SENSORS & MEASURING DEVICES AERONAUTICS & SPACE MACHINES, INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT & AUTOMATION AUTOMOBILE ELECTRONICS, MICRO-ELECTRONICS MEDICAL ENERGY WATCHMAKING TELECOMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS R & D + SERVICES SUB-CONTRACTING SECURITY

The Magazine of the micro-nanotech Cluster of Western Switzerland II - 2016

Robotics and IT Innovative photopolymerization Rubidium atomic clock d n a l r e z s l t i a i r w e t S a s

c i m n n g o o r n r t i s n c k r e e l a a o e t s - N m o s n r h e c i c e S t M a W Time Precision W The future of microtech

s Innovation M

E Reliability M

The Amadeo Integrated magnetization Embeddable microsystems Endodontics Training Ultra-low-power chips Fleurier BraveHeart

Content II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine 3 Mag

Editorial 05 CDEP-SO and Micronarc

07 SENSORS & MEASURING DEVICES

17 R&D + SERVICES

18 SPOTLIGHT ON... CSEM

20 SPOTLIGHT ON... EPFL IMT-NE ESPLAB

35 MACHINES, INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT & AUTOMATION

45 ELECTRONICS, MICRO-ELECTRONICS

51 MEDICAL

61 WATCHMAKING

73 MATERIALS

81 SUB-CONTRACTING

82 SPOTLIGHT ON... CARAN D’ACHE 100TH ANNIVERSARY Micronarc 87 A mission at the heart of micro and nanotechnologies Micronarc 90 Events 2016

IMPRESSUM Printing: Imprimerie Messeiller SA, Neuchâtel

Editor: Pictures and credits: Micronarc Pictures transmitted by the companies themselves: companies’ copyright. Secretary General: Danick Bionda. Pascal Gertschen, NASA, Médiacom, CSEM, FGTC, swiss-image.ch, Michel Secretary Executive: Swiss Foundation for Research in Microtechnology Jeannot, wthejournal.com, Mathilde Binetruy, Christophe Roulet. (FSRM), Ruelle DuPeyrou 4, CH-2001 Neuchâtel – Switzerland; Cover: sugar cube delta robot (size: 31 x 31 x 31 mm3) with miniature piezo Tel. +41 32 720 09 00; www.micronarc.ch linear micro-motors (CSEM). Coordination: Céline Auberson - CAorganiz, Chaumont/Neuchâtel © Micronarc 2016 Design and editing: Adequa Communication SA - Laurent Donner, No part of this magazine or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, Jean-Luc Renck, La Chaux-de-Fonds. modified or adapted, without prior written consent. THE CHARMING BIRD Mechanical singing bird automaton movement. jaquet-droz.com

>> SUPPORT FOR SMES & START-UPS IN WESTERN SWITZERLAND Editorial 5 Mag

7 CANTONS SWISS CONFEDERATION

ear reader, Welcome to the second edition Are you ready to see: And of course several masterpieces D of your Micro&Nano Mag! It is - A micro sensor, detecting forces of celebrating their own artistic vision of FINANCING proudly published by Micronarc, the 0.01 N, with an accuracy of up to +/- time with brands like Vacheron micro-nanotech cluster of Western 0.1% combined error (linearity + Constantin, Jaquet Droz, Rolex, Bovet Switzerland, and its eminent partners. hysteresis)? and Richard Mille... - The first 3D Cell Explorer, fitting on your desktop, to observe living cells, And a special tribute from Micronarc to without any preparation or invasive Caran d’Ache for their 100th Anniver- process? sary: one century of exceptional writing - Cutting-edge technologies for low instruments, crafting beauty and emo- Danick Bionda, Secretary General power components and optimized tion, to constantly inspire generations of Micronarc protocols? of passionate fans, fathers, mothers and - New generations of original biome- children, drawing together unforget- Our goal is to present you with some trics smartwatches? table pages of their lives. CDEP-SO of the most innovative products and - Specialized universities, institutes and Conference of Ministers of Economy Western Switzerland technologies from our region and to in- facilitators supporting the Swiss in- So, are you ready to explore Western troduce you to the mystery of its pros- dustry, including the 4.0? Switzerland and would you like to join perity and longevity. Indeed, how can - 3D printers of «Digital Materials» for- us on our booths to exhibit your activi- such a small country and region re- mulated during the building process, ties locally and abroad? Please, check main, over centuries, the reference for with multiple colors. our program of events at the end of this accuracy, reliability and of course leg- - SwissMade machines and processes Micro&Nano Mag! endary - SwissMade - quality? Not only to help the world to master precision of its products and services, but also and reliability but also, for our own We wish you a happy reading! quality of life… How is it possible that, watchmaking industry? in a radius of 10 miles, you can still - The best clocks for satellites? Our SECTOR-SPECIFIC COACHING drive by all the most prestigious leading Atomic clocks! PROMOTION PLATFORMS ORGANISMS names of the watchmaking industry? - How Swiss quality is a key asset for And did you know that they produce, medtech innovations? CANTONAL in quantity, only 2% of the - Nanoplastics with megaproperties? CONTACT POINTS worldwide? But... they succeed in own- Etc. ing, every year, 54% of the total turnover of this industry!

Nevertheless, as you’ll discover in this magazine, this is not a renewed overnight miracle! It comes with hard work and strong synergies, between several entities, sharing best practices on a daily basis: top universities, out- standing research institutes, highly qualified facilitators and of course, companies daring to innovate, target-

ing the world as their first market – because we are only 8.2 million people «Ready, Steady, Go!» in Switzerland (source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office in Neuchâtel, for 2015), with a rich percentage of 25% of foreigners (you can move the adjec- www.cdep-so.ch tive «rich» wherever you want)!

>> SENSORS & MEASURING DEVICES II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 7

Life is much about sensing. Living creatures need to perceive Sensor covering a range of 0.01 N to 3500 kN what is pertinent, useful and vital to them. Human societies too. Today, technology is producing small sensors and smart sensing systems in quantities measured by billions. These devices can assess in finite detail the quality of our environment, our health, while ensuring the quality of our products as well as the accu- racy of other devices… Western Switzerland is a preeminent place in this new stage of global evolution.

Photo: Castle of Chillon,Veytaux. New holographic tomographic microscope

Electronics - sensor networks © swiss-image.ch/Christof Sonderegger Sonderegger swiss-image.ch/Christof ©

>> SENSORS & MEASURING DEVICES II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 9

Based in Rossens/Fribourg (Switzerland) Magtrol is recognized worldwide as a designer and supplier of Force/Torque/Position sensors as well as Motor Test- ing Systems and Test Benches. 2.

A 0.01 N 3.

mini-sensor for force agtrol provides sensors for force measurement ranging 1. MBB-02, semiconductor strain gauge M from 0.01 N (corresponding transducer for measuring very small to a mass of 1 gr) to 3500 kN. These are forces (0.01N to 5N). fitting applications from medical and 2. Its compact dimensions allow the use of measurement watchmaking to containers crane or MBB-02 sensor in many small and preci- tunnel drilling. sion applications. Born as the spin-off of instrumentation division of Vibro-Meter in May 2000, 3. Thanks to its high expertise and know- how, Magtrol SA guarantee high reliable Magtrol SA employs now 70 qualified and accurate products. collaborators. It is part of the Magtrol group of companies with headquarters in Buffalo, USA, and subsidiaries in Germany, France, China and India for a total of 140 employees.

«More than ever, The MBB-02 is entirely made of alu- to +25 °C and offers an accuracy of up we need to be minium to combine lightness and stabil- to +/- 0.1% combined error (linearity + innovative with ity of measurement. It covers a range of hysteresis). It can be easily connected to high-end and 0.01 N to 5N and uses semi-conductors PC or display unit through an external unique product strain gauges. Having a larger gauge Wheatstone bridge amplifier. A version offering!» factor than foil types, semiconductor for Air Humidity compensation in range strain gauges allow measurements of of 30% to 60% HR is also available. Ap- Jocelyn Cattin, very small strain. It is however more plied force radially acts on sensor’s pin CEO/General Manager sensitive to temperature changes and which can be independently positioned are more fragile than foil gauges, which in 2 different locations, thus offering With the MBB-02 force transducer, then requires specific knowledge and more operating flexibility. Special ver- Magtrol supplies a sensor dedicated to expertise for the application. The sensor sions with various cable length and con- micro-measurement, used for example, integrates a built-in overload protection nector outputs are also available. by many high-end -manufactures offering up to 25 times security. Dedi- for measuring the friction in the move- cated to laboratory application, it is suit- www.magtrol.com 1. ment of mechanical watches. able for the temperature range of +15°C

>> SENSORS & MEASURING DEVICES 2. Mag 11

Have you ever dreamed to be able to explore living cells, in 3D, without neither

any preparation nor owning any expensive lab or equipment, but with a clever «The 3D Cell desktop tool? Explorer has the hat are the principles be- For visualization purposes, it is possible, great potential to Based in Ecublens/Lausanne, in the EPFL Innovation Park, Nanolive has patented hind Nanolive? thanks to a dedicated software, to seg- revolutionize all W The combination of hologra- ment the 3D refractive index matrix to the rules in the a disruptive solution which, for the first time, allows any user to explore instantly phy and rotational scanning allows the identify a particular organelle, and assign fields of educa- the inside of a living cell in 3D, without the need for any labeling or other invasive reconstruction of the internal three-di- to it a numerical but not chemical marker. tion, biology, mensional structure of the cell in a non- pharmaceutics methods. The multi-awarded microscope, the 3D Cell Explorer, is a tool for invasive fashion. Furthermore, this This unique software called STEVE al- and cosmetics in technique allows quantitative measure- lows the user to mark and label certain universities, discovery that comes at an affordable price: 19’900 Euros. ments with a resolution much below the parts of the cells in 3D based on their re- hospitals and diffractive limit of light proposed by the fractive index. STEVE automatically de- industries.» Rayleigh criterion. tects all regions with same refractive Yann Cotte, PhD in Physics index characteristics (different organelles CEO and Co-Founder The sample is positioned between a have different optical properties) and high-numerical-aperture air objective be- digitally stain them with the same color. exploring all its potential. It allows the neath the sample and a rotational illumi- This process is quantitative and can be measurement of cellular processes and nation arm above. Green light (520 nm) applied for a limitless amount of colors. kinetics in real-time enabling multi pa- from a laser diode is split into sample and Changes to digital stains are shown in rameter analysis at single-cell and sub- The 3D Cell Explorer reference beams. The sample is illumi- real time in both 2D slices and 3D view. cellular scale. nated with a laser beam inclined at 45° which rotates around the sample 360°. Revisiting old worlds! Applications for the Nanolive technol- A series of holograms is recorded on a The 3D Cell Explorer is a tool for discov- ogy include: cell cycle monitoring, cell digital camera by combining the beam ery and we are just at the beginning of division and cell death analysis, cell-cell that has passed through the sample with interactions, nanoparticles internaliza- the reference beam. The holograms are tion, trafficking, cell motility monitoring, 1. The new holographic tomographic micro- histopathology and many others. raw data which are incomprehensible for scope for quantitative and non-invasive the user. Nanolive's processing tech- 3D live cell imaging and its software STEVE. nique, based on complex deconvolution, The product was officially launched in treats these data and displays a compre- 2. Mitosis of a mouse fibroblastic reticular the market during ASCB2015 in San hensible 96 z-stacks cell image in grey cell, time-lapse. Diego in December 2015 after the com- pany started delivering the first micro- scale every two seconds. Furthermore, it 3. Pap test: a method of cervical screening corrects for many imaging errors that used to detect potentially pre-cancerous scopes last summer. otherwise would require extremely ex- and cancerous processes in the cervix. pensive optical components and ultra- www.nanolive.ch precise alignment. 3. Unprecedented observing poten- 1. tial without sample invasion or preparation. Use the dedicated software STEVE to digitally color your cells' images. The Nanolive’s 3D Cell Explorer offers earlier unmet insights into the living cell: no need for any special procedures, which require intensive and long preparation. The observation is completely non-inva- sive to the cell, and allows resolving the 1. cell’s parts in 3D down to 200 nm.

