g. aesthetic effects
- G04B45/0076—Decoration of the case and of parts thereof, e.g. as a method of manufacture thereof
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
- G04D3/00—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials
- G04D3/0074—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for treatment of the material, e.g. surface treatment
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
- A44C27/00—Making jewellery or other personal adornments
- A44C27/001—Materials for manufacturing jewellery
- A44C27/002—Metallic materials
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F3/00—Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the manner of compacting or sintering; Apparatus specially adapted therefor ; Presses and furnaces
- B22F3/10—Sintering only
- B22F3/105—Sintering only by using electric current other than for infrared radiant energy, laser radiation or plasma ; by ultrasonic bonding
- B22F2003/1051—Sintering only by using electric current other than for infrared radiant energy, laser radiation or plasma ; by ultrasonic bonding by electric discharge
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F2998/00—Supplementary information concerning processes or compositions relating to powder metallurgy
- B22F2998/10—Processes characterised by the sequence of their steps
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a watch component based on several precious or noble metals or alloys of such metals, which are individually atomized into distinct powders before being jointly involved in a sintering operation, in in particular SPS sintering (spark plasma sintering) also known as flash sintering.
- SPS sintering spark plasma sintering
- flash sintering also known as flash sintering.
- the different precious or noble metals can be distinguished from each other in the watch component thus obtained.
- the present description further covers a watch component made up of several distinct precious metals, as well as a timepiece comprising such a component.
- the document EP3822712 gives an example of a process based on metal powders for the design of a component for a timepiece.
- the metals involved in the process are not limited to precious or noble metals and involve for example stainless steel or aluminum.
- the sintering conditions are therefore not suitable for the production of components made of precious metals, distributed distinctly in the final part.
- the sintering technique is an alternative to brazing or welding which has the advantage of limiting or avoiding the addition of material at the interfaces, as well as the mixing of the materials present. There is therefore scope to develop a process specifically adapted to precious materials, allowing a greater variety of their use and assembly.
- An aim of the present invention is to propose a process specifically adapted to precious metals and their alloys, making it possible to manufacture a metal part, such as a watchmaking component, whose different metals are distinct from each other.
- the process of the present description aims to assemble different precious metals without mixing them.
- the present method proposes to avoid locally modifying the compositions during the production of the part.
- Another aim of the invention is to produce a mechanical part, in particular a watch component, comprising or consisting of two or more precious metals or alloys of precious metals, which are distinct from each other.
- a mechanical part or watch component preferably presents no concentration gradient of the different constituents at their interfaces or a minimal concentration gradient, for example over a thickness of less than 10 micrometers, or less than 5 micrometers or less than 1 micrometer.
- This solution has in particular the advantage compared to the prior art of producing watch components based on precious metals and having an aesthetic appearance and/or particular mechanical properties due to the localized distribution of the different metals which they contain. constitute.
- local variations in color and/or hardness can be produced directly in the mass of the component and without additional steps.
- a first step S1 one of the materials M1 constituting the mechanical part is atomized in the form of a first powder P1.
- the term “atomize” designates any suitable operation enabling the material in question to be reduced to a powder. It may consist of or include a grinding step.
- the powder obtained can consist of more or less fine particles.
- the particles are for example micrometric in size, i.e. with an average diameter of around 1 ⁇ m to 500 ⁇ m, or 10 to 100 ⁇ m.
- the particles can alternatively be sub-micrometric, or with an average diameter of less than one micrometer.
- the average particle size of the powder can be adapted depending on the material considered and/or the result to be obtained.
- the method comprises a step S2 of atomizing a second material M2 making it possible to produce a second powder P2.
- the atomization conditions may be identical or different from those of the atomization of the first material M1.
- the average size of the particles forming the second powder P2 may be identical or similar to that forming the first powder P1.
- particles of different sizes can constitute the first P1 and second P2 powders. It is understood that the steps of atomizing the first M1 and the second M2 material are carried out separately from each other, so that distinct powders P1, P2 are obtained. In particular, the process according to the present invention does not include any step of mixing these first P1 and second P2 powders.
- the process according to the present invention includes all the provisions making it possible not to mix the first P1 and second P2 powders. It can even be planned that the first M1 and second M2 materials are atomized in different locations so as to avoid or limit contamination from one to the other. A device for tracing or monitoring the different materials and the different powders can also be set up. According to these provisions, the process may include steps of separate packaging, tracing and separate storage of materials and/or powders.
- the step of atomizing the first material M1 can be carried out in parallel with that of the second material M2 or sequentially.
- one or more of the materials used in the present process can be selected directly in the form of a powder so that the corresponding atomization steps S1, S2, Si, described here, are not necessary.
- the first M1 and second M2 materials are both selected from precious metals or noble metals, or alloys based on such precious or noble metals.
- Precious or noble metals include gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), scandium (Sc), ruthenium (Ru) osmium (Os) and iridium (Ir).
- noble metals refer more particularly to metals that resist corrosion.
- the terms “precious” and “noble” are interchangeable and equivalent, so that either of these terms designates the metals listed above.
- the alloys of these precious metals comprise at least 50% by mass, or 80% or more, or even 95% by mass of one of these precious metals or a combination of these precious metals.
- An alloy according to the present description may comprise a mixture of gold and silver together forming at least 50% by mass or 80% by mass or more of the mechanical part. This does not exclude more than two precious metals being combined to form an alloy. According to a particular embodiment, an alloy may consist exclusively of a combination of two or more of the precious metals listed above.
- an alloy according to the present invention comprises one or more of the precious metals listed above and one or more other non-precious metals such as copper, tin, aluminum, zinc, titanium or nickel.
- All 18ct gold alloys such as 1N to 5N gold can be considered as different materials M1, M2 and assembled in one piece. Other gold alloys can be considered depending on needs. In addition, different alloys based on precious metals other than gold can be considered, such as for example platinum-based alloys or palladium-based alloys.
- Precious metals can independently of each other be used in different grades, such as 9 ct, 12 ct, 18 ct or 24 ct or in other grades.
- the first M1 and second M2 materials are characterized by a melting temperature T1, T2 which is specific to them.
- T1 melting temperature
- the melting temperature of gold at atmospheric pressure is approximately 1064°C.
