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Best wishes !

Best wishes ! Published on 15 December 2025 More than ever, in 2026, EPHJ will remain at your side to promote your expertise and give visibility to your teams  Even though 2025 has somewhat shaken up our bearings, the high-precision sectors have shown exemplary resilience. The EPHJ 2025 trade show was the best proof of this, with an increase in the number of exhibitors to 800 companies, more than 23,000 trade visitors, nearly a hundred innovations unveiled and a healthy volume of business initiated or concluded. The end of the year also seems to be bringing us some brighter prospects. With the announced easing of US tariffs, the horizon is clearing and reinforcing our conviction that together we will be able to turn challenges into opportunities. More than ever, in 2026, EPHJ will remain at your side to: Promote your expertise and give visibility to your teams, Showcase your innovations and accelerate their adoption, Support you in your diversification projects towards high-precision growth markets, particularly medtech and aerospace. The entire EPHJ team thanks you for your trust and wishes you a wonderful holiday season and all the best for a promising 2026, thanks to your skills and talent. We look forward to seeing you in the field or from 16 to 19 June 2026 at Geneva-Palexpo! The EPHJ team News 15 December 2025 More compact, PX calibres transcend the Sphérillon 15 December 2025 Innovation Digest EPHJ 2025 – The Future of High Precision, Down to the Micron! 15 December 2025 Best wishes ! 15 December 2025 Watch Medtech Challenge 2025: when watchmaking inspires the medicine of the future Show all news Facebook Twitter Youtube Share this article

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Watch Medtech Challenge 2025: when watchmaking inspires the medicine of the future

Watch Medtech Challenge 2025: when watchmaking inspires the medicine of the future Published on 15 December 2025 Every year, the Watch Medtech Challenge highlights Swiss excellence at the intersection of watchmaking technology and medical innovation. In 2025, five finalist projects are competing for recognition with bold proposals that blend mechanical precision, biomedical expertise, and forward-looking vision. his edition highlights two particularly inspiring initiatives: DAES SA, with its digital simulation of the human torso, and BEMRC SA, with its fully mechanical syringe driver. BEMRC SA – A mechanical syringe pump with watchmaker precision   1. DAES SA – Digital Modeling to Transform the Treatment of Lower Back Pain Lower back pain affects up to 75% of the adult population: a true modern scourge. Confronting this public health challenge, DAES SA, based in Petit-Lancy, is developing a digital model of the human torso to precisely simulate biomechanical interactions between medical devices and the human body. Their approach, aligned with international validation standards (ASME V&V40), optimises device design in the preclinical phase by reducing reliance on lengthy and costly physical testing. Continuously enriched, this digital torso anticipates complications, evaluates mechanical performance, and supports personalized rehabilitation strategies. It marks a new era in Medtech design—one where technology serves prediction, safety, and above all, tangible patient benefit. 2. BEMRC SA – A mechanical syringe pump with watchmaker precision Who would have thought that a spring inspired by watch barrels could find its place in a medical device? That is the bold innovation of BEMRC SA, the engineering firm based in Noës/Sierre, which has unveiled a fully mechanical syringe driver capable of ensuring continuous infusion through a winding mechanism. With no battery or backup power supply, this system relies entirely on mechanical energy, offering a simple, robust and reliable solution in constrained or critical environments. Elegant yet functional, this innovation sits at the crossroads of watchmaking and healthcare, paving the way for autonomous, precise medical devices—ideal for responding to power outages or operating in regions with limited energy resources. 3. What happens next? These two projects, along with the other finalists to be presented in the next edition, will benefit from tailored support by the Inartis Foundation—from prototype development to market access and industrialization. The Watch Medtech Challenge is not just another competition. It is a showcase of unique Swiss know-how, capable of transforming centuries-old watchmaking principles into tomorrow’s healthcare solutions. And when these ideas take shape, the entire ecosystem—patients, clinicians, engineers—stands to gain. Congratulations to DAES SA and BEMRC SA for their commitment and ingenuity. One step closer to a future where mechanical News 23 March 2026 DeviceMed, the Leading Technical Magazine for the Medtech Industry 20 March 2026 Innovative surface treatments for implants and instruments 20 March 2026 Your one-stop shop for grinding and polishing 20 March 2026 Compact, silent and energy-efficient laminar flow units Show all news Facebook Twitter Youtube Share this article