>> ELECTRONICS - SENSOR NETWORKS 13 4. Mag

Users nowadays buy reliable solutions, not pure technology. The increasingly high integration found today in mobile phone raises considerably the expectation.

Ingecom's strength is its ability to innovate and industrialize complex radio sensor 1. RF-Max basestation installed on the main networks to meet users requirements. building at airport. 2. RF-Max basestation. Includes an array of antennas, motherboard, network and power interface (POE).

ating cost (OPEX). Once the cost factor 3. Detail of the RF-Max vibration sensor ounded in 2005, Ingecom is a pri- (proportion with the pen adjacent) used vate company located close to is settled, the next key word is the secu- to monitor the movements of a glacier. F Neuchâtel, on the lakeshore. The rity of the network. company grew-up quickly and became 4. Ingecom's production automatic assembly The challenge of line. famous with its Active-RFID system. The optimization of the infrastructure The CTI Startup label was awarded in cost technically converts to the largest 2007, the same year their first Active- area of coverage for one unit of land in- Tag design and complete system was stallation. Any installation of a piece of sold to Siemens. The everlasting Active- land equipment is expensive, whatever not obtained by pumping energy out of lowering power RFID exposure on Ingecom's website it is and even unit cost. Call it a gateway, the antennas, otherwise the batteries of hides a significant portion of the activity a hub, a radio-modem, a wireless node the sensors would drain out in no time in specific contracts to specialized com- or any other fancy name, it's still a piece and the regulation compliance would panies. of hardware to be installed somewhere. not be met. So the choice is rather to Moreover, somewhere is certainly not work on increasing the sensitivity of the Ingecom genuinely develops all the anywhere in the radiofrequency world. receivers. By requirement, the sensor & cost in sensor products they sell, integrates and pro- network only needs to feed a few bytes duces them within its own premises. per day of data. Think about it for a sec- The highly skilled engineering team's «Ingecom, ond, what's the purpose of zooming a core knowledge goes all the way from committed to few bytes at, say, 1 MBps, when a data antenna design to embedded real-time build strong and rate of 2 Kbps increases de-facto the sig- networks firmware. The ability to develop specific efficient wireless nal-to-noise margin by 28 dB. RF-Max radiocommunication protocols is always sensor networks.» takes advantage of the main purpose of achieved with the key user's require- the network to operate only sensors and Olivier Desjeux ments in mind: long lasting battery life- Director actuators to build a very low data-rate time, reliability, redundancy to out- system. perform the commonly used WiFi, Blue- tooth or ZigBee protocols. Therefore a The optimization of the operating cost The system proves by itself: a down- new combination of synchronous or translates in three parameters. 1) long town coverage is achieved with one asynchronous mechanisms must be fit- battery lifetime of the sensors; 2) main- basestation per 2 km2. The applications ted to achieve the best tradeoff. tenance cost of the infrastructure; 3) derived from the infrastructure are nu- Most importantly, the number one key subscription cost to operate the system. merous, all starting with «smart» -park- word in the user's requirement is the The RF-Max system proposed by Inge- ing, -metering, -building, -factory, ... overall cost of usage. It's a combination com gives a good tradeoff between all of infrastructure cost (APEX) and oper- the factors. RF-Max includes the wire- The RF-Max system is easy to operate less sensors, the RF-Max basestations, and maintain with very little mainte- the Middleware and API, and the op- nance requirement and marginal sub- tional but highly recommend Network scription costs. The typical battery Security Algorithm (NSA). lifetime of an RF-Max smoke-detector is Solving the very large coverage area for 10+ years. Once more, Ingecom is set- the basestations requires not only a ting the pace for new performances and clever patent pending antenna design, capabilities. but also a very large radio-link budget. 2. 1. 3. The 150 dB radio link budget is clearly www.ingecom.ch

>> TELECOMMUNICATION Mag 15

The world is changing fast, very fast. 2. Biowatch brings the vision of a safer and more simpli- fied world. For everyone. All of these PIN codes, pass- words, keys, cards and badges are insecure and not or years we have been used to car- liveness and persistent authentication. Our first answer is simple: mount the convenient anymore. They belong to the previous cen- rying keys, cards and memorable Once the wearable user is verified, au- sensor and the illumination further from F passwords and PIN codes to ac- thentication of the user to digital services the subjects’ skin. In the case of (luxuri- tury and do not cope with new identification technolo- cess premises, services and devices. The is via a Public/Private Key Infrastructure ous) watches this means placing the sen- gies and market demands for frictionless interactions. rise of connected objects allows a new (PKI) and Bluetooth and NFC protocols. sor within a deployant buckle or similar paradigm where a single device replaces and grabbing images whilst closing the them all. Your smartphone? Think differ- buckle. The camera and the IR illumina- ent. Your wearable is the key. «Biowatch is tion are standard micro components, the TouchID easily sourced and integrated within a re- Smartphones seem to be the solution of wearables». designed deployant buckle. when it comes to replacing wallets and Matthias Vanoni, Another way keychains or remembering our pass- CEO & co-founder Our second answer involves mounting words for us. Even better, the introduc- the sensor closer and in contact with the tion of biometrics such as TouchID skin. However, the closer to the skin the fingerprint reader or Keylemon face Veins forms are unique. Wrist is sensor is placed the larger and more recognition API makes the access to the the sweet spot. curved the sensing area needs to be, and phone and apps more convenient and Your wrist vein pattern is a highly dis- the more peripheral the lightning the less your watch tells more secure than ever before. criminative part of your body. Accurately uniform the illumination will become. extracted its shape can be compared We are employing a flexible printed or- This said, things could be even more over time without significant change. ganic IR photo detector and optical convenient and even more secure with These characteristics were first discov- waveguide array within a watch strap or your credentials stored in a wearable ered in 1985 by Joe Rice, Biowatch buckle. This solution is economical, com- rather than in a phone. Why? First, wire- chairman, while scanning & observing pact and efficient in terms of imaging. who you are less identification to smart objects is vein patterns under infrared illumination. Additionally, a larger area of the wrist can more convenient when performed At these wavelengths the blood absorbs be captured by manually scanning the hands-free. Think of paying, entering much more light than the surrounding desired area by moving the watch up your office or accessing to your e-bank- tissues leaving the veins more visible. and down the wrist. These two solutions, ing with a simple tap of your watch. Sec- 30 years and millions of successful at-a-distance and in-contact, are pro- ond, no need to re-authenticate recognition of individuals later, vein bio- tected by patent applications. hundred times per day to prove that you metrics has proved to be one of the are the legitimate one wearing the most accurate and convenient authenti- Biowatch solution is not only a great watch. Persistent authentication is easily cation methods with a False Acceptance match for wearables and smartwatches achieved by monitoring the clasp. Rate far lower than 0,01% at a False but is a perfect fit for the Swiss watch Rejection Rate of 0,01% and sub sec- industry eager to mix & match luxury Now comes the real pain: what kind of ond matching time. and connectivity in the raging war for strong authentication do I need to se- Additionally, vein biometrics are natu- our wrists. A matter of size reduction cure my wearable? How to be sure that rally robust to forgery due to their hid- certainly. A matter of time for sure. illegitimate users do not gain access to den appearance and the complexity of the wearable? Could it be a fingerprint faking pulsating blood. www.biowatch.ch reader such as TouchID? Not that sim- ple. There is a need to authenticate the When considering imaging the wrist user’s wrist, and a fingerprint does not vein pattern from a wearable two main say much about whose wrist is actually issues need to be considered: 1. It replaces your clasp and turn your wearing the watch. Here comes - how to sense a large area of the wrist wearable into a biowatch. Biowatch’s product: a wearable wrist while being very close to the skin? 2. Scan yourself, close the buckle and access vein reader for biometric authentication, - how to illuminate the region of inter- your car, your money, your work... 1. incorporating sensors for monitoring est while being very close to the skin?

>> R&D + SERVICES II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 17 Switzerland: innovation & reliability.

Since matter entered the fascinating game of complexity and life, innovation has been a question of environments. The one to challenge. And the one that facilitates novelties: the full net- work of fruitful relationships any organism is engaged in, initi- ates, develops. The power to innovate in technology is fueled the same way: through challenges and synergies from a rich stimulating environment.

Photo: Lake of La Gruyère from Le Moléson. Fribourg © www.fribourgregion.ch/Pascal Gertschen www.fribourgregion.ch/Pascal ©

>> SPOTLIGHT ON... CSEM 19 2. Mag

2015 saw the relocation of a significant part of CSEM’s high-tech activities into a modern building located in the heart of Microcity Innovation Park. This building 1. New cleanrooms – an even stronger bridge between research and industry. will harbor two state-of-the-art cleanrooms, one dedicated to micro- and nano- 2. Center of Excellence in Characterization: technologies and the second focused on photovoltaic activities. CSEM invested X-ray computed tomography system. in cutting-edge equipment and production tools to benefit the watchmaking, industrial and medical instrumentation, cleantech, and space industries. he move to its new building was The new infrastructure offers modern The 2015 investments will further rein- the opportunity for CSEM to create tools for: force the competitivity and attractive- Ta unique competence center for ness of the Micro- and Nano-Systems micro and nanofabrication serving dif- • Photolithography cluster developed over the years in the ferent fields of activity like MEMS, sur- • Wet etching area between Lausanne and Neuchâtel. CSEM continues to face engineering and photovoltaics. • Metal deposition (evaporation, sput- tering, ALD …) CSEM also recently entered a coopera- Two cleanrooms in the heart of the • Various thin film coatings (oxidation, tion with HE-Arc (Haute Ecole Arc) in building represent an advanced tool at PECVD, LPCVD …) Neuchâtel to bring together the experts the crossroads of CSEM’s research pro- • Dry etching (state of art DRIE for sili- and methods from both institutions in a grams and its industrial activities. The con, oxide, metals and advanced ma- Center of Excellence in Characterization invest in micro and challenge was to set up an infrastructure terials) (CEC). The center provides easy access and equipment park bridging the gap • Characterization systems. to the instruments used for materials between research and industry in an characterization, dimensional measure- even stronger way. The organizational structure was also ment and failure mode. The center re- simplified in order to take better advan- sponds to precise needs by selecting the On one hand, this required high level tage of existing synergies at CSEM by most appropriate solution from the nanotechnologies flexibility and versatility of the tools to combining the competencies and ex- available techniques, such as: mechani- allow the development, maturation and pertise of the activities in the field of mi- cal and tribological tests; characteriza- industrialization of innovative technolo- crosystems technology and of tion of micro- and nanostructures; gies. On the other hand, CSEM has to nanotechnologies & life sciences. The dimensional metrology and quality con- establish the ability to offer its industrial result: a unique combination of ad- trol and chemical composition analysis. partners reliable, reproducible and qual- vanced processing equipment and mul- ified processes suited for small to mid- tidisciplinary teams that will serve Thanks to CSEM’s dedicated microfab- scale volumes in a proper industrial several research programs at CSEM, es- rication processes and its reliability and environment with stringent quality stan- pecially MEMS, photovoltaics and sur- testing laboratory, the centre tackles dards. face engineering. fundamental challenges to benefit the watchmaking, industrial and medical in- CSEM’s global mission can be summa- strumentation, cleantech, and space in- rized as follows: dustries. CSEM constantly optimizes expertise and know-how to maintain its • Supply a technology support for the leading position in technology excel- industry spanning from R&D projects lence and better serve the needs of to industrialization; Swiss industry. • Industrialize and help ramping up pro- duction volumes, including the quality This facility has been accomplished with control needed; the financial support of Neuchâtels’ • Ensure that high quality standards are cantonal authorities and the Swiss reached all along the product creation Government. process; • Provide system integration support, in www.csem.ch particular in the field of optical and 1. biological systems.