- the melting temperatures of gold alloys are generally higher than this value.
- the melting temperature of palladium is around 1554°C, that of platinum is around 1768°C, that of rubidium is around 39°C, that of scandium is around 1541°C.
- C that of rhodium of the order of 1964°C, that of iridium of the order of 2446°C, that of ruthenium of the order of 2333°C and that of osmium of the order of 3033°C.
- the method according to the present description comprises a step S3 of arranging the first P1 and second P2 powders in a sintering mold 2.
- the first P1 and second P2 powders are arranged sequentially so as not to mix. They can each be arranged so as to form a bed of powder, or a mass of powder or in different arrangements such as in the form of lines, or figures geometric or random.
- one or more of the first P1 and second P2 powders, and where appropriate additional Pi powders can be used several times, for example to form several clusters, or several lines or on several layers alternating with other powders.
- the powders can be subjected to vibrations or any other operation allowing them to be densified or better distributed if necessary. It is then necessary to ensure that the first P1 and second P2 powders do not mix during these operations, if they take place.
- the first P1 and second P2 powders can be used in variable proportions, for example in equal quantities so that the final mechanical part comprises as much of the first material M1 as of the second material M2, independently of their distribution.
- the M1/M2 ratio of the first M1 and second M2 materials can for example vary from 10/90 to 90/10 or from 20/80 to 80/20. Ratios between 30/70 and 70/30 or 40/60 and 60/40 are of course possible.
- the combination of powders forms an assembly A of unmixed powders.
- the first P1 and second P2 powders are in contact with each other while each remaining localized in the specific locations determined during their arrangement in the mold 2.
- a third powder consisting of a combination of the first P1 and second P2 powders, or other powders, can be added. Under these conditions, the third powder corresponds to an alloy of precious or noble metals as defined in the present description.
- the sintering conditions involve a sintering temperature Tfri. They also include a sintering pressure Pfri, which may be a mechanical pressure.
- the sintering temperature Tfri is determined so that none of the powders of the powder assembly A melt under the sintering conditions.
- the appropriate sintering temperature Tfri can be evaluated as a function of the sintering pressure Pfri, so as not to reach or exceed, or remain below the melting temperatures T1 and T2 of the first M1 and second M2 materials at the pressure Pfri sintering.
- the sintering temperature is determined so as to remain lower than the lowest of the melting temperatures T1, T2 of the first M1 and second M2 materials under the sintering conditions.
- the sintering conditions are those of flash sintering, also known as SPS (spark plasma sintering) sintering.
- SPS spark plasma sintering
- the sintering temperature Tfri is less than 2000°C, even less than 1500°C, or even less than 1000°C.
- the sintering temperature is for example between 600°C and 1600°C.
- the sintering pressure Pfri can be between 20 and 180 N/mm 2 or between 50 and 100 N/mm 2 . Other pressure values may be preferred depending on the components selected and/or the required quality of the final mechanical part.
- a solid part B is obtained on the basis of the assembly of powders A.
- the solid part B is inhomogeneous and therefore locally has different compositions each corresponding to the first M1 and the second M2 materials used.
- the essays local areas can therefore independently correspond to pure precious metals or to specific precious metal alloys.
- the solid part B once obtained, is demolded in a step S5, so as to recover a demolded solid part C.
- the demolded solid part C may correspond to the final component. However, it may be required that the demolded part C requires one or more subsequent interventions capable of improving its quality or aesthetic appearance or of modifying the part obtained to obtain the final component 1.
- a rectification step S6 can for example allow to resize the demolded solid part C.
- a machining step S7 can be carried out to modify the solid part C, resulting in particular in one or more holes, or grooves, or streaks, or any other removal of material. Machining can be carried out by any suitable technique, whether mechanical, laser, water jet or any equivalent.
- One or more S8 finishing steps can also be considered. Other post-sintering transformations can be planned depending on needs.
- FIG. 2 schematizes the process with an additional material Mi , atomized into an additional powder Pi in an additional atomization step Si .
- the additional material(s) Mi are different from the first M1 and second M2 materials. They are, however, selected from the precious or noble metals mentioned above, or their combination.
- the additional powder(s) Pi obtained are treated and handled under the conditions already described for the first P1 and second P2 powders. In particular, adequate arrangements are made so that they do not mix with other powders.
- the additional material(s) can be selected directly in the form of powders. In this case, the corresponding atomization step(s) may not be useful.
- the temperature and pressure conditions for sintering are those already mentioned for the assembly of at least two powders A.
- the sintering temperature Tfri is determined so that none of the first M1, second M2 materials and additional materials Mi does not melt during sintering.
- the solid part B' can be demolded to obtain a demolded solid part C'.
- One or more of the post-unmolding operations S6, S7, S8 described above can be implemented, as illustrated in Figure 3 .
- one or other of the first P1, second P2 powders and additional powders Pi can be additive with other materials such as pigments.
- Such additives, if present, are preferably in quantities of less than 5%, or even less than 1% by mass.
- a mechanical part 1 manufactured according to the process described above. It is in particular a metal part based on at least two precious or noble metals, or their alloys, or at least three precious or noble metals or their alloys.
- a part based on precious or noble metals contains at least half of its mass one or more precious or noble metals.
- the mechanical part comprises for 80% of its mass or more, or for 95% of its mass, one or more precious or noble metals, or their alloys.
- the different precious or noble metals of such a piece are distinct from each other.
- the mechanical part 1 can be characterized by different colors characteristic of the different precious or noble metals which constitute it. Patterns can thus appear such as a camouflage effect or geometric patterns. It can alternatively or in more characterized by different local mechanical properties, specific to the different precious or noble metals which compose it.
- the distribution of the different precious or noble metals in the mechanical part is not limited.
- the different precious and noble metals can be distributed in the form of superimposed layers, or in the form of clusters within the mechanical part, or according to any other arrangement determined during its manufacture.
- One of the precious or noble metals may remain completely hidden from an observer, particularly in the case where it makes up the core of the piece or its internal part, covered by another precious or noble metal.
- a mechanical part 1 comprises at least a first material M1 and a second material M2 forming an inseparable whole in which the at least first M1 and second M2 materials remain distinct from each other.