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Strategic acquisition in the world of custom packaging

Strategic acquisition in the world of custom packaging Published on 15 December 2025 With the acquisition of CDF Emballage, the Weepackup Group secures a new production site at the very heart of Switzerland’s watchmaking hub. Two family-run companies united under the reassuring banners of ethics and continuity. From now on, they operate as one. Aside from a streamlined graphic identity for CDF Emballage, no visible changes are apparent—though behind the scenes, synergies are naturally taking shape to drive greater efficiency. Unsung players in a value chain The paths of the Weepackup group and CDF Emballage in La Chaux-de-Fonds are similar. Their trades and expertise converge around the same market expectations. Essential yet often overlooked, these “industrial packagers” work in the shadows of a value chain where their indispensable role is vital: protecting technical creations of diverse, unique, and sometimes improbable shapes. Fragile, breakable, precious, or bulky—all share a common denominator: once produced, they must be transported from the manufacturing site to the client or end consumer. The more complex the finished piece, component, or assembled system, the more its packaging must be specifically designed and engineered. Logistics, including deadlines and costs, must be mastered down to the smallest detail. A bouquet of expertise, rooted in proximity A company specializing in multi-material custom packaging inevitably works with cardboard, wood, and foam. These unique, tailored solutions—sometimes even flight cases—are the result of a wide range of skills that the group has chosen to fully internalize from design, via its in-house engineering office, to production in its factories. Among the many factors to balance are eco-responsibility, weight, handling, and ergonomics. In this equation, the addition of a new production site —strategically located at the crossroads of watchmaking and its sister industries—further strengthens the group’s network of five existing facilities. Five production sites, one human-scale group « Industrial packaging is far more complex and indispensable than it might appear. The products we package are often of high added value, which makes protection a critical issue. That is why we decided to internalize every stage of the process to maintain full control over quality. From design—through technical drawings, ergonomic analysis (since packaging must integrate seamlessly into our clients’ production lines, user-friendliness is key), eco-responsibility, and more—to execution across our various production sites, we manage everything from A to Z,” explains Thomas Grégoire, Director of Development at Weepackup and CEO of CDF Emballages in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Weepackup, in brief The group was founded in 1947 as a sawmill, later evolving into a crate manufacturer before diversifying into multi-material packaging—wood, cardboard, and foam. In 2020–2021, Pack Up joined the group, strengthening expertise in foam transformation. Finally, in 2024, CDF Emballage and its 25 employees in La Chaux-de-Fonds became part of the group, enabling the Swiss market to benefit from a local production solution in a sector where proximity and responsiveness are essential. Founded in 1978 under the name Caisserie de la Fiaz, the family-run CDF Emballage gradually specialized in custom multi-material packaging, mirroring the group’s trajectory. Its craftsmanship and family values leave no doubt about the synergies created by this new alliance. https://cdf-emballage.ch             News 15 December 2025 More compact, PX calibres transcend the Sphérillon 15 December 2025 Innovation Digest EPHJ 2025 – The Future of High Precision, Down to the Micron! 15 December 2025 Best wishes ! 15 December 2025 Strategic acquisition in the world of custom packaging Show all news Facebook Twitter Youtube Share this article

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Brogioli-RC Tritec innovation: phosphorescence in watchmaking is gaining ground

