Accuracy is one of the key parameters determining the quality and reliability of a watch mechanism. It affects the device's functionality, durability, and brand reputation. Here are a few aspects that highlight the importance of accuracy:
- Functionality and reliability — The accuracy of the movement ensures that the watch will show the correct time. Even minor deviations accumulate over time and lead to noticeable errors in the time display.
- The durability of the mechanism — precise production of watch components contributes to their smooth operation, which reduces wear and extends the life of the mechanism.
- Compliance with standards — the accuracy of watches must comply with established standards and norms, which is especially important for certification and recognition at the international level.
- Aesthetic perception — The smooth running of the second hand and the accurate display of time give the watch elegance and attractiveness.
High accuracy combined with high-quality materials makes a mechanical watch not only a stylish accessory, but also a reliable tool for measuring time.
The role of materials in ensuring the accuracy of the watch
The materials used play an important role in ensuring the stability of the watch mechanism. The right choice of alloys helps to improve the functional characteristics of watches and their durability.
The main requirements for materials:
- Dimensional stability — materials must maintain the geometry of the parts when temperature and humidity change. This prevents deformation of components and ensures precise interaction between the parts of the mechanism.
- Corrosion and oxidation resistance — exposure to the external environment, including moisture and air, should not lead to destruction or change in the properties of materials. The use of materials that are resistant to corrosion and oxidation helps to maintain the accuracy and reliability of watch movements for a long time.
- Mechanical strength and wear resistance — some elements of clockwork mechanisms, in particular springs, are subject to constant mechanical stress. Materials with high strength and wear resistance ensure a long service life and accuracy.
- Magnetic resistance — magnetic fields can affect the functioning of clockwork, especially balance and spirals. The use of materials that are resistant to magnetic effects helps to maintain accuracy.
The accuracy of watch mechanisms and the correct selection of materials are interrelated aspects that determine quality, the reliability and durability of the watch.
Spring mechanism device in watches
A spring clock mechanism is a complex system consisting of many parts, each of which plays a role in accurately measuring time.
The watch mechanism consists of several main components:
- Energy source — clockspring is an important element that accumulates energy when the watch is started, and then gradually releases it, ensuring the operation of the mechanism. The spring is in a drum that rotates and transfers energy to the wheel system.
- Wheel system — includes:
- central wheel — provides clockwise and minute-wise movement;
- second wheel — controls the movement of the second hand;
- gears and gears — transmit motion from the spring to various parts of the mechanism.
- Balance and hair (spiral) is an oscillatory system that regulates the course of the clock. The balance is a heavy wheel that swings back and forth with a certain frequency. The hair (spiral) is attached to the balance and provides a constant oscillation frequency, which makes it possible to accurately measure time.
- Anchor mechanism is a device that controls the movement of the wheel system, allowing it to move in small steps. The anchor interacts with balance and hair, ensuring accurate and uniform movement of the arrows.
- Pallets are components of the anchor mechanism that interact with the anchor wheel and ensure balance movement.
- Shockproof system. It protects the mechanism from external influences such as shocks and vibrations.
- Lubrication system — special lubricants are used to ensure smooth and accurate movement of all moving parts of the mechanism.
When the spring spins, it drives the wheel system, which in turn transfers movement to the balance. The balance fluctuates at a certain frequency controlled by a hair, which allows the anchor mechanism to accurately count the time and move the hands along the dial.
The properties of precision alloys that are important for watch mechanisms
Precision alloys have special properties that make them indispensable in the manufacture of watch movements. They ensure high accuracy and reliability of the mechanisms, as well as resistance to external influences.
The main properties of materials for watch mechanisms:
- High resilience — allows alloys to maintain their shape and recover from deformation. This feature is important for watch mechanisms, as they are subjected to constant loads and must maintain their accuracy.
- Stability of elastic properties — the elastic properties of precision alloys must remain stable over a wide range of temperatures and operating conditions. This ensures reliable operation of watch mechanisms under various operating conditions.
- High strength and hardness — allows precision alloys to withstand heavy loads and minimize wear on parts. This is important for watch mechanisms that must operate for a long time without loss of accuracy.
The use of precision alloys can significantly improve the quality of watch mechanisms, making them more accurate and durable.
40KHNM precision alloy
One of the most popular alloys in the production of watch mechanisms is 40KHNM. It has a number of unique features:
- high strength and elasticity;
- stability of properties at temperatures from -50°C to +400°C;
- corrosion resistance in conditions of high humidity;
- increased wear resistance;
- excellent antimagnetic properties.
Due to these characteristics, the 40KHNM alloy is used for the manufacture of spring springs and other elastic watch elements, where accuracy and reliability are important. To increase strength, the material is subjected to preliminary heat treatment (thermofixation) at 300—600°C.
Precision alloys produced by PZPS
The PZPS offers a wide range assortment cold-rolled belts made of precision alloys. Among them are alloys:
- with specified elastic properties 17HNGT, 36NHTYU, 40KHNM;
- magnetically soft 27KH, 49K2FA-VI, 50N, 50NP, 79NM, 80NM, 81NMA;
- with high electrical resistance X15N60N, X20N80N, X15YU5, X23U5, X23YU5T;
- with a given temperature coefficient of linear expansion 29NK, 33NK, 36N, 42N.
PZPS products comply with international quality standards, which ensures the durability and reliability of watch mechanisms and other precision instruments. For cooperation questions, please contact sales department. Our specialists will answer your questions in detail and select a material that strictly meets the requirements of your production.