- the mechanical part 1 may comprise one or more other additional materials Mi, different from the first M1 and the second M2 materials and also distinct from the other materials.
- the first M1 and second M2 materials, as well as any additional materials Mi are selected from one of the precious or noble metals mentioned above or their alloys.
- the mechanical part 1 can for example be a watch component such as a cog or any other part of a watch movement.
- the mechanical part 1 is an ornamental or decorative component. It can be, for example, a watch case or a dial or any other element visible to a user.
- the mechanical part 1 fully benefits from the advantages of the process described above, particularly suitable for arranging different precious metals within the same part and thus producing a wide variety of aesthetic effects.
- a first 5N 18ct gold powder and a second 2N 18ct gold powder are successively stacked in an SPS sintering mold. Sintering is carried out at a temperature of 800°C and a pressure of 100MPa. The pellet obtained is demolded so as to obtain a middle part. All the materials measuring 18ct, the case thus obtained also measures 18ct.
- a first 18ct 5N gold powder and a second 18ct yellow gold powder are successively stacked in an SPS sintering mold.
- a third 950/1000 platinum powder is placed on the assembly of the first two powders.
- Sintering is carried out at a temperature of 860°C and a pressure of 130MPa.
- the pellet obtained is demolded then machined to obtain a bezel.
- a part finishing step is carried out, during which the surface layer of 950/1000 platinum, less hard than the underlying layers, is decorated. The final piece is not titled.
- a first 5N 18 ct gold powder, a second 2N 18 ct gold powder and an 18 ct white gold powder are distributed randomly in an SPS sintering mold so as to form clusters of powders. Sintering is carried out at a temperature of 790°C and a pressure of 80MPa. The pellet obtained is demolded to obtain a bezel whose pattern resembles a camouflage composed of yellow, pink and gray colors. All the materials grading 18ct, the final piece also grading 18ct.
Abstract
Procédé de fabrication d'une pièce mécanique à base d'au moins deux métaux précieux ou nobles ou de leurs alliages, le procédé comprenant une étape d'atomisation des différents métaux précieux, la disposition des poudres résultantes dans un moule, de sorte à former un assemblage de poudres non-mélangées, et une étape de frittage à des températures inférieures aux températures de fusion des métaux utilisés. La demande couvre en outre une pièce mécanique réalisée par un tel procédé, ainsi qu'une pièce horlogère comportant une telle pièce mécanique.Process for manufacturing a mechanical part based on at least two precious or noble metals or their alloys, the process comprising a step of atomizing the different precious metals, arranging the resulting powders in a mold, so as to form an assembly of unmixed powders, and a sintering step at temperatures lower than the melting temperatures of the metals used. The application also covers a mechanical part produced by such a process, as well as a watch part comprising such a mechanical part.
Description
La présente invention concerne un procédé pour la fabrication d'un composant horloger à base de plusieurs métaux précieux ou nobles ou d'alliages de tels métaux, lesquels sont individuellement atomisés en poudres distinctes avant d'être conjointement impliqués dans une opération de frittage, en particulier un frittage SPS (spark plasma sintering) également connu sous le terme de frittage flash. Les différents métaux précieux ou nobles peuvent être distingués les uns des autres dans le composant horloger ainsi obtenu. La présente description couvre en outre un composant horloger constitué de plusieurs métaux précieux distincts, ainsi qu'une pièce d'horlogerie comportant un tel composant.The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a watch component based on several precious or noble metals or alloys of such metals, which are individually atomized into distinct powders before being jointly involved in a sintering operation, in in particular SPS sintering (spark plasma sintering) also known as flash sintering. The different precious or noble metals can be distinguished from each other in the watch component thus obtained. The present description further covers a watch component made up of several distinct precious metals, as well as a timepiece comprising such a component.
Le principe de frittage de poudres de matériaux métalliques est connu et souvent utilisé pour fabriquer des alliages de métaux. Le document
Le document
La technique du frittage est une alternative au brasage ou au soudage qui présente l'avantage de limiter ou d'éviter les apports de matière au niveau des interfaces, ainsi que les mélanges des matériaux en présence. Il y a donc matière à développer un procédé spécifiquement adapté aux matériaux précieux, permettant une plus grande variété de leur utilisation et de leur assemblage.The sintering technique is an alternative to brazing or welding which has the advantage of limiting or avoiding the addition of material at the interfaces, as well as the mixing of the materials present. There is therefore scope to develop a process specifically adapted to precious materials, allowing a greater variety of their use and assembly.
Un but de la présente invention est de proposer un procédé spécifiquement adapté aux métaux précieux et à leurs alliages, permettant de fabriquer une pièce métallique, telle qu'un composant d'horlogerie, dont les différents métaux sont distincts les uns des autres. En particulier, le procédé de la présente description se propose d'assembler différents métaux précieux sans les mélanger. En outre, le présent procédé propose d'éviter de modifier localement les compositions lors de la production de la pièce.An aim of the present invention is to propose a process specifically adapted to precious metals and their alloys, making it possible to manufacture a metal part, such as a watchmaking component, whose different metals are distinct from each other. In particular, the process of the present description aims to assemble different precious metals without mixing them. In addition, the present method proposes to avoid locally modifying the compositions during the production of the part.
Un autre but de l'invention est de produire une pièce mécanique, en particulier, un composant horloger, comprenant ou constitué de deux ou plus de deux métaux précieux ou alliages de métaux précieux, lesquels étant distincts les uns des autres. En particulier, une telle pièce mécanique ou composant horloger ne présente de préférence aucun gradient de concentration des différents constituants à leurs interfaces ou un gradient de concentration minimal, par exemple sur une épaisseur de moins de 10 micromètres, ou moins de 5 micromètres ou moins de 1 micromètre.Another aim of the invention is to produce a mechanical part, in particular a watch component, comprising or consisting of two or more precious metals or alloys of precious metals, which are distinct from each other. In particular, such a mechanical part or watch component preferably presents no concentration gradient of the different constituents at their interfaces or a minimal concentration gradient, for example over a thickness of less than 10 micrometers, or less than 5 micrometers or less than 1 micrometer.