Brogioli-RC Tritec innovation: phosphorescence in watchmaking is gaining ground Published on 15 December 2025 Launched at EPHJ, a miracle binder now makes it possible for phosphorescence in watchmaking to venture beyond its usual territories and find its way, for example, onto the links of bracelets…  Until now, they have been shining endlessly on the hands, hour markers and dials of timepieces… But what if the famous Swiss Super-LumiNova pigments could now be integrated into the most precious external parts of a watch? Phosphorescent watch straps and clasps  ‘It’s possible today,’ says Albert Zeller Jr, CEO of RC Tritec, the Appenzell-based SME historically responsible for the luminescence of Swiss and international watches. ‘In collaboration with Brogioli SA, we have developed a hardening ceramic binder that can be polished and integrated into any surface.’ Bérénice Cottens is spearheading the growth of this new opportunity introduced by Brogioli SA—a Monteggio-based company in Ticino renowned beyond the borders of fine watchmaking for its technical expertise and its craftsmanship in straps and clasps. She enthusiastically confirms the launch of a new development: a ceramic system for dark substrates, carried out in collaboration with Klaus Kappmann. Innovative technical expertise at the service of creativity Its advantages? Combined curing with UV light and heat, easy application, strong mechanical resistance, high gloss, long pot life, excellent adhesion to metals, outstanding durability, and impressive hardness. In short, thanks to its rapid curing, it is perfectly suited for any polishing operation. Watch designers and product managers are in luck! Their creativity is constantly sparked by technological breakthroughs and innovations that open up new territories for their craft. Brogioli SA, invested in this invention developed jointly with RC Tritec, is positioning itself as a true driving force for innovation… Joël A. Grandjean / 1876 News https://brogioli.ch -https://www.rctritec.com/fr Brogioli SA, founded in 1985 True to its credo of ‘continuous technological updating of facilities and machinery to achieve new objectives and meet emerging demands’, the company, founded in 1985, highlights the “wise and skilled hands” of its artisans and the complex expertise accumulated over time. It continues to bring to market unique, original designs—sometimes developed in close synergy with its clients—that reflect both tradition and innovation. These include the most prestigious brands in Swiss watchmaking excellence… News 15 December 2025 More compact, PX calibres transcend the Sphérillon 15 December 2025 Innovation Digest EPHJ 2025 – The Future of High Precision, Down to the Micron! 15 December 2025 Best wishes ! 15 December 2025 Strategic acquisition in the world of custom packaging Show all news Facebook Twitter Youtube Share this article

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EPHJ 2025: a very positive outcome, with excellent attendance and remarkable innovations

EPHJ 2025: a very positive outcome, with excellent attendance and remarkable innovations Publié le August 11, 2025 EPHJ, the international high-precision watchmaking show, has closed the doors on its 23rd edition, marked by excellent attendance, in line with the record figures set in 2024, increased participation and a remarkable number of innovations that are reshaping the future of high precision. The doors of the world’s only trade show dedicated to high-precision watchmaking, jewelry, microtechnology and medical technology closed at the end of the day in a very positive mood, despite a still uncertain watchmaking climate. “Visitors and exhibitors were right on target! We recorded a 5% increase in exhibitors to 800 companies, and visitor numbers were on a par with the record 23,000 visitors in 2024, which is an excellent signal in a more delicate period for watchmaking, and irrefutable proof that it’s essential to show off in the current period”, says Alexandre Catton, EPHJ Show Director.The testimonials gathered in the aisles of the Show reveal a high-quality visitor base, keen to maintain good relations with its suppliers and very interested in the innovations and technological improvements unveiled at EPHJ. This is particularly true of the big names in medtech who made the trip to Geneva this year. The growing diversification and microtechnical skills of watchmakers in this field are certainly the reason for this.“EPHJ is the only place where subcontractors are showcased, whatever the circumstances,” says Jean-Rémy Buise, Director at Promotion Group.A number of very interesting round tables also added substance to the show, including, for the first time, the Forum des Métiers d’Art and the second edition of the Innovation Forum, which highlighted the strength of the Swiss ecosystem in the world’s most innovative country. It was also an opportunity to salute the five innovations shortlisted for the Exhibitors’ Grand Prix, with Quantum Brand Protection’s invisible quantum tattoo as the winner. See you all at EPHJ 2026, June 16-19, at Geneva-Palexpo. Further information Partager cet article Facebook Twitter Youtube News 11 August 2025 Die Messe EPHJ 2025 zieht eine sehr positive Bilanz mit einer guten Besucherzahl und bemerkenswerten Innovationen 1 July 2025 Die Messe EPHJ 2025 zieht eine sehr positive Bilanz mit einer guten Besucherzahl und bemerkenswerten Innovationen 20 March 2025 CMT RICKENBACH – Photochemisches Ätzen: ein subtiles Verfahren für flache Bauteile 20 March 2025 WatchDec – die Hochpräzision im Dienst der Medizintechnik Afficher toutes les news

