A micro-machinist works on conventional or computer numerical control (CNC) machines to make and assemble extremely small parts for mechanical watches. This may require them to adapt technical drawings to a machine's capability and manufacture micro-tools.
Micro-machining is on a micrometer scale, i.e. from the micrometre or micron (10-6 metre) to the millimetre (anything smaller is nanomachining and anything larger is machining). The first instrument to measure the micrometer (one thousandth of a millimetre) was the Millionometre, invented by Antoine LeCoultre in 1844. This shows the standards already in place in watch manufacturing in the nineteenth century and the level of precision these makers aimed to achieve.
Today's microtechnology serves those industries in which miniaturisation plays a crucial role. These sectors look to reduce costs and supply products which are more efficient, more precise, more intelligent and smaller. Microtechnology therefore has applications in multiple and diverse sectors that require ultra-precision, for example instruments, medical devices, household electronics, IT, electronic payment systems and robotics. Watchmaking is, of course, another, having made extraordinary progress in the miniaturisation of movement components, and this for the best part of a century.
A micro-machinist makes and assembles very small components, which can be part of the watch movement or its external parts. The first step is to set up the workstation and correctly read and interpret technical documents, in particular 2D and 3D mechanical drawings together with specifications, data sheets and programming instructions. Based on this, they draft production documents and schedule operations for execution by a conventional or CNC machine. The next stage is to prepare the machine, translating instructions into commands for a CNC machine, and select tools – a micro-machinist is expected to have a thorough understanding of the materials they are working on and the tools they are working with. For certain components, they may be required to make certain, simple tools themselves.
The following stage – fabrication of the components – requires specialist knowledge of machining techniques, proficiency in operating machines and tooling, and knowledge of the machine environment. A micro-machinist monitors the machine during operation and troubleshoots potential issues to maintain product quality. Machined components are washed, packaged and, if required by specifications, given heat or surface treatments such as electroplating. The final stage is to inspect the finished components for functionality and aesthetic quality. For certain projects, a micro-machinist might also assemble components for production tools.
In Switzerland, a micro-machinist completes a four-year apprenticeship, with three or four days per week of workplace training plus one or two days of study in a training centre or college, as well as inter-company study days (20 days during the second and third years). Training can also be through full-time study at a college, again for four years. Candidates must have completed their compulsory education. Some schools also require candidates to take an entrance exam. From the third year, students specialise in production on a CNC machine, turning, stamping/moulding or prototyping. At the end of the four years, students take their Certificat Fédéral de Capacité (CFC).
There are vacancies for micro-machinists in the production departments of watch brands, as well as in sectors such as robotics, electronics, IT, aerospace, telecom, optical and medical devices. An experienced micro-machinist can take on a management role such as team leader, production floor manager or operations and marketing integration.
As a specialist in precision manufacturing, the micro-machinist plays a key role in the watch industry and is often involved in production meetings upstream of the actual fabrication process. Micro-machining has long suffered from a negative image of tiring physical work in a noisy, greasy environment. This could not be further from the truth. Micro-machinists work in machine shops that increasingly resemble cleanrooms, surrounded by high-value, advanced machinery. The advent of numerical control has transformed the profession, which offers very real employment opportunities at watch brands and their suppliers.
What makes a good micro-machinist?
Anyone wishing to train as a micro-machinist should have manual dexterity and the technical knowledge required for high-precision work, where components are manufactured to micrometric tolerances. They must have an interest in machining processes and programming. Additional requirements are patience, perseverance, the capacity to read and understand technical drawings, and good spatial visualisation.
What does a micro-machinist do?
A micro-machinist operates machines to manufacture components, generally in small production runs. They are responsible for the quality of the parts made and for the maintenance of the machines they use.
What are the different types of machine?
Micro-machinists can operate conventional machinery, where tools are controlled using levers, buttons and wheels, or a computer numerical control (CNC) machine which the micro-machinist programmes to cut, shape and machine all types of component to specifications. CNC machining is a rapid and highly automated process. Instructions are usually generated by CAD/CAM (computer-aided design / computer-aided manufacturing). These instructions, or CNC programmes, control how the CNC machine moves and interacts with the raw material to fabricate components to the exact required dimensions.