Selon l'invention, ces buts sont atteints notamment au moyen du procédé et du composant objet des revendications indépendantes, et dont les détails font l'objet des revendications dépendantes.According to the invention, these goals are achieved in particular by means of the method and the component which is the subject of the independent claims, and the details of which are the subject of the dependent claims.
Cette solution présente notamment l'avantage par rapport à l'art antérieur de produire des composants horlogers à base de métaux précieux et ayant une apparence esthétique et/ou des propriétés mécaniques particulières du fait de la répartition localisée des différents métaux qui les constituent. En particulier, des variations locales de couleurs et/ou de dureté peuvent être produites directement dans la masse du composant et sans étape additionnelles.This solution has in particular the advantage compared to the prior art of producing watch components based on precious metals and having an aesthetic appearance and/or particular mechanical properties due to the localized distribution of the different metals which they contain. constitute. In particular, local variations in color and/or hardness can be produced directly in the mass of the component and without additional steps.
Des exemples de mise en oeuvre de l'invention sont indiqués dans la description illustrée par les figures suivantes :
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Figure 1 : Procédé selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention. -
Figure 2 : Procédé selon un autre mode de réalisation de la présente invention. -
Figure 3 : Représentation schématique d'étapes post démoulage pouvant être impliquées dans le procédé selon la présente invention.
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Figure 1 : Method according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
Figure 2 : Method according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
Figure 3 : Schematic representation of post-demolding steps that may be involved in the process according to the present invention.
Le procédé selon la présente description est illustré par les
La taille moyenne des particules de la poudre peut être adaptée en fonction du matériau considéré et/ou du résultat à obtenir.The average particle size of the powder can be adapted depending on the material considered and/or the result to be obtained.
Le procédé comporte une étape S2 d'atomisation d'un second matériau M2 permettant de produire une seconde poudre P2. Les conditions de l'atomisation peuvent être identiques ou différentes de celles de l'atomisation du premier matériau M1. La taille moyenne des particules formant la seconde poudre P2 peut être identique ou similaire à celle formant la première poudre P1. Alternativement, des particules de taille différentes peuvent constituer les première P1 et seconde P2 poudres. Il est entendu que les étapes d'atomisation du premier M1 et du second M2 matériau sont effectuées séparément l'une de l'autre, de sorte que des poudres distinctes P1, P2 soient obtenues. En particulier, le procédé selon la présente invention ne comporte aucune étape de mélange de ces première P1 et seconde P2 poudres. Plus particulièrement, le procédé selon la présente invention inclut toute les dispositions permettant de ne pas mélanger les première P1 et seconde P2 poudres. Il peut même être prévu que les premier M1 et second M2 matériaux soient atomisés dans des endroits différents de sorte à éviter ou limiter les contaminations de l'un vers l'autre. Un dispositif de traçage ou de suivi des différents matériaux et des différentes poudres peut en outre être mis en place. Selon ces dispositions, le procédé peut inclure des étapes de conditionnements séparés, de traçage et de stockage séparé des matériaux et/ou des poudres.The method comprises a step S2 of atomizing a second material M2 making it possible to produce a second powder P2. The atomization conditions may be identical or different from those of the atomization of the first material M1. The average size of the particles forming the second powder P2 may be identical or similar to that forming the first powder P1. Alternatively, particles of different sizes can constitute the first P1 and second P2 powders. It is understood that the steps of atomizing the first M1 and the second M2 material are carried out separately from each other, so that distinct powders P1, P2 are obtained. In particular, the process according to the present invention does not include any step of mixing these first P1 and second P2 powders. More particularly, the process according to the present invention includes all the provisions making it possible not to mix the first P1 and second P2 powders. It can even be planned that the first M1 and second M2 materials are atomized in different locations so as to avoid or limit contamination from one to the other. A device for tracing or monitoring the different materials and the different powders can also be set up. According to these provisions, the process may include steps of separate packaging, tracing and separate storage of materials and/or powders.
L'étape d'atomisation du premier matériau M1 peut être conduite en parallèle de celle du second matériau M2 ou bien séquentiellement.The step of atomizing the first material M1 can be carried out in parallel with that of the second material M2 or sequentially.
Selon un mode de réalisation, un ou plusieurs des matériaux utilisés dans le présent procédé peuvent être sélectionnés directement sous forme d'une poudre de sorte que les étapes S1, S2, Si d'atomisation correspondantes, ici décrites, ne soient pas nécessaires.According to one embodiment, one or more of the materials used in the present process can be selected directly in the form of a powder so that the corresponding atomization steps S1, S2, Si, described here, are not necessary.
Les premier M1 et second M2 matériaux sont tous deux sélectionnés parmi des métaux précieux ou des métaux nobles, ou des alliages basés sur de tels métaux précieux ou nobles.The first M1 and second M2 materials are both selected from precious metals or noble metals, or alloys based on such precious or noble metals.
Les métaux précieux ou nobles selon la présente description regroupent l'or (Au), l'argent (Ag), le platine (Pt), le palladium (Pd), le rhodium (Rh), le scandium (Sc), le ruthénium (Ru) l'osmium (Os) et l'iridium (Ir). En particulier, les métaux nobles désignent plus particulièrement les métaux qui résistent à la corrosion. Dans le cadre de la présente description, les termes « précieux » et « nobles » sont interchangeables et équivalents, de sorte que l'un ou l'autre de ces termes désigne les métaux listés ci-dessus.Precious or noble metals according to this description include gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), scandium (Sc), ruthenium (Ru) osmium (Os) and iridium (Ir). In particular, noble metals refer more particularly to metals that resist corrosion. For the purposes of this description, the terms “precious” and “noble” are interchangeable and equivalent, so that either of these terms designates the metals listed above.
Dans le cadre de la présente description, les alliages de ces métaux précieux comprennent au moins 50% en masse, ou 80% ou plus, voire 95% en masse d'un de ces métaux précieux ou d'une combinaison de ces métaux précieux. Un alliage selon la présente description peut comporter un mélange d'or et d'argent formant ensemble au moins 50% en masse ou 80% en masse ou plus, de la pièce mécanique. Cela n'exclut pas que plus de deux métaux précieux soient combinés pour former un alliage. Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, un alliage peut consister exclusivement en une combinaison de deux ou plus de deux des métaux précieux listés ci-dessus.In the context of this description, the alloys of these precious metals comprise at least 50% by mass, or 80% or more, or even 95% by mass of one of these precious metals or a combination of these precious metals. An alloy according to the present description may comprise a mixture of gold and silver together forming at least 50% by mass or 80% by mass or more of the mechanical part. This does not exclude more than two precious metals being combined to form an alloy. According to a particular embodiment, an alloy may consist exclusively of a combination of two or more of the precious metals listed above.