1. ATM Alpinist, 1999. >> SPOTLIGHT ON... EPFL IMT-NE ESPLAB 21 2. 2. GPS Swatch, 2000. Mag 3. Swatch Talk, 1998 (Watch-phone GSM dual-band). The idea of «smartwatches» with the most recent technological tools built-in is not a recent one. Not all technological prowesses in the last 25 years made it to numerical track through GSM. From that year project that lead in 1997 to a pro- the market but all remain as historical landmarks and are another fine illustration point it appears there would be no more totypal Swatch with GPS embedded. brakes to our capacities and urge to Then in 1998 Swatch Talk was designed, of Swiss mastering in microengineering! Encounter with Professor Pierre-André miniaturize devices while applying all the a waterproof watch with a two-band Farine, EPFL Institute of Microengineering in Neuchâtel, who has contributed to physical principles related to electric sig- cellular phone at just 54 x 52 x 24 mm3. nals and their processing I had dealt with «With its tactile touch screen, it paved several challenges on that way. many years». the way for the Tissot T-Touch line, intro- A few time later Global Positioning Sys- duced one year later, initially with altime- ▲▲▲ BY JEAN-LUC RENCK tem (GPS) spreads its wings much larger. ter, thermometer, weather previsions, «With the war in Persian Gulf the num- compass, alarm...». There would come ber of satellites was quickly quadrupled. later IRIS, a watch with images caption Then specialized services could soon and processing, MODICO, a dictaphone rofessor Pierre-André Farine as offer geolocalisation permanently in- watch with vocal recognition for medical been since 2002 Head of the Elec- stead of a few minutes a day». Here data capture. And a few more... P tronics and Signal Processing Lab- again Sony was a pioneer with its small oratory (ESPLAB) in the EPFL Institute of and cheaper GPS device: a two-element The low-energy high challenge Smartwatches: Microengineering (EPFL IMT)1 in set not larger than two books for 1900 Rooted in those pioneering times our Neuchâtel. Besides his teaching in micro- $ when the standard was then big racks technological future grows more and electronics and signal processing, Prof. costing 50'000 $! more rich, rapidly! But there is an ab- Farine's daily work includes researches solute condition to this growth: getting on low-power integrated products for better and better at consuming less and portable devices: microelectronics for «Since 25 years, less energy! «An exploding number of 25 years in the making wireless telecommunications, ultra-wide advances in micro & nanodevices though low pow- band and geolocalisation systems, de- digital signal ered means a global energy consump- velopment and implementation of video processing and tion we have to master strictly». With and audio compression algorithms... in low-power ESPLAB's 32 collaborators, Prof. Farine Previously, Pierre-André Farine worked microelectronics also explores smart ways to reduce en- as a young engineer for 18 years for the open the way for ergy needs to the limits – see ESPLAB Swiss watch industry, in the Swatch portable devices wireless ultra-low & very low power Group: «I got involved in the develop- and smart- wireless network sensors nicely named ment of high-tech products such as watches.» «Rose» – and ways to collect small pager watches, the Tissot technical Prof. Pierre-André Farine, amount of energy from whatever ambi- watches with integrated sensors for pres- Head of ESPLAB ent sources: light, warmth, vibrations, sure, altitude or temperature as well as radio frequencies... Smart objects – prototypes watches equipped with GPS An inescapable future foreseen being phones, watches or else – are a or cellular phone». Pierre-André Farine is What has all that to do with smart- continuing challenge! the right person to make this point: watches and swiss microtechnology? http://esplab.epfl.ch

smartwatches have a longer history than The link is a direct one: «rise of the nu- 1) IMT: formerly attached to the University of Neuchâtel, most of us suspect! merical age and rapid miniaturization now to Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne – quickly suggested that sooner or later we EPFL in Neuchâtel. In the beginning... would have around our wrist watches In 1988 Pierre-André Farine attended in with much more abilities than just pro- Helsinki an international engineering viding us with the passing of time», Prof. conference that would make history. Farine explains. And that's precisely «Among a lot of talks with a limited au- around the democratized GPS that ASU- dience, one caught more people than LAB (Swatch Group R&D Labs, where there were seats: Nokia was about to an- Prof. Farine was working at that time), nounce that its collaboration with Mo- CSEM (Centre suisse d'électronique et torola and Sony has successfully and de microtechnique) and IMT in the Uni- 1. conclusively installed telephony on the versity of Neuchâtel joined for a four- 3.

>> R&D + SERVICES II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 23

The Haute Ecole Arc Ingénierie is the engineering 1. Medical technologies: the Haute Ecole Arc school of the Swiss Jura region. It is one of the regions Ingénierie is specialized in developping in Switzerland and Europe which offers the biggest embeddable microsystems. 2. Watchmaking & industrial luxury: job density in the secondary sector. We educate en- the Haute Ecole Arc Ingénierie is the heir of the watchmaking schools of the Jura gineers for this industry and propose our skills to carry region. out research projects aimed at helping Switzerland remain the most innovative country of the world. he Haute Ecole Arc Ingénierie has • Smart sensing & microsystems: its origins in the watchmaking «Our skills want the solutions which include the Inter- T schools of Neuchatel, Jura and to serve a unique net of Things, sensors and MEMS Bern cantons which were created in the industry in the • Watchmaking& industrial luxury: 1860s to support the industrial develop- world by devel- from conception to industrialisation in ment in the Jura region. opping directly watchmaking manufacturing One hundred years later, the watchmak- applicable • Medical technologies: from «seri- The HE-Arc Ingénierie, ing industry remains the flagship of this research, always ous game» to embeddable microsys- region and its historic microtechnical in direct contact tem, technologies serving wellness, knowledge has been applied to other with the health and medecine. sectors like machine construction and economic fabric medical technologies. Thanks to the ac- of the region. Our mission consists of educating engi- quired skills and to new technologies in- And the results neers who do not have only technical serving a unique tegration, the Jura region industry is from this applied and scientific skills, but who are also more than ever able meet the current research must aware of their responsibilities toward so- challenges and spreading its unique permanently be ciety. We also work closely with the in- knowledge worldwide. reflected on dustrial fabric in the field of applied our education research and development. So as to answer the needs, the Haute programs. This collaboration enables a bilateral industry in the world Ecole Arc Ingénierie has defined four We want our knowledge transfer, confronts us daily fields of strategic activities which corre- motto to be with the realities of the industrial world, spond to what the Jura region con- alive: Dare… enables us to adapt our education pro- ceives, produces and values: Think… Do!». grams and proposes the firms an access • Smart & micromanufacturing: Philippe Grize, to our skills, cutting-edge equipment as the solutions for a flexible, efficient Head of the Haute Ecole well as to the engineers for a real and ef- and interconnected production tool Arc Ingénierie ficiently valuable technological transfer. These are the main working modes that 2. we propose to industry: - (Bachelor and Master) student projects - Offers of services - Direct assignments and projects with public cofunding (CTI and European projects, amongst others) - Ongoing training - Framework contracts and engineer seedbed.

www.he-arc.ch/ingenierie

1.

>> R&D + SERVICES 1. Colibri prototype of the new insulin injection system. II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 25

2. TechnoArk, Sierre-Valais. Always on the lookout for innovations for their products or their manufacturing processes, companies are increasingly willing to turn to research institutes that 2. offer a wide range of expertise. For start-ups, universities represent an attractive solution that enables them to overcome, sometimes temporarily, the absence or the limitations of their own technical department. Through its School of Engi- neering, the HES-SO Valais-Wallis recently worked with one such company, Medirio, to develop a new insulin injection system. Research institutes

edirio is a young company tion and data storage functions, and the based in the TechnoArk «Research transmission of data via a Bluetooth low M premises in Sierre. Irio institutes and energy connection. serving the needs public bodies Calasso, its founder and CEO, spent several years working in the medical that support For the development of the second pro- field, including the diabetes treatment the economy totype, Medirio involved another engi- sector. On the strength of this experi- provided me with neering school, the FH Buchs, as well as ence and an innovative idea, he formed the technical and drawing on the expertise of a Danish of businesses his own company in November 2013. financial support company actively involved in the treat- The objective was to offer diabetics who that I was search- ment of diabetes. Engineers from both use insulin pens a substitute product ing for to launch universities added several functions, in- that would enable the number of injec- my start-up.» cluding failure detection; they reduced tions to be reduced. The device consists Irio Calasso, the size of the patch and the hand-held CEO Medirio SA of a disposable patch that patients at- unit, then improved the ergonomics of tach to their skin via an adhesive strip. the system and optimised its operation. It includes a pump, an insulin reservoir fore passive, as the patch does not con- Medirio is now moving towards small- and an injection cannula. A hand-held tain any intelligence or power compo- scale manufacturing of the product, unit controls the pump and enables the nent – neither motor, nor battery, nor which is due to start in early 2016. required dose to be injected at the ap- electronics. Movement is provided by propriate time. the hand-held unit, through magnetic The Medirio patch offers people with di- transmission of torque to the pump. This abetes the possibility of replacing 4 to 6 With financial support from The Ark concept required miniaturisation of both daily injections by one single insertion of Foundation and then from the Swiss parts of the system, the patch and the the catheter every 3 or 4 days. The sys- Federal Commission for Technology and control unit. The patch not only contains tem will also allow accurate monitoring Innovation (CTI), Medirio gave the the pump itself, the insulin reservoir and of treatment, possibly even remote HES-SO Valais-Wallis the task of devel- the injection catheter, but also the trans- monitoring by a doctor. oping the first prototype of the patch mission and the safety systems. The and the control unit. The technical diffi- hand-held unit contains the electric www.hevs.ch culty lay in the need to keep the cost of motor, transmission, battery, touch www.theark.ch the disposable part low, since its lifespan screen and electronic module. This elec- www.medirio.com 1. is only a few days. The pump is there- tronic module controls the display, injec-