EPHJ 2026 - le salon international de la haute précision au service de la MedTech - Palexpo Genève
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Medtech – a rapidly expanding part of the EPHJ Show

Medtech – a rapidly expanding part of the EPHJ Show Published on the mars 25, 2025 Traditionally focused on watchmaking and jewellery, EPHJ has become an unmissable gathering for the high-precision industry. One significant change has been the remarkable increase in participants from the medtech sector. Currently, over 400 of 800 exhibitors operate in the medical field. EPHJ is an innovation hub unparalleled in Europe. We asked Show Director Alexandre Catton to give us a quick update on this trend. By Patrick Renard, editor-in-chief, DeviceMed France What role does the medical sector play at EPHJ nowadays?For this newsletter, we’ve teamed up with DeviceMed to spotlight various companies whose unique expertise has seen them revolutionise innovation in the healthcare sector. Switzerland’s medtech sector has never been so dynamic! In 2018, 25% of our exhibitors were operating in the medical sector. Fast forward to 2025 and they account for over 50% of the total, or 400 companies. This demonstrates a real shift in our event, with much greater openness to the medtech industries. How would you explain this development?The DNA of Swiss watchmaking, with its control of materials, micron-level tolerances and extreme miniaturisation, has naturally resonated with the medical sector. The needs for accuracy and reliability are the same. Over the past decade, more and more medical device manufacturers have been leveraging watchmaking expertise for their innovations and have been heading to Switzerland to seek it out. Every recent EPHJ has seen the emergence of revolutionary innovations, whether it be next-generation implants using the precision machining found in the watchmaking sector or miniaturised surgical instruments drawing on luxury watchmaking techniques. Our is proof positive of this! EPHJ has become the key meeting place for medtech manufacturers looking for high-performance technology partners. What message do you have for medical device manufacturers?Come and join us at Palexpo in Geneva from 3 to 6 June 2025! Not only will you get to discover cutting-edge technologies, but you could also think about one day becoming part of this dynamic trend by exhibiting at EPHJ yourselves. EPHJ is the perfect opportunity for medical device manufacturers to connect with leading suppliers, identify innovative solutions tailored to their needs, and showcase their expertise to a rapidly expanding ecosystem. Exhibiting at EPHJ, with its more than 23,000 trade visitors, enables you to maximise your visibility and forge lasting strategic partnerships. Register now as a visitor or exhibitor and immerse yourself in the world of medical technology innovation! Share this article Facebook Twitter Youtube News 25 avril 2025 Emissa dévoile le Precimill, un centre d'usinage compact et performant 25 mars 2025 Medtech – a rapidly expanding part of the EPHJ Show 20 mars 2025 CMT RICKENBACH – Photochemisches Ätzen: ein subtiles Verfahren für flache Bauteile 20 mars 2025 WatchDec – die Hochpräzision im Dienst der Medizintechnik Show all the articles

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WatchDec: high precision for medtech