Selon un mode de réalisation, un alliage selon la présente invention comprend un ou plusieurs des métaux précieux listés ci-dessus et un ou plusieurs autres métaux non-précieux tels que du cuivre, de l'étain, de l'aluminium, du zinc, du titane ou du nickel.According to one embodiment, an alloy according to the present invention comprises one or more of the precious metals listed above and one or more other non-precious metals such as copper, tin, aluminum, zinc, titanium or nickel.
Les différents matériaux M1, M2 peuvent désigner différents alliages basés sur un même métal précieux. Par exemple, le premier matériau M1 peut désigner un premier alliage d'or et le second matériau M2 peut désigner un second alliage d'or. L'un ou les deux premier M1 et second M2 matériaux peuvent être par exemple sélectionnés parmi les alliages d'or suivants :
- Or blanc : 75% d'or, 19% de cuivre, 6% d'argent,
- Or gris : 75% d'or, 25% palladium ou 25% nickel,
- Or rouge: 75% d'or, 25% de cuivre,
- Or rose: 75% d'or, 20% de cuivre, 5% d'argent,
- Or vert : 75% d'or, 25% argent.
- White gold: 75% gold, 19% copper, 6% silver,
- White gold: 75% gold, 25% palladium or 25% nickel,
- Red gold: 75% gold, 25% copper,
- Rose gold: 75% gold, 20% copper, 5% silver,
- Green gold: 75% gold, 25% silver.
Tous les alliages d'or 18ct tels que les ors de 1N à 5N peuvent être considérés comme différents matériaux M1, M2 et assemblés dans une même pièce. D'autres alliages d'or peuvent être envisagés en fonction des besoins. En outre, différents alliages basés sur d'autres métaux précieux que l'or peuvent être considérés, comme par exemple les alliages base platine ou les alliages base Palladium.All 18ct gold alloys such as 1N to 5N gold can be considered as different materials M1, M2 and assembled in one piece. Other gold alloys can be considered depending on needs. In addition, different alloys based on precious metals other than gold can be considered, such as for example platinum-based alloys or palladium-based alloys.
Les métaux précieux peuvent indépendamment les uns des autres être utilisés à différents titres, tel que 9 ct, 12 ct, 18 ct ou 24 ct ou à d'autres titres.Precious metals can independently of each other be used in different grades, such as 9 ct, 12 ct, 18 ct or 24 ct or in other grades.
Les premier M1 et second M2 matériaux sont caractérisés par une température de fusion T1, T2 qui leur est propre. Par exemple, la température de fusion de l'or à pression atmosphérique est d'environ 1064°C. Les températures de fusion des alliages d'or sont en général supérieures à cette valeur. La température de fusion du palladium est de l'ordre de 1554 °C, celle du platine de l'ordre de 1768°C, celle du rubidium de l'ordre de 39°C, celle du scandium de l'ordre de 1541°C, celle du rhodium de l'ordre de 1964°C, celle de l'iridium de l'ordre de 2446°C, celle du ruthénium de l'ordre de 2333°C et celle de l'osmium de l'ordre de 3033°C.The first M1 and second M2 materials are characterized by a melting temperature T1, T2 which is specific to them. For example, the melting temperature of gold at atmospheric pressure is approximately 1064°C. The melting temperatures of gold alloys are generally higher than this value. The melting temperature of palladium is around 1554°C, that of platinum is around 1768°C, that of rubidium is around 39°C, that of scandium is around 1541°C. C, that of rhodium of the order of 1964°C, that of iridium of the order of 2446°C, that of ruthenium of the order of 2333°C and that of osmium of the order of 3033°C.
Le procédé selon la présente description comporte une étape S3 de disposer les première P1 et seconde P2 poudres dans un moule de frittage 2. Les première P1 et seconde P2 poudres sont disposées de manière séquentielle de sorte à ne pas se mélanger. Elles peuvent être disposées chacune de sorte à former un lit de poudre, ou un amas de poudre ou selon différents arrangements tels que sous forme de lignes, ou de figures géométriques ou aléatoires. En fonction des besoins, une ou plusieurs des première P1 et seconde P2 poudres, et le cas échéant de poudres additionnelles Pi (voir plus bas) peut être utilisée à plusieurs reprises, par exemple pour former plusieurs amas, ou plusieurs lignes ou sur plusieurs couches en alternance avec d'autres poudres.The method according to the present description comprises a step S3 of arranging the first P1 and second P2 powders in a
Selon un mode de réalisation, les poudres peuvent faire l'objet de vibrations ou de tout autre opération permettant de les densifier ou de mieux les répartir si besoin. Il convient alors de s'assurer que les première P1 et seconde P2 poudres ne se mélangent pas lors de ces opérations, si elles ont lieu.According to one embodiment, the powders can be subjected to vibrations or any other operation allowing them to be densified or better distributed if necessary. It is then necessary to ensure that the first P1 and second P2 powders do not mix during these operations, if they take place.
Les première P1 et seconde P2 poudres peuvent être utilisées dans des proportions variables, par exemple en égales quantités de sorte que la pièce mécanique finale comprenne autant du premier matériau M1 que du second matériau M2, ce indépendamment de leur répartition. Le rapport M1/M2 des premier M1 et second M2 matériaux peuvent par exemples varier de 10/90 à 90/10 ou de 20/80 à 80/20. Des rapports compris entre 30/70 et 70/30 ou 40/60 et 60/40 sont bien entendu possibles.The first P1 and second P2 powders can be used in variable proportions, for example in equal quantities so that the final mechanical part comprises as much of the first material M1 as of the second material M2, independently of their distribution. The M1/M2 ratio of the first M1 and second M2 materials can for example vary from 10/90 to 90/10 or from 20/80 to 80/20. Ratios between 30/70 and 70/30 or 40/60 and 60/40 are of course possible.