>> R&D + SERVICES II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 2727

Can you think of a place where creative objects are of collaborative co-development is initi- 1. Showcase of the Fablab in Neuchâtel. developed with the skills of passionate people or- ated: the increasing functionality of the 2. 3D printers become very accessible in tool then triggers new demand, there- ganised in informal groups, where prototypes are term of usability and cost. fore enlarging the circle of «informal» developers. printed in 3D, and where information is freely 3. Laser cutter, the most used technology in the Fablab. shared? Stop dreaming and just push the door of 2. This is typical of the collaborative econ- omy, to which the FabLabs belong. By the nearest FabLab! involving large communities of profes- sional people, the creative power abLabs are places where everyone between members but also between reaches levels that one cannot expect (individuals, students, free-lance different FabLabs. from a single small university group. A F professionals, people form com- FabLab is, in essence, a «common», a panies) can use digital machines (laser One essential characteristic of the maker place where a «capital», both physical cutter, 3D printers, open hardware, etc.) approach is the fact that people make (the equipment) and intellectual (the to make almost anything at very low their own objects, i.e. the developer and makers’ collective mind), is accessed by costs. FabLabs are devoted to creativity the end user is the same person. A typ- a community, under some basic rules of – both in the arts and technology, rapid ical and emblematic project is the devel- management. Creativity as prototyping, technology dissemination, opment of a professional tool, teaching and other activities. developed by people involved in the Our business model is based on three restoration of patrimonial objects. In this pillars: half public (our contribution to FabLabs are places where one can find particular case, restoration researchers teaching and research projects, paid by «makers», passionate people who like to have worked together with engineers of public money), half private (the fees a collective skill create or hack objects. In the case of the HE-Arc, at the FabLab Neuchâtel, in that users pay to use the machines or at- hacking, the idea is to redefine the pur- order to produce a topic electrolytic tend workshops), and half collaborative pose of a given object or group of ob- cleaning tool to restore millennial silver (the free, informal contribution of all the jects. A spectacular example is how sculptures and objects. users toward each other to help in doing FabLabs have collaborated to build radi- a task, give advice, provides training to ation sensors in the post-Fukushima «The FabLab use a machine, maintain the equipment, Japan and paired them to GPS devices, Neuchâtel is a etc.). drawing up real-time radiation maps melting pot of that were more accurate than the gov- ideas, skills, But the most striking point, compared to ernment ones. Others turn old webcams technology and most traditional working environments, into low cost microscopes, or make pos- enthusiasm.» is that all this is done with pleasure, in a sible for buildings to send tweets, etc. friendly open manner, and in a pleasant Jérôme Mizeret, atmosphere. Who said one needs to suf- Coordinateur Ra&D et FabLabs can be of different flavours: Transfert de Technologies fer to engineer well-designed objects? nested in large institutions (like the one Haute Ecole Arc in Neuchâtel, within the Haute Ecole http://fablab-neuch.ch Arc), associative (La Côte, Zürich, Chêne This device is designed to be entirely 20), or even set-up by companies built in FabLabs: the specs and drawings (Bern). What do they have in common? are freely accessible on the website, and Open-oriented activities. In a FabLab, anyone can download them and build one cannot escape interacting with oth- their own exemplar. They may, of ers: information is passed between mak- course, change and adapt the tool to ers, spontaneous help is provided to the their own practice, increasing the usage newcomers, projects are discussed, ma- value at no extra cost. These improve- chines are shared. It is in the essence of ments are then sent back to the devel- FabLabs to facilitate and encourage co- opment team which may incorporate 1. creation and co-conception... not only them back into the original tool. A cycle 3.

>> R&D + SERVICES II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 29

The Office for Promotion of Industries and Technologies’ mission is «...Geneva and to support the development of innovative industrial SMEs. The of- Swiss industry fice, which was founded in 1976, has been providing a range of has never been more innovative 1. Industry: a dynamic sector of Geneva’s services such as promoting expertise, setting business relations, de- than today». economy. Rolf Gobet, veloping collaborations with universities and monitoring new tech- Director 2. The electric bus without contact lines TOSA. nologies, as part of a program funded in particular by the Department of Security and Economy (DSE) of the Republic and erving Geneva’s industrial ecosys- Which role does OPI intend to vergence of digital technologies and tra- Canton of Geneva. tem for nearly 40 years (anniver- play in the future? ditional industry. Many see it having a S sary to be celebrated in 2016), It plans to maintain its core services: fos- major impact on this sector: «We have ▲ BY PHILIP MAGUIRE OPI has been guiding many companies tering businesses and the local industry identified this development and will ▲ ▲ in their growth and development by of- in general, structuring industrial projects, bring practical support to industrial SMEs fering promotion, matchmaking and ad- generating partnerships and offering by allowing them to better understand visory services. A recognized and high profile business consultancy. Ac- this fourth industrial revolution. We appreciated support, expected to evolve cording to Rolf Gobet, the idea is not to want them to be able to anticipate the within 2016. make radical changes, but rather to potential impacts and to translate these adapt the structure to better match the into opportunities,» adds the Director, OPI, forty years As explained by Rolf Gobet, OPI’s Direc- reality of the industrial sector: «To be explaining that OPI wishes to federate tor, the local industry is changing and more effective, we will focus on the in- companies and academic stakeholders to regularly facing new challenges. It is novative and industrial SMEs only. We achieve this ambitious goal. therefore the office’s duty to stay con- will support the companies’ communi- nected to its reality. «Nowadays, when cation activities in a focused and effec- These changes should allow the struc- we talk about manufacturing industry, tive manner and work on the overall ture to better guide a sector that, despite supporting the local we automatically think about the strong image of the industry in Geneva, espe- a difficult economic environment, con- Swiss franc, the difficulties to recruit cially through a campaign. Last but not tinues to have a positive impact on in- qualified staff or the problems that re- least, our knowledge of the local and re- novation, economic value and jobs sulted from the 9th February 2014 vote gional industrial sectors allows us to be creation in Geneva. on immigration. These questions are im- ideally positioned to develop and facili- portant, but they are not the only ones. tate the funding of major industrial proj- www.opi.ch industry Besides that, the Geneva and Swiss in- ects, such as the electric bus without dustry has never been more innovative contact line TOSA. We will capitalize on OPI in a nutshell than today» he says, adding that in a this strength. But we also aim at offering Active in the fields of mechatronics, in- globalized economy it becomes ex- new services, such as business intelli- formation and communications tech- tremely complex for smaller businesses gence, that we will develop in partner- nologies, cleantech and renewable to find customers, suppliers as well as ship with other actors». energies, the Office for Promotion of strategic information. Industries and Technologies’ mission is What about Industry 4.0? to support the development of innova- This revolution is generated by the con- tive industrial SMEs. The office is pro- viding a range of services such as promoting their expertise, setting busi- ness relations, developing collabora- tions with universities and monitoring new technologies. On the coaching and business development aspects, the OPI advisory team is mainly active in product and services innovation, orga- nizational innovation, development, distribution and market expansion. 1. 2.

>> R&D + SERVICES Mag 31

1. Dashboard with alerts.

2. Centralized tests with the platform Focused on Industry 4.0, the young stemys.io technology company Stemys provides 3. Analysis of the process provides several strategic information in real time. hardware and software platform for 4. Fields of Industry 4.0 supervision and control of connected 3. equipment and machines in real time. 1.

The digital transformation of in- fested an interest in this solution. For ex- dustry ample, the high precision lathe manu- The concept of industry 4.0 relates to facturer Tornos SA uses this innovative the digital transformation of the indus- platform for the centralized develop- trial companies due to the integration of ment of its machines prototypes. When new technologies of connectivity as for the machine is first switched on, the 4. example the Internet of Things (IoT). platform will analyze every second for The objective is a gain in productivity weeks about twenty parameters such as either by acting directly on the machine, The Smart Factory and in agility while supporting the de- vibrations, temperatures (oils, tools, etc.) or by letting the test finish if the prob- velopment of new services with strong and different values from the numerical lem is not critical. added value. The industrial middleware control and environmental sensors. developed by Stemys makes it possible Sébastien Etter, technical manager, says: Two hosting options to connect, integrate, analyze and visu- «this kind of tests used previously to be Over the last few months, an increasing alize in a synthetic way the data coming done by pointing and the results were number of manufacturers have opted from heterogeneous equipment and manually introduced into Excel files and for this type of solution in order to over- machines, but also to control them. The analyzed. see their machine or equipment park team is also working on the introduction This work was not only long and te- (cleaning, quality control, etc.). Accord- in a simple way of scenarios of machine dious, it was also frequently incomplete ing to the customer's requirements, the learning for the automatic execution of due to the lack of data collection during platform stemys.io maybe installed ei- certain actions. An approach which aims the night». With the platform stemys.io, ther in "cloud" mode (on an external to decompartmentalize the services of the customer may collect essential data server) or in local mode. In both cases, the company for a better exchange of in real time over hours, weeks or the installation is simple, secured and fi- the useful information to decision making. months. These data are automatically nancially accessible to all industrial com- shown in graphic form, much easier to panies. In a few hours, the machines are analyze and allowing to make quicker connected and viewable on the plat- «Our strength the appropriate corrections. The full form. Sébastien Etter is reassuring re- is the ability to benefit of this management instrument garding the security aspects in "cloud" connect every- is effectively measured when it is real- mode: «When we developed our solu- thing what are ized that a 30 hour-long test may pro- tion in "cloud" mode, we obviously in- available in terms vide up to six millions data. tegrated a great variety of security of sensors and functions, either for the Gateway or for monitoring The control of the various parameters the software layers. The elements to be tools». would not be complete without the op- connected are defined in accordance Sébastien Etter, portunity to display the possible errors. with the client, the actions to be per- CTO of Stemys In case of an alarm during the test formed remotely are examined and fi- phase, the platform stemys.io is there- nally the levels of access are Centralized set-up of experimen- fore programmed to send an e-mail, a established». tal station SMS or a message on smartwatch to the Industry, whose connectivity needs are assigned person. He/she can then de- www.stemys.io 2. steadily increasing, has quickly mani- cide on the procedure to be followed,

>> R&D + SERVICES 33 2. Mag

During the process of designing a new object, one of the essential stages is the realization of the prototype. With 3D printing, Zedax SA is able to produce in a few hours resin protoypes that can be examined from an esthetical, geometrical, 1. Watch & glass: design Paul Picot. functional or technical point of view. 2. Objet500 Connex 3 - printed color helmets.