WatchDec: high precision for medtech Published on mars 20, 2025 A key player in the high-precision watchmaking sector for more than 12 years, WatchDec, inspired by the Acrotec Medtech division, is now making its expertise available to the medical sector. With a medtech-focused division and cutting-edge infrastructure, this Swiss company is supporting the most demanding medical innovations, ensuring precision to the nearest micron. Watchmaking expertise used for medical applications Based in Courgenay, the cradle of watchmaking in the heart of Switzerland’s Jura Arc, WatchDec is producing increasingly complex parts for its customers. An expert in the art of machining micro-components, WatchDec boasts modern facilities and 50 state-of-the-art machinery units, enabling the company to continually push back the micro-technical frontiers of part miniaturisation.   Strict compliance with medical requirements This is a boon for the medical sector, which has thus made a beeline for WatchDec. “Having anticipated this demand, we’ve achieved all the standards and certification we need to operate in accordance with all the requirements in this extremely demanding sector,” says WatchDec COO Audrey Marmé. “Whether it was regulations, legal requirements or manufacturing, quality, traceability, documentation, customer audit, ISO 13485 certification or process validation standards, everything was done based on best practices!” WatchDec manufactures medical-grade materials, selected for their biocompatibility and resistance to sterilisation, such as 1.4305 steel and other materials used in the medical sector. High-precision computer numerical control (CNC) machining processes involve stringent checks on the dimensioning of the parts, special finishing (passivation) and advanced metrological inspection. Discover Watchdec Extreme precision for miniaturised components For this purpose, WatchDec draws on a raft of specialist equipment which has been scrupulously qualified and which, thanks to its team of some 30 members of staff and the technological and commercial assistance of the Acrotec Medtech division, already produces large volumes for medical purposes each year. Among the machined medical parts that WatchDec supplies are micro-needles, with levels of precision ranging from 0.05 to 10 mm in diameter, depending on the relevant needs for large or small series. Need a reliable partner for your miniaturised medical components? Learn more about  You can find WatchDec at stand G35 at EPHJ 2025! Share this article Facebook Twitter Youtube News 25 avril 2025 Emissa dévoile le Precimill, un centre d'usinage compact et performant 25 mars 2025 Medtech – a rapidly expanding part of the EPHJ Show 20 mars 2025 CMT RICKENBACH – Photochemisches Ätzen: ein subtiles Verfahren für flache Bauteile 20 mars 2025 WatchDec – die Hochpräzision im Dienst der Medizintechnik Show all the articles

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easyDec pushes the boundaries of medical miniaturisation