La combinaison des poudres forme un assemblage A de poudres non-mélangées. Les première P1 et seconde P2 poudres sont en contact l'une avec l'autre tout en restant chacune localisée aux endroits spécifiques déterminés lors de leur disposition dans le moule 2. The combination of powders forms an assembly A of unmixed powders. The first P1 and second P2 powders are in contact with each other while each remaining localized in the specific locations determined during their arrangement in the
Le procédé ici décrit n'exclut pas que des mélanges de poudres soient en outre utilisés de sorte à produire un alliage in-situ. Par exemple, en plus de la première poudre P1 et de la seconde poudre P2, une troisième poudre constituée d'une combinaison des première P1 et seconde P2 poudres, ou bien d'autres poudres, peut être ajoutée. Dans ces conditions, la troisième poudre correspond à un alliage de métaux précieux ou nobles tel que défini dans la présente description.The process described here does not exclude that mixtures of powders are also used so as to produce an alloy in-situ. For example, in addition to the first powder P1 and the second powder P2, a third powder consisting of a combination of the first P1 and second P2 powders, or other powders, can be added. Under these conditions, the third powder corresponds to an alloy of precious or noble metals as defined in the present description.
Une fois l'assemblage A de poudres non mélangées réalisé, il est soumis au frittage dans une étape S4. Les conditions de frittage impliquent une température de frittage Tfri. Elles comprennent en outre une pression de frittage Pfri, pouvant être une pression mécanique.Once assembly A of unmixed powders has been produced, it is subjected to sintering in a step S4. The sintering conditions involve a sintering temperature Tfri. They also include a sintering pressure Pfri, which may be a mechanical pressure.
La température de frittage Tfri est déterminée de sorte qu'aucune des poudres de l'assemblage de poudres A n'entre en fusion dans les conditions du frittage. La température de frittage Tfri adéquate peut être évaluée en fonction de la pression de frittage Pfri, de sorte à ne pas atteindre ou ne pas dépasser, ou à rester inférieure aux températures de fusion T1 et T2 des premier M1 et second M2 matériaux à la pression de frittage Pfri. De préférence la température de frittage est déterminée de sorte à rester inférieure à la plus basse des températures de fusion T1, T2 des premier M1 et second M2 matériaux dans les conditions du frittage.The sintering temperature Tfri is determined so that none of the powders of the powder assembly A melt under the sintering conditions. The appropriate sintering temperature Tfri can be evaluated as a function of the sintering pressure Pfri, so as not to reach or exceed, or remain below the melting temperatures T1 and T2 of the first M1 and second M2 materials at the pressure Pfri sintering. Preferably the sintering temperature is determined so as to remain lower than the lowest of the melting temperatures T1, T2 of the first M1 and second M2 materials under the sintering conditions.
De préférence, les conditions du frittage sont celles d'un frittage flash, également connu sous le terme de frittage SPS (spark plasma sintering). L'utilisation d'électrodes pour chauffer l'assemblage A de poudres non mélangées permet des temps de chauffe très courts et préserve la finesse des grains.Preferably, the sintering conditions are those of flash sintering, also known as SPS (spark plasma sintering) sintering. The use of electrodes to heat assembly A of unmixed powders allows very short heating times and preserves the fineness of the grains.
Selon un mode de réalisation, la température de frittage Tfri est inférieure à 2000°C, voire inférieure à 1500°C, voire inférieure à 1000°C. La température de frittage est par exemple comprise entre 600°C et 1600°C.According to one embodiment, the sintering temperature Tfri is less than 2000°C, even less than 1500°C, or even less than 1000°C. The sintering temperature is for example between 600°C and 1600°C.
La pression de frittage Pfri peut être comprise entre 20 et 180 N/mm2 ou entre 50 et 100 N/mm2. D'autres valeurs de pression peuvent être préférées en fonction des composants sélectionnés et/ou de la qualité requise de la pièce mécanique finale.The sintering pressure Pfri can be between 20 and 180 N/mm 2 or between 50 and 100 N/mm 2 . Other pressure values may be preferred depending on the components selected and/or the required quality of the final mechanical part.
Une fois le frittage effectué, une pièce solide B est obtenue sur la base de l'assemblage de poudres A. La pièce solide B est inhomogène et comporte donc localement des compositions différentes correspondant chacune au premier M1 et au second M2 matériaux utilisés. Les compositions locales peuvent donc indépendamment les unes des autres correspondre à des métaux précieux pur ou à des alliages de métaux précieux spécifiques.Once sintering has been carried out, a solid part B is obtained on the basis of the assembly of powders A. The solid part B is inhomogeneous and therefore locally has different compositions each corresponding to the first M1 and the second M2 materials used. The essays local areas can therefore independently correspond to pure precious metals or to specific precious metal alloys.
La pièce solide B, une fois obtenue, est démoulée dans une étape S5, de sorte à récupérer une pièce solide démoulée C. The solid part B, once obtained, is demolded in a step S5, so as to recover a demolded solid part C.