en years ago when Lucien Hirschi outstanding accuracy, down to the meanwhile a great range of new mate- opened up his 3D printing service finest details. Ability of building very rials (ABS-like, VeroClear, etc) were also T company called Zedax, very few complexes geometries, with a wide available and allowed us to widen our even knew what it was. range of materials from rubber (27 domain, to improve the prototypes and 3D printing ShoreA) to very rigid (ABS-like) - from to offer new services as the manufactur- As we are located in La Neuveville, a transparent to opaque. ing of injection molds for small series or little town in the heart of the watch in- tooling. dustry, we felt of course a calling for cus- These materials can also be treated after tomers in this industry. production (painted, plated, polished, In 2012, when Objet Geometries etc.) to obtain very realistic prototypes. merged with Stratasys, a leading manu- in the process of facturer of 3D printers, we were able to «You can already At this point, we started getting cus- offer a wider range of 3D printers for we print metallic tomers and the world of watchmakers have been resellers of Objet in Switzer- parts or even in particular understood very quickly all land since 2006 in partnership with RTC human tissue!» the benefits they could get from this Germany. Lucien Hirschi, way of producing prototypes. It allows Director of Zedax SA developing new fast and effective communication of de- We also acquired a thermoformer ma- sign ideas, it resolves issues between de- chine, the perfect complement to 3D The complexity was to convince profes- sign and engineering, the validation of printing and an improvement to our sionals that they could change their way design fit, form, and function is more ef- services. of developing products and, of course, fective, you get a greater design flexibil- This year, we bought the Objet500 products to explain not only the technology but ity, with the ability to run quickly Connex3, a brand new color multi-ma- all the advantages they could benefit in through multiple design iterations. The terial printer and a small low cost FDM using 3D printing: save costs and move design and development cycles are (Fused Deposition Modeling) machine. more quickly from concept to the end tightened, it speeds products to the So now we have a range of machines product. market and reduces costly mistakes. You which allows us to accommodate the keep intellectual property onsite and, fi- various needs of our customers. After testing different technologies, we nally, the end product is as desired. decided to buy an Eden 330 from Objet The past decade has seen the rising in Geometries Ltd, the company that has When the Connex260 with PolyJet Ma- popularity of 3D printing especially after patents on Polyjet™ technology. trix™ Technology was launched, we the expiration of the FDM patent be- bought one. This system is able to print longing to Stratasys. As for all the other rapid prototyping or parts made of multiple model materials, 3D printing technologies, it’s an additive all in a single built. The Connex family The improvements have been spectacu- manufacturing technology. Very similar printers introduced «the new concept of lar, in terms of the choice of materials, to inkjet document printing, it jets 16 µ on-the-fly fabrication of materials: these precision and speed. The different tech- or 28 µ layers of liquid photopolymer Digital Materials (DM) are composite nologies are now moving from prototyp- onto a build tray and cures them with materials that are formulated during the ing to production. You can already print UV lights. All the holes of the CAD de- build process and that have preset com- metallic parts or even human tissue! signs are filled with a support (gel-like) binations of mechanical properties unat- that will be removed after production. tainable by single materials». We trust that 3D printing will become more and more common in the process We chose this technology for different So not only we could now offer more of developing new products. 1. reasons: smooth surfaces, thin walls and than 80 combinations of DM but in the www.zedax.ch

>> MACHINES, INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT & AUTOMATION 34 II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 35

Checking watches performance

A «one-stop-shop» for machine-tool peripherals The living world is a place of ingenious solutions at every stage of its complexity – from the molecular level to organ- isms and ecosystems. Micro & nanotechnology is an entire universe of engineered solutions, shaping manufacturing tools with the ultimate precision, from their smallest parts to full production chains. Within this field, Western Switzerland is continuously im- proving its solid tradition in industrial equipment of world renown. High transparency of UV curable pealable protective coating Photo: Cervin-Matterhorn. Valais © swiss-image.ch/Robert Boesch swiss-image.ch/Robert ©

>> MACHINES, INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT & AUTOMATION 2. Mag 37

From astronomical observations to the most intricate watch complications, our means of measuring the passing of time continue to improve. Robotic and IT- 1. The watches are stored in a library for related technology of CLA Clinical Laboratory Au- 24 hours to identify any deviation.

tomation SA are offering new prospects in terms of 2. Automatic winding of the watches. checking and adjusting timepieces.

«The pairing of traditional expertise with new techno- logies». Thomas Parietti, Sales Measuring time he rotation of planet Earth is an Manager, CLA Clinical ample: telling the time by sight or acti- Laboratory Automation SA astronomical fact. By observing vating and checking the watch func- T the passing of stars at the merid- tions. In the same way, the power ian, astronomers have long been able to reserve can also be controlled using this obtain a very accurate means of cali- subject to a control protocol which is equipment. brating their reference pendulums. adapted according to the operating range. Checking quality and productivity Just like the astronomers of the past, Developments in society leading to a are the cornerstones of this cutting-edge watchmakers too are very keen to per- greater organisation of activities have technology. fect their tools. Developments in the field resulted in more and more precision in of automation are offering new possibil- timepieces. Reading the time on a The CLA chronometry device allows dif- ities in the world of watchmaking and watch involves referring to a particular ferent types of timepiece to be checked CLA firmly believes in the pairing of tra- measurement. A watch measures the simultaneously. The cycle generally be- ditional expertise with new technologies. passing of time; it produces very regular gins with the winding of the watch. The mechanical oscillations which accumu- watch movement is then measured just www.cla.ch late and this accumulation is then af- before the watches are stored in a library fected in the movement of the hands. for a pre-defined time period, usually 24 • Multi-calibre chronometry device Concerns about the precision of hours. Once this time period has passed, for the checking and adjustment of watches are one of the key focal points the timepiece is retrieved and the watch movements or automatic watches of the watchmaker. movement is measured again so as to • Provided in the form of an inde- identify any deviation. Automation of pendent checking device or inte- Drawing on its new equipment, the these different stages provides a consid- grated into the assembly line CLA company is now making its tech- erable time saving at a logistical level. • Rewinding, movement and power nical expertise available to the watch- The watchmaker therefore gains time reserve checks making industry to offer an automated which can be dedicated to creative solution to the chronometric measure- tasks. • Checks of the functions of the ment of time. The CLA checking and watches regulatory device includes a robotics The solutions offered by CLA are devel- • Traceability guaranteed by the unit to carry out various operations. To oped in collaboration with the client to OMS monitoring software guarantee impeccable traceability, all of meet their expectations more closely. It • Reduction in lead times due to 24- the items which enter the machine are is also possible to add checking and ad- hour operation. 1. individually identified. Each reference is justment operations as required, for ex-

>> MACHINES, INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT & AUTOMATION 2. Mag 39

For over 40 years, LNS has been based in the com- mune of Orvin, , a perfect location in the heart of Switzerland’s Jura region, hub of the bar ince it was founded, LNS has been devoted to helping opti- turning industry. S mize the performance of their machine tools whilst increasing their productivity and safeguarding their op- erators.

Our group has become a world leader in the domain of peripherals for ma- chine tools. Our worldwide presence 3. with 9 production sites, strategically Raising performance located across the globe, offers us prox- imity to the market. This allows us to po- Bar feeders sition ourselves as a local supplier of Our bar feeders ensure maximum pro- reliable products and to offer a quick ductivity on all types of fixed or sliding service. Market coverage is ensured by headstock lathes, even in the most var- a network of subsidiaries and exclusive ied applications. & reliability of agents we have built up over the years. From entry level solutions to sophisti- cated equipment, our vast range of products cover all manufacturing ap- «LNS offers proaches (short bars, long bars or half- 1. With more than 120,000 units installed a wide range bars), whilst offering unbeatable across the world, LNS bar feeders are uni- of products reliability and flexibility thanks to sys- versally recognized for their exceptional machines to enable you quality and performance. tems which enable the quickest diame- to maximise your ter changes in the world. productivity and 2. Headquarter, Orvin, Switzerland. your return Chip conveyors 3. LNS, your «one-stop-shop» for machine- on investment» LNS designs and produces chip convey- tool peripherals. Gilbert Lile, Chairman of the ors and complete chip removal systems Management, LNS Group for all types of machines.

LNS currently employs over 800 collab- With more than 250,000 units installed, orators, inventing, manufacturing, as- LNS conveyor systems are available in a sembling, promoting, selling and large range of models for all types of maintaining a large range of products materials and all kinds of chips. They Air filtration systems designed to equip machine tools. The can be fitted with coolant filtration sys- LNS designs, produces and commercial- common denominators of these prod- tems effective to 50 microns. izes a complete range of air filtration ucts we group under the heading «pe- systems designed to counter contami- ripherals» are: performance, quality, Coolant management nation problems experienced in the reliability and ease of use. LNS supplies a complete range of workshop. Thanks to their ultra-resilient coolant management systems which construction and high level of reliability, Thanks to the efforts made by all of our guarantee optimal performance of your oil mist collectors eliminate any mist, employees and the continuous invest- coolant system. vapors and smoke, thereby helping to ment in innovation, we will continue to ensure a safe and healthy working en- offer unrivalled value to all our cus- LNS high-pressure cooling systems sig- vironment and protect your production tomers by providing the most advanced nificantly increase machining speeds, equipment. technology at the best price for many extend the service life of the cutting tool 1. decades to come. and reduce expenditure on tooling. www.lns-europe.com

>> MACHINES, INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT & AUTOMATION 3. Mag 41

1. High transparency of UV curable pelable protective coating. Through its research and development work focusing «We use our on innovative processes using photopolymerization, creative genius 2. Temporary adhesives. where there is no 3. The 3D dropjet printer H-cube. the Horlovia Chemicals company, based in La Chaux- existing solution to answer 4. Bally flexometer test for UV curable inkjet de-Fonds, provides the luxury watchmaking industry specific needs of on leather. with solutions that are not only highly efficient but our customers.» Dr Khalid Zahouily, also environmentally-friendly. CEO Horlovia Chemicals is collaboration with leading tions based on new generation of hybrid development of solvent-free temporary watch manufacturers made Dr sol-gel technology, a mixture of mineral adhesives for the gluing of sapphires, H Khalid Zahouily - who holds a and organic molecules. This extremely fixed with a few microns of solvent-free PhD in chemistry and phopolymers and thin coating, invisible on metal, is resist- glue using photopolymerization tech- is recognized as international expert in ant to both corrosion and abrasion. It niques. Another technology being pio- photopolymerization and nanotechnol- also ensures that the item can be dis- neered is the inkjet dropjet system, a ogy materials - realise how limited the played and handled without leaving fin- sophisticated version of the ink-jet, range of chemical solutions available to gerprints, a crucial asset in selling luxury which is ideal for functionalizing and this sector was, in terms of innovative items. customizing watches produced in small chemistry - inks, coatings, solvent-free series. Creative added value 1. adhesives- etc. And so, to address this Temporary peelable coatings for gap in provision, the research and devel- selective area protection Dr Khalid Zahouily, who continues to opment facilities of Horlovia Chemicals Another option is a temporary peelable build on his own expertise and that of were set up in La Chaux-de-Fonds protective UV curable coating, the result his team, says: «Horlovia Chemicals’ pri- (Switzerland). The company’s founder- of four-years’ research by Horlovia mary strength lies in our ability to use in the watchmaking director has made it his mission «to give Chemicals. This patented peelable high our creative genius where there is no ex- the watchmaking industry access to the transparency film is applied using the isting solution, in order to formulate solutions it needs in order to develop in- dropjet 3D H-Cube digital printer. It new processes tailored to the specific novative and environmentally-friendly comes in the form of an ultra-transpar- needs of our customers.» These solu- products that uphold the quality image ent photopolymerizable coating. Ap- tions are not only innovative but are also of the Made in Switzerland trademark.» plied selectively on watch cases, it respectful of the environment, making sector provides valuable protection during in- them fully synonymous with creative Know-how developed at the CNRS spection by consumers. The 3D H-Cube added-value for the Swiss watchmaking Through his extensive expertise devel- – unveiled as a world first at the recent industry. The manufacturers of the land oped at France’s National Centre for Sci- EPHJ trade fair in Geneva – is in the of watchmaking, major players in the entific Research (CNRS) and his work form of a cube of only 80 cm x 80 cm x 21st century’s luxury sector, now have with household names in the luxury, 80 cm. Small though it is, it also sup- another asset that will add strength to aeronautical and optical sectors, he has ports the application of a temporary their quality image. a clear understanding of the needs of protective coating on the polished parts watch manufacturers in the land of of the housing during assembly. www.horlovia-chemicals.ch watchmaking. Horlovia Chemicals’ team Horlovia Chemicals has also developed of engineers and researchers provide in- other selective application solutions to 4. depth chemical consultancy in chemical apply protection to, for instance, en- expertise. As skilled craftsmen and pio- graved components. neers of their trade, they sell and if nec- essary develop tailor-made solutions Development and marketing of that not only meet but also exceed and new solutions anticipate client requirements - solutions In order to maximise Horlovia Chemi- that are being implemented by the cals’ contribution to their business, sev- 2. greatest names in watchmaking. eral manufacturers of top-of-the-range Swiss watches have entered into ongo- Watchmakers now have access to tailor- ing technical support agreements. Proj- made bonding, inks and coating solu- ects undertaken to date include the