easyDec pushes the boundaries of medical miniaturisation Published on the mars 20, 2025 easyDec, a company based in the heart of ‘Swiss Watch Valley’, has been taking on the toughest micro-technical challenges in watchmaking for the most prestigious brands for over 20 years now. This stand-out industrial know-how attracted the attention of leading players in the medical sector who were on the lookout for ultra-high-precision parts, offering yet another illustration of successful diversification in the ultra-high-precision market, backed up by the invaluable support of the Acrotec Medtech division. “easyDec relishes taking on the most difficult and complex technological challenges,” says easyDec COO Emilie Rebetez. “That’s just what we do! So when the medical sector asked us for the seemingly impossible, with tolerances running to thousandths of a millimetre, we came up with the goods!” L’héritage horloger au service du médical Le savoir-faire historique d’easyDec dans le décolletage horloger est alors passé dans une autre dimension. Moins esthétique mais plus exigeant, le décolletage de composants médicaux doit répondre aux contraintes technologiques d’une chirurgie qui se veut moins invasive, d’où la nécessité de composants plus petits mais tout aussi efficaces, si ce n’est plus ! Et c’est là qu’intervient le savoir-faire d’easyDec, en étroite association avec la division Medtech du Groupe Acrotec. « Après avoir adapté notre environnement technologique aux exigences et aux normes médicales, nous avons répondu aux attentes des clients medtech à une échelle industrielle », explique Emilie Rebetez. Micron-level precision absolutely essential easyDec machines parts with diameters ranging from 1 to 51 mm. Manufactured in large or small series, these are used in cardiovascular, audiological or ophthalmological applications. In medtech, there is no margin for error! Parts cannot be returned, work cannot be done on burrs, and there is no tolerance when it comes to the qualification of machines and additional equipment. There must be perfect traceability. The parts have a tolerance running to the nearest 2 microns, as far as it is possible to determine using current measurements… The whole process is set in stone with no room for manoeuvre. Welcome to the world of medical machining, where excellence is key! Welcome to easyDec! “We knew what we were getting into when we diversified into this area,” says Rebetez. “But by raising our standards, upgrading our equipment and upskilling our staff, and thanks to the assistance provided by Acrotec R&D, we’ve achieved outstanding levels of machining for all materials that meet medical standards, whether titanium, medical polymers, aluminium or 316L stainless steel.” To cope with this diversification into the medical sector, easyDec is now extending its premises in Delémont (Switzerland) by 2,500 m² and expanding its currently 65-strong workforce. This will give it hands-on control of all procedures through to final operations, enabling full verticalisation of its activities. By combining its watchmaking heritage with an ability to meet the demands of the medical sector, easyDec has established itself as a key player in the high-precision medtech segment. With its ongoing expansion and huge investments in technology and talent, the company is ready to meet the challenges of the future. Have a project requiring extreme precision? Then you know who to turn to! You can find easyDec at stand G35 at EPHJ 2025! Discover easyDec Share this article Facebook Twitter Youtube News 25 avril 2025 Emissa dévoile le Precimill, un centre d'usinage compact et performant 25 mars 2025 Medtech – a rapidly expanding part of the EPHJ Show 20 mars 2025 CMT RICKENBACH – Photochemisches Ätzen: ein subtiles Verfahren für flache Bauteile 20 mars 2025 WatchDec – die Hochpräzision im Dienst der Medizintechnik Show all the articles

Lame de scie médicale réalisée par usinage photochimique.
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CMT RICKENBACH – Photochemical machining: a highly delicate process for flat workpieces