La pièce solide démoulée C peut correspondre au composant final. Cependant, il peut être requis que la pièce démoulée C nécessite une ou plusieurs interventions ultérieures propres à en améliorer la qualité ou l'aspect esthétique ou à modifier la pièce obtenue pour obtenir le composant final 1. Une étape de rectification S6 peut par exemple permettre de redimensionner la pièce solide démoulée C. Une étape d'usinage S7 peut être effectuée pour modifier la pièce solide C, résultant notamment en un ou plusieurs trous, ou rainures, ou stries, ou tout autre ablation de matière. L'usinage peut être effectué par toute technique adaptée, qu'elle soit de type mécanique, par laser, par jet d'eau ou tout équivalent. Une ou plusieurs étapes de finition S8 peuvent en outre être envisagées. D'autres transformations post frittage peuvent être prévues en fonction des besoins.The demolded solid part C may correspond to the final component. However, it may be required that the demolded part C requires one or more subsequent interventions capable of improving its quality or aesthetic appearance or of modifying the part obtained to obtain the
Bien que le procédé soit décrit ci-dessus avec deux matériaux, cela n'exclut en rien d'en utiliser plus de deux, tel que trois ou plus, suivant les mêmes dispositions que celles déjà décrite ou des dispositions similaires. La
L'ensemble des première P1, seconde P2 poudres et d'une ou plusieurs poudres additionnelles Pi disposées séparément dans un moule de sorte à former un assemblage d'au moins trois poudres A' non mélangées, est soumis à une opération de frittage dans les conditions requises, de sortes à obtenir une pièce solide B' comprenant le premier M1, le second M2 et un ou plusieurs matériaux additionnels Mi, combinés bien que distincts les uns des autres. Les conditions de température et de pression du frittage sont celles déjà évoquées pour l'assemblage d'au moins deux poudres A. En particulier, la température de frittage Tfri est déterminée pour qu'aucun des premier M1, second M2 matériaux et des matériaux additionnels Mi n'entre en fusion lors du frittage. La pièce solide B' peut être démoulée pour obtenir une pièce solide démoulée C'. Une ou plusieurs des opérations post démoulage S6, S7, S8 décrites plus haut peuvent être mises en oeuvre, telles qu'illustrées à la
Selon un mode de réalisation, l'une ou l'autre des première P1, seconde P2 poudres et des poudres additionnelles Pi peuvent être additivées avec d'autres matériaux tels que des pigments. De tels additifs, s'ils sont présents, sont de préférence en quantité inférieure à 5%, voire inférieure à 1% en masse.According to one embodiment, one or other of the first P1, second P2 powders and additional powders Pi can be additive with other materials such as pigments. Such additives, if present, are preferably in quantities of less than 5%, or even less than 1% by mass.
La présente description couvre également une pièce mécanique 1 fabriquée selon le procédé décrit plus haut. Il s'agit en particulier d'une pièce métallique à base d'au moins deux métaux précieux ou nobles, ou de leurs alliages, ou d'au moins trois métaux précieux ou nobles ou de leurs alliages. Dans le cadre de la présente description, une pièce à base de métaux précieux ou nobles contient pour au moins la moitié de sa masse un ou plusieurs métaux précieux ou nobles. Selon un mode de réalisation, la pièce mécanique comprend pour 80% de sa masse ou plus, ou pour 95% de sa masse un ou plusieurs métaux précieux ou nobles, ou leurs alliages. Les différents métaux précieux ou nobles d'une telle pièce sont distincts les uns des autres. De la sorte, la pièce mécanique 1 peut se caractériser par différentes couleurs caractéristiques des différents métaux précieux ou nobles qui la constituent. Des motifs peuvent ainsi apparaître tels qu'un effet camouflage ou des motifs géométriques. Elle peut alternativement ou en plus se caractériser par différentes propriétés mécaniques locales, propres aux différents métaux précieux ou nobles qui la composent.This description also covers a
La répartition des différents métaux précieux ou nobles dans la pièce mécanique n'est pas limitée. Les différent métaux précieux et nobles peuvent y être répartis sous forme de couches superposées, ou sous forme d'amas au sein de la pièce mécanique, ou selon toute autre disposition déterminée lors de sa fabrication. L'un des métaux précieux ou nobles peut rester totalement masqué par un observateur, notamment dans le cas où il compose l'âme de la pièce ou sa partie interne, recouverte par un autre métal précieux ou noble.The distribution of the different precious or noble metals in the mechanical part is not limited. The different precious and noble metals can be distributed in the form of superimposed layers, or in the form of clusters within the mechanical part, or according to any other arrangement determined during its manufacture. One of the precious or noble metals may remain completely hidden from an observer, particularly in the case where it makes up the core of the piece or its internal part, covered by another precious or noble metal.
Ainsi une pièce mécanique 1 selon la présente description comporte au moins un premier matériau M1 et un second matériau M2 formant un ensemble indissociable dans lequel les au moins premier M1 et second M2 matériaux restent distincts les uns des autres. Outre les premier M1 et second M2 matériaux, la pièce mécanique 1 peut comporter un ou plusieurs autres matériaux additionnel Mi, différents du premier M1 et du second M2 matériaux et également distincts des autres matériaux. Les premier M1 et second M2 matériaux, ainsi que les éventuels matériaux additionnels Mi, sont sélectionnés parmi l'un des métaux précieux ou nobles mentionnés plus haut ou leurs alliages.Thus a
La pièce mécanique 1 peut être par exemple un composant horloger tel qu'un rouage ou toute autre pièce d'un mouvement horloger. Alternativement, la pièce mécanique 1 est un composant d'ornement ou d'habillage. Elle peut être par exemple une carrure de montre ou un cadran ou tout autre élément visible d'un utilisateur. A ce titre, la pièce mécanique 1 bénéficie pleinement des avantages du procédé décrit ci-dessus, particulièrement adapté pour agencer différents métaux précieux au sein d'une même pièce et produire ainsi une grande variété d'effet esthétiques.The
Une première poudre d'or 5N 18 ct et une seconde poudre d'or 2N 18ct sont successivement empilées dans un moule de frittage SPS. Le frittage est effectué à une température de 800°C et une pression de 100MPa.La pastille obtenue est démoulée de sorte à obtenir une carrure. L'ensemble des matériaux titrant 18ct, la carrure ainsi obtenue titre également 18 ct.A first 5N 18ct gold powder and a second 2N 18ct gold powder are successively stacked in an SPS sintering mold. Sintering is carried out at a temperature of 800°C and a pressure of 100MPa. The pellet obtained is demolded so as to obtain a middle part. All the materials measuring 18ct, the case thus obtained also measures 18ct.
Une première poudre d'or 5N 18 ct et une seconde poudre d'or jaune 18ct, sont successivement empilées dans un moule de frittage SPS. Une troisième poudre de platine 950/1000 est disposée sur l'assemble des deux premières poudres. Le frittage est effectué à une température de 860°C et une pression de 130MPa.La pastille obtenue est démoulée puis usinée de sorte à obtenir une lunette. Une étape de terminaison de la pièce est effectuée, lors de laquelle la couche de surface en platine 950/1000, moins dure que les couches sous-jacentes, est décorée. La pièce finale n'est pas titrée.A first 18ct 5N gold powder and a second 18ct yellow gold powder are successively stacked in an SPS sintering mold. A third 950/1000 platinum powder is placed on the assembly of the first two powders. Sintering is carried out at a temperature of 860°C and a pressure of 130MPa. The pellet obtained is demolded then machined to obtain a bezel. A part finishing step is carried out, during which the surface layer of 950/1000 platinum, less hard than the underlying layers, is decorated. The final piece is not titled.
