PoliTrempe adds cryogenics to its heat treatments

PoliTrempe, which specializes in micro-component finishing, more specifically for high-end watchmaking, has taken a new step in its heat treatment processes by adding cryogenics. This technique enables us to work harder metals more efficiently.

 

Created in 2008 in Courrendlin (Jura), PoliTrempe has rapidly become a benchmark in the machining of watchmaking microcomponents. In addition to heat treatment, bulk polishing and blocking, PoliTrempe broadened its areas of expertise in 2014 by verticalizing rolling operations, followed by electroplating in 2019.

 

In its constant quest for innovation and process improvement, PoliTrempe has recently added cryogenics to its heat treatment skills chain. Depending on the hardness measured in the laboratory, small stainless steel or steel watch parts, or all types of micro-components, can now undergo cryogenic treatment at -85°C in a specially designed freezer for a minimum of 12 hours, to obtain a higher structural hardness. “This is an important technological added value, because cryogenics makes the material harder, which in turn makes it easier to work with very high precision“, explains Tiziana Farine, CEO of PoliTrempe.

 

By integrating this step into the heat treatment process, rather than subcontracting it, we are able to verticalize the process and save considerable time in optimizing production and satisfying our customers. A wide range of materials are used for the treatment of wear parts: watchmaking steels (20AP, LAW100, …), stainless watchmaking steels (4C27A, X35ST+, …), autenitic stainless steels (CHRONIFER® Special D 18/8. …), martensitic stainless steels (CHRONIFER® M-15, …), copper alloys (Decafor 1015, Copper Beryllium CuBe2Pb, …) or titanium (grade 5, …).

 

Read the press release (in french).