CMT RICKENBACH – Photochemical machining: a highly delicate process for flat workpieces Published on mars 20, 2025 Photochemical machining is a technology of choice for machining and engraving metal workpieces, but one that is only used if these pieces are flat. We interviewed Thomas Rickenbach from CMT Rickenbach to find out about what this process involves and its benefits. Photochemical machining (PCM) is a combination of photolithography and etching. This process allows metal strips to be turned into flat pieces with a complex geometry at a high resolution. It is mainly used in the electronics, aerospace and medical sectors and by luxury goods manufacturers, given that a wide range of materials can be machined: different steel types (especially 316L stainless steel), different copper types, tungsten, titanium and molybdenum, among others. The stages of the process An ophthalmic scalpel (photo credit: CMT Rickenbach) The first stage, and also clearly among the most important, is the preparation of the material. The plates pass successively through a number of surface preparation baths (degreasing and deoxidation of the base substrate) in order to optimise adhesion and correctly prepare the material for the etching stage. The next stage is application of the photosensitive coating. There are two main techniques for doing this: deep coating, for applying liquid resin in applications which generally require greater precision; and hot lamination with solid resin. Once the material is coated, the plate is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light with a photographic tool including the negative of the piece for machining. UV rays have the effect of polymerising the photosensitive resin. We thus end up with a hard piece, designed to resist the etching agent that will subsequently be used to machine the pieces, and an unpolymerised part of the resin which will have to be removed. ENVIRONMENT Concern for the environmentAsked how CMT reconciles its photochemical machining activity with environmental protection, Thomas Rickenbach replies: “The use of chemicals inevitably entails protective measures.” CMT Rickenbach has two main measures to protect the environment from its chemicals: recycling of its active agent: used in a closed circuit, it is reactivated using electrolysis treatment; the treatment of all the water used for its chemistry, carried out in a treatment plant. At the same time, the company has taken other steps, such as recycling the packaging and chemicals it uses. It also plans to fit out its installation with solar panels in the future. Thomas Rickenbach, son of the head of CMT Rickenbach, is a methods engineer at the family firm, standing it in good stead to hand over the reins to the next generation (photo credit: CMT Rickenbach). Now there are also direct imaging machines which ‘draw’ the parts to be polymerised directly on the resin, using a collimated beam of light, which makes it possible to dispense with the actual photographic tool. Then the plates are immersed in a development solution, which removes the uncured parts of the photosensitive coating, thus revealing the areas of metal to be engraved. These three operations (lamination, exposure and development) are carried out in a clean room in order to protect production from particles and dust which could leave artefacts on the plates when exposed to UV light. There is also the need to protect the plates from natural UV light (from the sun). We now come to the machining/engraving stage. The plates are immersed or sprayed with acid (using a bath or conveyor). This is followed by an oxidation-reduction reaction, during which the etching agent will dissolve the metal. Given that the resin is resistant to the etching agent, machining is carried out selectively. As metal dissolution is isotropic, there is a need to machine the plate on both sides in order to machine the pieces. Hence the thinner the plate, the greater the precision (±5 µm for a 10-µm thick plate, for example). Conversely, the thicker the plate, the greater the tolerance range must be (for instance, for a thickness of 2 mm, the tolerance is ±100 µm). Finally, all that remains is to remove the protective resin to reveal the piece and, finally, to clean and rinse the piece to eliminate all chemical residues. Why choose photochemical machining?Apart from its precision, photochemical machining has the major advantage of enabling clean and burr-free machining: as the metal is dissolved by oxidation-reduction, the material is neither deformed nor thermally altered. A medical saw blade produced using photochemical machining Photo credit: CMT Rickenbach Bildnachweis: CMT Rickenbach This holds for both softer and very hard metals, which can be machined in the same way. This is a significant advantage compared with a stamping process, which will heat up the material and cause deformations there. In addition, because the photographic tool is easy to produce and inexpensive, this technology is ideal for prototyping or small to medium-scale production. It also allows for great design flexibility and rapid responsiveness. For small pieces, it is easy to place a lot of them on the same thin plate. This makes it possible to produce a very large number of pieces with high precision and at a speed, and therefore a price, that could not be achieved using laser cutting technology. Photochemical machining, laser and electroplating technologies mean that CMT Rickenbach boasts a high level of flexibility in producing its customers’ pieces, but also a high degree of control over the subcontracting chain. Of course, PCM also has its limitations. It is a 2D engraving process, which means that it is mainly used for flat pieces. Although slight reliefs are possible, this process is not suited to pieces requiring complex three-dimensional shapes. “The rule is always to marry the right technology with the right pieces,” concludes Rickenbach. You can find CMT Rickenbach at stand Q89 at EPHJ 2025! Discover Precitrame Share this article Facebook Twitter Youtube News 25 avril 2025 Emissa dévoile le Precimill, un centre d'usinage compact et performant 25 mars 2025 Medtech – a rapidly expanding part of the EPHJ Show 20 mars 2025 CMT RICKENBACH – Photochemisches Ätzen: ein subtiles Verfahren für flache Bauteile 20 mars 2025 WatchDec – die Hochpräzision im Dienst

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FEMTOPRINT – Microscopic glass parts harnessed for the purposes of medical innovation