Une première poudre d'or 5N 18 ct, une seconde poudre d'or 2N 18 ct et une poudre d'or gris 18ct sont réparties de manière aléatoire dans un moule de frittage SPS de sorte à former des amas de poudres. Le frittage est effectué à une température de 790°C et une pression de 80MPaLa pastille obtenue est démoulée de sorte à obtenir une lunette dont le motif ressemble à un camouflage composé de couleurs jaune, rose et grise. L'ensemble des matériaux titrant 18ct, la pièce finale titre également 18 ct.A first 5N 18 ct gold powder, a second 2N 18 ct gold powder and an 18 ct white gold powder are distributed randomly in an SPS sintering mold so as to form clusters of powders. Sintering is carried out at a temperature of 790°C and a pressure of 80MPa. The pellet obtained is demolded to obtain a bezel whose pattern resembles a camouflage composed of yellow, pink and gray colors. All the materials grading 18ct, the final piece also grading 18ct.
- 11
- Pièce mécaniqueMechanical piece
- M1M1
- Premier matériauFirst material
- M2M2
- Second matériauSecond material
- MiMid
- Matériau(x) additionnel(s)Additional material(s)
- P1P1
- Première poudreFirst powder
- P2P2
- Seconde poudreSecond powder
- PiPi
- Poudre(s) additionnelle(s)Additional powder(s)
- S1S1
- Etape d'atomisation du premier matériauAtomization stage of the first material
- SiIf
- Etape d'atomisation de matériaux additionnelsStep of atomization of additional materials
- S2S2
- Etape d'atomisation du second matériauAtomization step of the second material
- S3S3
- Etape de disposition des poudres dans un mouleStep of arranging the powders in a mold
- S4S4
- Etape de frittageSintering stage
- S5S5
- Etape de démoulageUnmolding stage
- S6S6
- Etape de rectificationRectification stage
- S7S7
- Etape d'usinageMachining step
- S8S8
- Etape de finitionFinishing stage
Claims (12)
la sélection
caractérisé en ce que lesdits matériaux (M1, M2, Mi) désignent lesdits métaux précieux ou nobles ou alliages de métaux précieux ou nobles contenus dans le composant horloger (1), et en ce que le frittage de l'étape S4 est un frittage de type flash ou SPS, opéré à une température de frittage (Tfri) et une pression de frittage (Pf), lesdites températures (Tfri) et pression (Pfri) de frittage étant sélectionnées de sorte qu'aucun desdits matériaux n'entre en fusion.
the selection
characterized in that said materials (M1, M2, Mi) designate said precious or noble metals or alloys of precious or noble metals contained in the watch component (1), and in that the sintering of step S4 is a sintering of flash or SPS type, operated at a sintering temperature (Tfri) and a sintering pressure (Pf), said sintering temperatures (Tfri) and pressure (Pfri) being selected so that none of said materials melt.
Priority Applications (2)
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EP22179302.9A EP4293430A1 (en) | 2022-06-15 | 2022-06-15 | Method for manufacturing a part made of a plurality of precious metals and resulting part |
PCT/IB2023/056127 WO2023242751A1 (en) | 2022-06-15 | 2023-06-14 | Method for manufacturing a part based on multiple precious metals, and resulting part |
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EP22179302.9A EP4293430A1 (en) | 2022-06-15 | 2022-06-15 | Method for manufacturing a part made of a plurality of precious metals and resulting part |
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EP4293430A1 true EP4293430A1 (en) | 2023-12-20 |
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EP22179302.9A Pending EP4293430A1 (en) | 2022-06-15 | 2022-06-15 | Method for manufacturing a part made of a plurality of precious metals and resulting part |
Country Status (2)
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EP (1) | EP4293430A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2023242751A1 (en) |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2013123614A (en) * | 2011-12-16 | 2013-06-24 | Nagahori Corp | Ring-like decorative article |
EP2728422A1 (en) * | 2012-11-06 | 2014-05-07 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. | Soldered bi-metal clock-covering component |
CH715336A2 (en) * | 2018-09-14 | 2020-03-31 | Comadur Sa | Method for assembling at least two elements and covering component thus formed. |
EP3766997A1 (en) | 2019-07-18 | 2021-01-20 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd | Method for manufacturing precious metal alloys and precious metal alloys thus obtained |
EP3822712A1 (en) | 2019-11-13 | 2021-05-19 | Rolex Sa | Component for a timepiece |
FR3121375A1 (en) * | 2021-03-31 | 2022-10-07 | Sintermat | Process for manufacturing precious metal parts based on SPS sintering and precious metal part thus obtained |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN114007781A (en) * | 2019-06-19 | 2022-02-01 | 斯沃奇集团研究和开发有限公司 | Laser beam additive manufacturing method for mechanical component with technical function and/or decorative function and mechanical component with technical function and/or decorative function |
-
2022
- 2022-06-15 EP EP22179302.9A patent/EP4293430A1/en active Pending
-
2023
- 2023-06-14 WO PCT/IB2023/056127 patent/WO2023242751A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2013123614A (en) * | 2011-12-16 | 2013-06-24 | Nagahori Corp | Ring-like decorative article |
EP2728422A1 (en) * | 2012-11-06 | 2014-05-07 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. | Soldered bi-metal clock-covering component |
CH715336A2 (en) * | 2018-09-14 | 2020-03-31 | Comadur Sa | Method for assembling at least two elements and covering component thus formed. |
EP3766997A1 (en) | 2019-07-18 | 2021-01-20 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd | Method for manufacturing precious metal alloys and precious metal alloys thus obtained |
EP3822712A1 (en) | 2019-11-13 | 2021-05-19 | Rolex Sa | Component for a timepiece |
FR3121375A1 (en) * | 2021-03-31 | 2022-10-07 | Sintermat | Process for manufacturing precious metal parts based on SPS sintering and precious metal part thus obtained |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2023242751A1 (en) | 2023-12-21 |
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