>> MACHINES, INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT & AUTOMATION 1. Semi-automatic laser micro-welding machine (TLASE). Mag 43

2. High-rate palletizing of clockwork micro- components.

3. Automatic inspection module (V30). CPAutomation SA supplies turnkey systems based

on standard programs and platforms. Its customers rom sizing to lifting, from a dial to The intuitive operating interface offers have the benefit of a large range of competencies in an applique, from a pacemaker to high image resolution. It is very easy to «We satisfy the F a microchip, CPAutomation offers master with faultless accuracy and weld- most diverse the fields of micro-assembly/micromanipulation, its expertise in the micron for the benefit ing minute parts becomes child’s play. needs: laser of industries requiring high competen- In order to ensure impeccable quality for micro welding, laser machining and automatic visual inspection. cies in micromechanics. CPAutomation the weld seam, real-time automatic aes- driving, screwing, offers equipment rich in varied robotic thetic checking is possible. 1. gluing, palletizing, technology, extending from cartesian selective sorting structures to anthropomorphic robots, A typical application is pinning up to the and positioning.» so as to offer ultra-quick and ultra-ac- collet/stud in clockwork; the welding of Marcel Dubey, curate solutions. CPAutomation expert- rotating parts is possible by integrating Sales & Marketing Director ise in industrial vision offers the an axis of rotation. Oxidation of the following high value-added functions, in weld is avoided by adding shielding gas order to ensure economical quality pro- as well as by aspiration of the smoke. High accuracy How does it work? duction: localization of parts, dimen- 1. Teach the system good and bad ex- sional measurements, quality and The ergonomics of the machine have amples for reference (~30 min), conformity checking. been designed to offer the operator 2. Let the system «self-learn» to create only ideal conditions, such as a good its reference models (~30 min), The intuitive human-machine interfaces working position, a perfect view of the 3. Start up production; the system de- micro-assembly and are focused on the ultimate user, the op- screen, as well as optimal viewing of tects anomalies. erator is central to the design! No need the welding zone. for long hours of training. The unique V30 turnkey vision system Automatic inspection based on is «self-learning». It is easily integrated CPAutomation guarantees a high-per- the entirely new «self-learning» into any machine or production line. formance, reliable and robust result, to technology The inspection and the classification of micromanipulation the greater satisfaction of its customers Industry is more and more demanding material and of textures, which has for several years. regarding the aesthetic criteria of its been very complicated to program up products. Certain materials and complex until now, become extremely easy; pos- A unique laser micro-welding so- textures are still inspected by operators, sibilities are unlimited. lution for resolving the most com- causing a loss of economy and quality. plex challenges CPAutomation has developed a unique The advantages of the integration of a The principal advantages of this semi- solution, capable of assisting or replacing «self-learning» vision system are multi- automatic laser micro-welding machine manual inspection. It offers automatic or ple: it surpasses the best quality con- (TLASE) are its ease of use and its high semi-automatic checking stations (stand- troller, it is rapidly configurable by any accuracy. It is easy to effect welds on the alone). operator, the consistency of checking level of a micron! criteria is verified, the cycle time is re- 3. duced and the traceability of your prod- ucts is ensured.

The visual inspection solutions supplied by CPAutomation are used, among others, in applications for checking clockwork components, welding/micro- welding, injection-moulded plastic parts, materials in continuous flow, food prod- ucts and character recognition.

2. www.cpautomation.ch

>> ELECTRONICS, MICRO-ELECTRONICS 44 II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 45

As a breathtaking landscape hides all the infinite elements that contribute to make it impressive, much of our daily life masks the myriad of interconnected tiny parts which make it efficient… informed… comfortable… For but a moment, think of the intense activity behind all of this! In Western Switzerland – birthplace of micro & nanotech- nology - thousands of researchers and developers are con- tinuously bringing ideas to light, contributing to making both local and global worlds smarter.

Photo: Lake of Bienne, Saint-Pierre Island, Ligerz. Berne

Quality control equipments integrating vision systems

Highly-stable laser-pumped rubidium atomic clock developed at University of Neuchâtel © swiss-image.ch/Andreas Gerth swiss-image.ch/Andreas ©

>> OPTICS, PHYSICS AND METROLOGY 2. Mag 47

In the future more accurate geolocation and faster data exchanges will require improved time-keepers. The Time and Frequency Laboratory at the University of Neuchâtel (LTF) develops techniques for tomor- row’s high-precision atomic frequency standards, metrology, lidars and other sensors. n addition to its teaching and fun- dustrial and public partners, it imagines damental research activities, LTF is and develops solutions for atomic clocks I involved in several research proj- for ground applications. Important fea- 1. Highly-stable laser-pumped rubidium ato- ects encouraging technological transfer tures of such clocks are superior stability mic clock developed at University of Neu- and innovation. compared to quartz oscillators, a small châtel. form-factor, operation over an extended Very precise clocks are required on temperature range, low power con- 2. Cell-confined rubidium atoms are at the board GPS (global positioning system) sumption, and low fabrication costs, in heart of ultimate precision atomic clocks Mastering atoms and sensors. satellites: for 1-meter precision, the in- order to access existing, emerging, and stability must be below 3 ns on time- future markets like telecommunication scales of one day, which is only networks and power smart-grid syn- achievable by atomic clocks. In the Eu- chronization. Either rubidium or caesium LTF has developed very compact fre- ropean global navigation system Galileo, atoms act as frequency references and quency-stabilized laser modules. With for precision each satellite carries two types of atomic are confined in small cells made of glass the lasers’ excellent frequency stability clocks, hydrogen passive masers and ru- or other materials. over long time intervals – as required for bidium clocks, manufactured by the atomic clocks – this technology can also company Spectratime SA in Neuchâtel serve other purposes such as lidars (laser and initially developed in the Neuchâtel «We use our remote sensing). Recently, a team led by Observatory with the participation of scientific and Renaud Matthey successfully demon- LTF scientists. technological strated how to transfer the stability expertise for achieved at rubidium wavelengths (red At LTF, the team of Professor Gaetano conceiving future light) to the near infra-red wavelength Mileti anticipates future generations of high-precision range. In particular, a highly stable ru- rubidium clocks, aiming to achieve the time-keepers.» bidium-based optical frequency refer- Prof. Gaetano Mileti, performances of the passive maser, the LTF deputy director ence has been realized, under a best-performing clock ever on a satel- mandate from the European Space lite, but with a clock of much less Agency. This enables calibrating space- weight, volume and consumption. To The expertise of LTF in the fields of based measurements of variations in reach this objective, Christoph Af- atomic physics, optics and metrology, CO2 concentration in the atmosphere folderbach and colleagues work along combined with the unique local know- with a precision of 0.5 ppm (1 molecule two lines. Firstly, they replace the dis- how in micro-technology (in particular among two million), with the aim to re- charge lamp used to prepare the rubid- in Microcity/EPFL and CSEM) has al- fine the predictions about the climate ium atoms by a laser diode. Secondly, ready resulted in the development of change evolution. in collaboration with EPFL, they have key components of future industrial developed a new microwave cavity for chip-scale atomic clocks. Laser diodes «It is very rewarding that we can use interrogating the atoms, providing im- are also very useful in caesium beam fre- our scientific and technological expertise proved field geometry combined with quency standards, to replace the tradi- for conceiving future high-precision significantly reduced size. tional magnetic beam selectors and time-keepers, and also for other preci- improve clocks’ performances. LTF is sion measurements, like lidars, and com- While aiming for state-of-the-art clocks also involved in this field of research, in pact sensors» rejoices Gaetano Mileti. for space, LTF still keeps a foot firmly collaboration with another regional in- 1. planted on the ground. Jointly with in- dustrial partner, Oscilloquartz SA. www.unine.ch

>> ELECTRONICS, MICRO-ELECTRONICS Mag 49

1. New application QMTCalqueControl, the profile projector simpler and more A swiss company founded in 1989, Qualimatest is the leader in developing qual- accurate.

ity control equipment integrating vision systems for industrial sectors including 2. New quality control device the QMTProjector-100 – Optical Equipment watchmaking, medical, rail and automotive. In 1995, Qualimatest was first with high precision measurement, compact, simple and without awarded for its innovative system for the characterization of materials using an programming.

automatic system embedding digital imaging technology. Since then, Qualimatest 3. QMTSound: the Hardware and software platform for acoustic and vibration has never ceased to innovate in providing its customers with the best solutions. analysis. 2.

n 2015, Qualimatest was awarded ogy and parts were drawn on tracing The sensitivity with the first Prize of Innovation in papers: this measurement was time con- I the Canton of Geneva... suming and imprecise. During the last 15 years, the use of computer systems For many years, Qualimatest and its has allowed the simplification of these team have developed, both in-house controls through computer overlay and with the collaboration of major drawings of parts after camera capture of man, schools such as HES or EPFL, many in- of an image. Nevertheless, the alignment novations in the field of digital imaging. of the «digital layer» on the part was vi- These applications have allowed us to sually performed by the operator with a 3. develop a wide range of products that risk of error and a lack of repeatability. perform contactless high precision di- What are your prospects for the mensional measurement or aesthetic future? the rigour of «Innovation for control of parts. Qualimatest is part of the QMTGroup growth.» following the acquisition, at the end of Could you briefly tell us about Laurent Brulport, 2014, of the SAPHIR Company based in aesthetic control? Commercial director Barraux (France). SAPHIR are experts The aesthetic quality control aims to set in acquisition and signal processing for the machine aside faulty parts with bumps, scratches, embedded systems, test stands and stains... These operations are usually supervision, especially in acoustic and carried out visually and remain highly To increase the efficiency of monitoring, vibration fields. From this collaboration, subjective. Qualimatest has developed a CAD file overlay, with detection and the QMTSound platform was born. the hardware platform QMTSubFace, automatic alignment on the workpiece, the first automatic system that respects as been proposed since 2010. This QMTSound allows non-destructive test- human criteria in the aesthetic control, a fiature has been widely appreciated by ing by acoustic and vibration analysis. particularly appreciated asset in watch- the industry but the final decision, based This technology is a logical complement making. on the visual gap, remains the decision to QMT Vision Inspector that operates of the controller. The measurement of optical control. QMTSound control in- What is the QMTCalqueControl the output gap was also a top expecta- cludes material selection, scanning sig- application? tions of customers. nal, digital filtering, detection of QMTCalqueControl is a simple meas- transient phenomena and time-fre- urement solution without programming; QMTCalqueControl is now available in quency analysis. QMTSound now offers quick to implement, flexible and acces- the platform QMT Vision Inspector. It new features; the acoustic control or a sible to all. Historically, quality control allows the automatic control of the vari- combination of sound and vision. was often performed with profile projec- ation between the drawing and the 1. tors. These devices used optical technol- shape of the part. www.qmt.ch

>> MEDICAL II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 51

Life is about balance and fine tuning of innumerable fast in- visible processes. Technologies at the smallest scales associ- ated with digital data processing are tackling the challenge to master further and further the «innumerable», the «fast» and «invisible». To have us enjoying quietly a balanced life First anatomic finisher for root canal treatments in the visible...