FEMTOPRINT – Microscopic glass parts harnessed for the purposes of medical innovation Published on the mars 20, 2025 FEMTOprint uses fast and precise laser technology to produce complex tiny glass structures. The Swiss company can thus offer customised solutions enabling the development of next-generation medical devices which are smaller, smarter and more efficient. An ophthalmic instrument called SPOT-RVC that was manufactured using the FEMTOprint platform. (Photo Credit: Femtoprint) Miniaturisation is a consistent trend in medical device manufacturing, driven by the need for less invasive procedures, portable diagnostics and implantable technologies. FEMTOprint’s micron-level precision in the field of glass manufacturing addresses this need by enabling the production of miniaturised, three-dimensional components that would be impossible or very difficult to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods. Whether developing microfluidic systems or implantable sensors or integrating optical components, the company assures its customers that its technology will optimise performance and reliability. Customised solutions for miniaturised medical devicesFEMTOprint found that miniaturisation projects require tailored solutions and advanced expertise to meet specific design and functionality requirements. For more than 11 years, the company has been working closely with medical device manufacturers, providing comprehensive support from design and prototyping through to large-scale production. This collaborative approach ensures that miniaturised devices not only meet expectations, but exceed them. Whether developing a lab-on-a-chip platform for rapid diagnosis, a miniaturised implant requiring the encapsulation of microelectronics for targeted therapy, or an advanced imaging system, FEMTOprint technology is proving a real driver of innovation. Applications marked by innovationFEMTOprint technology is driving advances in a wide range of miniaturised medical applications: Microfluidic devices: FEMTOprint’s glass chips enable precise fluid control at microscopic scale, making them suitable for applications such as point-of-care diagnostics. These devices are transforming disease detection, drug discovery and personalised medicine. Implantable devices: FEMTOprint’s biocompatible glass sensors are revolutionising patient monitoring by providing real-time data on critical parameters such as intra-ocular, arterial or intra-cranial pressure. Designed for long-term implantation, these sensors ensure reliable performance in demanding environments. They can be made from composite materials, mixing for example silicon and fused silica. Optical components: With extreme precision, FEMTOprint can integrate lenses, waveguides and complex micro-mechanical architectures to hold optical fibres, thus enhancing medical imaging and diagnostics. From endoscopic systems to Raman spectroscopy, these components offer unparalleled clarity and precision, promoting optimised diagnosis and treatment. Drug delivery systems: The micro-arrays of needles, implants and glass microfluidic systems developed by FEMTOprint enable targeted and controlled drug delivery. These solutions are particularly useful for applications such as cancer therapy, chronic disease management and vaccine delivery. Accelerating innovation through rapid prototypingIn the dynamic world of medical device manufacturing, speed is vital. FEMTOprint’s rapid prototyping capabilities enable the fast iteration and refinement of device designs, reducing development cycles and accelerating time to market. Additionally, FEMTOprint’s platform offers design flexibility at all stages of product development, including late modifications, while promising an extremely limited financial impact. A collaborative partnership for cutting-edge solutionsAs well as being a subcontracting manufacturer, FEMTOprint is a strategic partner for medical device manufacturers wishing to push the limits of miniaturisation. By combining its technical expertise with a deep understanding of the challenges facing the sector, the company helps its partners navigate the complexity of device development, in particular in areas such as selective metal deposition, and bring innovative solutions to market by enhancing components and systems with additional functionalities, such as droplet generation. Shaping the future of miniaturised medical devicesAs the demand for miniaturised medical devices continues to grow, FEMTOprint is positioning itself at the forefront of emerging trends such as AI-powered diagnostics, multifunctional implants and smart medical devices. The company is anticipating these developments, rather than simply meeting manufacturers’ current needs: its ambition is to actively contribute to shaping the future of healthcare. You can find FEMTOprint at stand M74 at EPHJ 2025! Discover Femtoprint Share this article Facebook Twitter Youtube News 25 avril 2025 Emissa dévoile le Precimill, un centre d'usinage compact et performant 20 mars 2025 WatchDec, la haute précision au service du MedTech 20 mars 2025 PRECITRAME – Une micromachine flexible pour les petites séries de pièces miniatures 20 mars 2025 Un pôle MedTech en pleine expansion au cœur du salon EPHJ Show all the articles