A concentration of micro-technology including thin-film manufacturing, micro-bonding, micro- molding and electrical testing

Open programmable digital hearing aid

Photo: «Les Franches-Montagnes». Jura © swiss-image.ch/Christian Perret swiss-image.ch/Christian ©

>> MEDICAL 2. Mag 53

Flexible, quick to react and above all, innovative: FKG 1. Training Center. «To dare Dentaire is a mid-sized company that remains close is to do.» 2. Clean room. Thierry Rouiller, CEO to its markets and plays in the big leagues. Thierry Rouiller, CEO since 2011, is surrounded with a highly 3. Production. qualified and motivated team and has built partner- ships with the best universities in the world.

n just 20 years, FKG Dentaire has treatment to improve the surface condi- seen a six-fold increase in turnover, tion and resistance to torsion. I with a staff that has quadrupled and an average annual growth rate of be- Innovation in its DNA tween 15 and 20%. FKG Dentaire man- FKG has invested heavily in innovation, Always one ufactures around 15 million products opening a new production site in 2007 each year, 95% of which are exported to and bringing a host of new products to over 100 countries. In 2012, the enter- market. Indeed, over the years the R&D prise was named by the Swiss Venture team has submitted several patents. Club as the most innovative Western Switzerland company of the year. As the production of these instruments innovation ahead! grows ever more complex and sales Fusing watch-making precision numbers increase, FKG has stepped up with materials science design and development of its own ma- Founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1931, chines. At the same time, the company the company initially produced parts for regularly undergoes a certification dentures as well as dials for watches. process in accordance with the principal Then, when Jean-Claude Rouiller, the quality management systems and med- founder of FKG Dentaire, who had ical norms of the industry. joined the company a few years earlier, took over the reins of the dental branch Launch of the first anatomic fin- in 1994, he changed its focus to en- isher for root canal treatments 3. dodontics (treatment of the dental pulp) This year, the latest innovation from and gave it the name of FKG Dentaire. FKG Dentaire lets practitioners treat International reach complex root canal systems and clean To market its products worldwide, FKG A technological revolution once impossible-to-reach areas with attends the biggest international trade Back then, dental reaming instruments minimal impact on the dentine. Made fairs, where it offers product demonstra- were made of stainless steel. But be- with a highly flexible NiTi-based alloy, tions. But the company is also involved cause the root of the tooth can some- the XP-endo Finisher follows the con- in training local dentists at four training times be very narrow or have strong tours of the canal with an improved centres (La Chaux-de-Fonds, Oslo, curvatures, the steel tools were simply reach of 6 mm in diameter - or 100-fold Dubai and Mexico), as part of its belief too rigid and could lead to breakage in- that of a standard instrument of the in transferring knowledge on the opti- side the root canal. In an effort to sim- same size. mal use of these ultra-sophisticated plify the work of practitioners, With the XP-endo Finisher, FKG Den- tools. Furthermore, FKG has set in place Jean-Claude Rouiller turned to an alloy taire finally solved a common problem a network of distributors that are care- of nickel and titanium (NiTi) and ex- for dentists. They are now able to re- fully selected on the basis of their struc- ploited its exceptional qualities: namely, duce the risk of future infection by of- ture and compatibility with its own its shape-memory effect and superior fering patients a deeper cleaning for a strategies. flexibility and elasticity. The instruments better root canal treatment. 1. would also undergo an electro-chemical www.fkg.ch

>> MEDICAL Mag 55

With its capabilities in design, development, indus- trialization and manufacturing, Valtronic is a verti-

cally integrated supplier of high-quality medical 2. devices and high-reliability products in active im- What sets Valtronic apart from scientific, technical and business ex- plants, complete medical systems, medical robotics, other micro-electronic contract perts that are focused on building aeronautics and other markets. manufacturers? strategic partnerships, bringing projects Valtronic is a supplier with strong engi- to the next level of innovation. Focus is «Valtronic is neering capabilities for medical products. on working with inventors, researchers, committed to Several characteristics set us apart from start-ups and/or investment partners designing and traditional contract manufacturers. Our on a variety of business development manufacturing focus and experience are in complete transactions from R&D to global prod- innovations that medical systems and smart money in- uct development and engaging in empower our vestments. transactions such as ventures, invest- Mastering the very medical device ments and more. customers to Microelectronics is becoming smaller create improved and more intelligent as medical/con- Give us more information about patient care and sumer wearable’s and the «internet of your medical experience outcomes». things (IoT)» market continues to grow. Valtronic has been active in medical Platz Rainer, CEO Our teams of engineers have the re- market for over 30 years. Our business small and complex Valtronic Technologies SA quired competencies to take an idea or is focused on active implants, from neu- current prototype and re-engineer it for rostimulation to glucose monitoring sys- manufacturability, quality, cost efficiency tems. Currently we are venturing into and of course, our number one value, the animal health market. As for medical miniaturization. devices, our experience ranges from to serve a variety drug delivery devices to imaging, and so Next, we consider our agile footprint forth. something that stands out from our competition. With a facility in Switzer- What do our readers not know land and the U.S.A., our footprint is about Valtronic? global. We can offer to european cus- The part that many people don’t really of domains tomers high quality at an offshore price, know about Valtronic is the entry of production flexibility in low to high vol- business growth in areas of aerospace umes, as well as the ease of product and industrial markets, security & com- 3. transfers among Valtronic sites. Our of- munications, automotive, sensors and fering is endless to ensure best cost so- system assembly. Valtronic is making the lution to our customers. shift with the market and joining the trend of IoT and competing for this busi- 1. Bonder programming in clean room. By offering co-development and indus- ness. For example, sensors are the hot trialization services, our capabilities allow item right now, as sensors are in every- 2. DirectSTIM lead: the assembly of the us to manufacture implants, high preci- thing and everywhere. Sensors are a distal tip of the lead is done at Valtronic sion robots complex products and com- great project for Valtronic due to our is a concentrate of micro-technology including thin-film manufacturing, micro- plete systems. miniaturization expertise and high qual- bonding, micro-molding and electrical ity efficiency. testing. And finally, our business development effort was launched in late 2014 and It is an exciting time to open up our sites 3. DirectSTIM Implantable Pulse Generator: has come full circle bringing exciting to new markets and take our experience once connected to the lead, the system is used as adjunctive therapy aimed at new proprietary projects on board. of «miniaturized» down an entire new reducing some of the symptoms of With Smart Money Investments into path! Guiding innovation to success. advanced Parkinson’s Disease (PD). young technologies or ventures, we 1. have grown a fully integrated team of www.valtronic.com

>> MEDICAL Mag 57

Whether implanted or worn on the body,

medical products using ultra-low-power chips 1. The structure of a typical behind-the-ear from ON Semiconductor Switzerland change hearing aid. 2. Ezairo® open programmable digital the lives of millions of people worldwide. hearing aid Silicon-in-Package and System- On-Chip.

1.

N Semiconductor is an integrated the time, revolutionized this landscape device manufacturer (IDM) by developing fully programmable digi- O based in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. tal signal processors, allowing the same with a wide portfolio of energy efficient chip to run different programs, and be 2. solutions for the automotive, comput- upgraded according to the latest ad- ing, communications, consumer, mili- vances in hearing loss recovery algo- tary/aerospace, industrial and medical rithms, all this at a power consumption Our team is driven by the innovation as- markets. As part of the Medical and competitive with other more traditional pect, the technical challenges, and the Wireless Products Division, the Marin, hearing aid chips lacking that flexibility. impact that our chips have on people’s Switzerland site has roots in a startup This technology was so successful that life. We help people hear better and re- called dspfactory and the Institute of Mi- it triggered the acquisition of dspfactory connect with their relatives and friends, crotechnology (IMT) in Neuchâtel by AMI Semiconductor in 2004, and relieve pain quickly with the aid of a (which is now part of the Ecole poly- later ON Semiconductor in 2008. patch diffusing painkiller through the technique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)). skin, allow diabetics to control their Medical Applications blood sugar level automatically and Core Expertise Being part of a bigger entity opened up continuously without the need to take ON Semiconductor Marin specializes in new product development opportunities blood samples, and help doctors know the design of ultra-low-power inte- in the Medical area. Over the years, ON if their elderly patients took their medi- Powering grated circuits for medical applications. Semiconductor Marin has developed cine as prescribed. All of these things This expertise relies on an industry lead- chips for applications such as electrocar- truly make a difference in people’s lives, ing low-power analog-to-digital con- diogram (ECG) monitoring, heart rate and keep the development staff highly verter technology (ADC), a strong monitoring for pacemakers, transdermal motivated. experience in low-power analog and drug delivery, continuous blood glucose digital design techniques, a deep knowl- monitoring, pill ingestion monitoring, Latest and future products a difference edge in digital signal processing (DSP), and counts today many of the world’s In October 2015, we launched Ezairo® and integration know-how to fit this biggest medical equipment manufactur- 7150 SL, an open-programmable DSP- technology into a single System-on- ers amongst its customers. based Silicon-in-Package (SiP), which en- Chip (SoC) for miniature, optimized ables wireless connectivity in hearing aids products. and cochlear implants. This allows users to control their hearing aids wirelessly in people’s lives «We provide Hearing Aids from their smartphone, or to stream low-power Our team first focused on hearing aids, stereo audio directly from their TV. silicon solutions and developed the world’s first open- With our know-how in analog front- for the medical programmable digital hearing aid back ends, digital signal processing, low market to in 2001. At the time, most hearing aids power design, and system integration; improve people’s were still analog in nature and the few ON Semiconductor is well-equipped to lives.» that were processing sound digitally address booming markets such as were made of fixed function blocks due Philippe Bourban, portable medical and consumer health. Site manager to power consumption constraints. dsp- ON Semiconductor factory, as the company was called at www.onsemi.com

>> MEDICAL 2.. Mag 59

A leading designer and manufacturer in dental equipments located in Bienne/Biel near Bern, Bien-Air was founded in 1959 by David Mosimann. This inventive pre- cision mechanic with high entrepreneurial skills installed the company on a way 1. The rotor's micron-precise design coupled of continual expansion. Today, the Bien-Air group consists of two specialized com- with optimal air pressure distribution and exhaust flow, warrant the TORNADO an panies, Bien-Air Dental and Bien-Air Surgery. More than 350 employees in unrivaled 30-watt power output.

Switzerland and worldwide enjoy the continuity, full independence, stability as 2. The implantology system iChiropro using an iPad paves the way for a new genera- well as flexibility of this family run company. tion of medical equipment. ▲▲▲ BY JEAN-LUC RENCK

ien-Air has behind its high end dental instrumentation. The company in the capacity of their electronic con- dental and surgery equipment can proudly promote for instance its trols and the development of integrated B the experience of more than a TORNADO turbine – with an outstand- systems. New challenges have been set half century in the rich and dense envi- ing power of 30 Watts – as the number by digital technologies. «Much further ronment of microengineering expertise one instrument in its category; the speed- than just storing and instantanously re- 400'000 rpm qualifying the «Watch Valley» area. iest as well as the most silent on the mar- trieving patient's informations on a The company has its head office in ket! All this implies the deepest expertise tablet without the need of paper any- Bienne and an assembly plant in the in frictions, weight and noise control, re- more, a dentist can now prepare virtu- Jura region. No better place to have sistance of materials, durability, corro- ally an operation after 3D modelization Bien-Air's cultural heritage of research, sion... «In short: many and sometimes of a patient's mouth through scanning. high precision and practical ingenuity contradictory challenges in the smallest All the parameters – rotation speeds, on a tooth... and prospering. Creation and manufacturing possible space» says Edgar Schönbächler. angles... – assessed during the simula- of all of its products are done locally. tion can be stored and applied to the in- «Local partnerships are an important struments for the real intervention», part of our efficiency», CEO Edgar «Longlasting Edgar Schönbächler explains. That is to Schönbächler says. Products are distrib- local partner- say that tools have now to be designed uted worldwide through a network of ships are an for an integration in a digital environ- other challenges subsidiaries and retailers that ensure also important part of ment. Bien-Air tackled this integrative a superior after-sales service. our efficiency». way with its iChiropro system as a core Edgar Schönbächler, tool for digitally controlled operations in Stimulating technical challenges CEO of Bien-Air Dental SA implantology and surgery or its iOP- The engineering challenges in dental TIMA system for restorative and en- equipments are numerous. To operate «At the same time, from a dentist's dodontic procedures. comfortably in small spaces, instruments point of view, tools have just to be reli- must be of limited size despite their con- able and simple to use», the CEO points Technologies change, infinitely promis- stant needs in water, air, light... There areout. Bien-Air has evolved through years ing, but human values remain the focus: also safety challenges regarding the pa- from just an instruments manufacturer since 1959, Bien-Air has been commit- tient, starting with the cooling of micro- to a customized line designer – their ted to independance and excellence, to rotors that can revolve 400'000 times a aims beeing a reduced number of instru- practitioners' efficiency and patients' minute! Bien-Air has patented a unique ments and devices to ensure the full comfort through simple and reliable system named CoolTouch+ that keeps array of operations and an optimized equipment. This will not change. the instrument head at human body time schedule for the practitioner. temperature in all situations. www.bienair.com Dental surgery goes digital It is no accident that Bien-Air Dental is Improving the efficiency of instruments 1. among the world leaders for powered also goes along today with an increase

>> WATCHMAKING 60 II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 61

Progressive stamping tool

Two and a half centuries ago, as the industrial revolution The most complicated watch in the world was spreading, timekeeping started to inspire Western Switzerland. Some brilliant technical skills awoke which ma- tured toward micro and now nanotechnologies of the high- est demands. These investments in early innovation and technology are giving back. Western Switzerland has the most accomplished and prestigious watchmaking industry in the world.

Photo: «Le Creux-du-Van». Neuchâtel Rolex’s 5-year warranty on all models © swiss-image.ch / Matthias Taugwalder Matthias / swiss-image.ch ©

>> WATCHMAKING Mag 63

Located in Le Brassus, a watchmaking jewel in the canton of Vaud, Meylan Frères SA has specialized in progressive stamping / die blanking since 1972. The company offers a reliable, precise and cost-effective 1. Parts on stripe. solution for the production of highly technical micro- 2. Large variety of applications. mechanical parts. 3. Progressive stamping tool.

2. 4. Factory in Le Brassus, Switzerland.

The specialist for ur specialty area, progressive possible, has greatly contributed to the tooling, enables a wide range of success and international renown of the O highly diverse and complex oper- company. Our clients include prestigious ations to be carried out without rework- watchmaking brands as well as ing, depending on the geometry of the renowned industrial groups. part. In watchmaking, but also in other your micromechanical sectors such as electronics, medicine, Meylan Frères SA also manufactures etc., Meylan Frères SA works with many micro-mechanical parts with wire or die- tips of material, with thicknesses of sinking EDM. Meylan Frères SA contin- ~ 0.01 to 1.3 mm. ually invests in new equipment in order to remain at the cutting edge of tech- 3. nology and offer you the highest possi- «We shape your parts ble quality. project, even the most ambitious www.meylanfreres.ch one!» Christian Meylan, CEO of Meylan Frères SA

Based on the customer's design, we will carry out a study of a progressive tool and its complete fabrication, taking full responsibility for production, including the maintenance of tools. A quenching and polishing workshop as well as a control and metrology department com- plete our services.

The integration of various production processes allows us to ensure optimal management of the quality, costs and deadlines for any product.

Carrying out ambitious projects through 1. stamping, considered by many to be im- 4.

>> WATCHMAKING II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 65

Bovet 1822's recent unveiling of the Amadeo Fleurier 2016. In a word, we are carrying on our drical balance spring: Bovet is one of just BraveHeart presents a timepiece that pushes the vertical integration. When we took over five manufactures producing its own Dimier in 2006, it only manufactured balance springs. boundaries of chronometric precision. The result is an tourbillons. We began by increasing exceptional creation, a limited edition of course, for quality, while at the same time develop- Energy transmission has also come ing a new calibre, one that wasn't a tour- under the spotlight, particularly as Bovet which five patents have been filed. billon. As you can see, it has taken us had decided against a constant-force otel Beau-Rivage, with its breath- eight or nine years to get there.» regulator. Its solution takes the form of ▲▲▲ BY CHRISTOPHE ROULET FOR WTHEJOURNAL taking vista of Geneva's lake- three-dimensional toothing for more ef- As far H front, welcomed us for this There was nothing fortuitous about this ficient energy consumption and a mas- meeting with representatives of Bovet introduction. The Virtuoso II, which dis- sive power reserve, bearing in mind that Fleurier. An appointment made early in plays hours and minutes on both sides power transmitted to the regulating the year and which would, as always, of the movement, features a patented organ is more constant over time. The serve to present the latest timepieces seconds carriage with the unique feature Amadeo Fleurier BraveHeart is equipped from the brand. It therefore came as of a double-coaxial mechanism. Seconds with two barrels that deliver 22 days of as chronometry something of a surprise to hear are shown on each side of the move- power reserve, and a spherical differen- Christophe Persoz asking «how much ment by hands which share the same tial gear thanks to which the watch can time do we have?» If the answer had axis. However, the direction of rotation be fully wound with just 55 turns of the been «thirty minutes», no doubt we is reversed. Enough to get the designers crown, compared with 30 turns for a would have been sent packing. After all, of the Amadeo Fleurier BraveHeart standard ETA 2892 calibre having just 42 can go among the Bovet watches waiting to movement thinking… with the addi- hours of power reserve. Bovet has filed make our acquaintance was the Amadeo tional difficulty that this dual display five patents for the innovations brought Fleurier BraveHeart, a mechanical and must fit around a tourbillon carriage. A to this watch which, insists Christophe artistic gem that cannot be hurried. world first. «This is generally how we Persoz, comes well within the criteria re- Whetting our appetite, Christophe Per- work,» Christophe Persoz confirmed. quired by any chronometric rating. soz declared that «in chronometric «We start out with a drawing or an idea, Needless to say, the decoration lavished terms, as a Maison that stays true to tra- regardless of its feasibility. Solutions on this timepiece does justice to the ditional watchmaking, hence which does come later. The advantage of this technical innovations it has inspired. not have recourse to alternative, high- method is that it encourages creativity.» Bovet spent fifteen years bringing its tech materials, I believe we have reached idea to maturity and a further four years the ultimate limit of what can be Highly rated to develop the watch, which is a study achieved and imagined. I don't see how Bovet's watchmakers clearly had creativ- in the manufacture's expertise. It will be it would be possible to go any further.» ity to spare in finalising this new calibre, produced as a limited edition of 80, at a codenamed 17BM02AI22J, comprising rate of no more than 30 pieces a year. Vertical integration 722 parts and intended to stretch the www.bovet.com First on the list for perusal were the limits imposed by the tourbillon while Amadeo Fleurier Monsieur Bovet and improving timekeeping precision. With- Amadeo Fleurier Virtuoso V, both out going into detail, certain aspects of equipped with the Virtuoso II calibre, the this innovative mechanism command first movement without a tourbillon reg- attention. First the choice of a flying ulator to be entirely developed and man- tourbillon, for transparency. But not any ufactured by Bovet. Having made its flying tourbillon: the carriage is «held» debut last year in two models, it is now at the centre of its axis, so that the es- set to extend across the collections, with capement can be positioned below this the one exception of the Grandes Com- fixation point, and the balance and plications range, aided by the fact that it spring assembly above it. A further im- was designed to integrate numerous provement to the timekeeping precision functions. «Last year we equipped 50% of this innovative construction comes of our watches with in-house move- from the balance wheel itself - Bovet has ments,» commented Christophe Persoz. developed a three-spoked felly balance «We expect to increase this proportion in aluminium for optimum inertia - and to 75% this year, and probably 90% in from the in-house manufactured cylin-

>> WATCHMAKING Mag 67

Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli is Hublot’s new glamour girl. The brand’s new fe- male ambassador was officially named in New York. With her stunning smile and infectious good humor, she pursues her passions guided by one point of reference: her Big Bang Broderie. Two minutes of charming spontaneity – ready, set, go! ▲▲▲ BY MATHILDE BINETRUY FOR WTHEJOURNAL

Hublot’s very first female ambassador: Bar Refaeli, model Bar Refaeli. two minutes of your time!

Do you tend to be on time or late? On time. I’m always two minutes early, even! What is your motto? «To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.» Oscar Wilde What is your power reserve? My sofa is the most comfortable place in the universe (laughs). If you could stop time, what would you do? Architecture studies. Unfortunately, it takes seven years. I’ve been working Who would be your ideal dinner Where will you be one hour from since a really young age and I’m afraid I guests? now? won’t have enough time to do it. Alan Turing. I’ve just seen his latest film At my gym class. You can always spare 10 minutes Imitation Game and I loved it. Who with? for…? What is your guilty pleasure? With my coach. Cuddling my loved ones. I am a very French fries! If you had to pack up and drop warm person and I grew up in an affec- Which is your favorite season? everything right now, what would tionate family. For me, being close to Spring. It’s too hot in Israel in summer. you do? people is a regular part of life. If you were a watch, which would I would go to the beach (laughs). On the other hand which activity you be? do you never have time for? I would be a Hublot Big Bang Jeans... RM 19-02: Tourbillon Fleur by Richard Mille Enough cuddles! (laughs) with 28 hours on the dial (laughs). www.hublot.com

>> WATCHMAKING II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 69

Rolex now offers a 5-year warranty on all its models. This is a first in watchmaking and says a lot about the brand’s confidence in its products – and how far its competitors have to go to catch up. t may not be standard practice in the watchmaking industry quite yet, but I that day might come. Beginning on ▲▲▲ BY MICHEL JEANNOT / BIPH July 1st 2015, Rolex offers now a 5-year warranty (up from 2 years previously) on every model in its collection. This means that from now on the 2,000 or so Rolex watches sold daily by autho- rised dealers around the world will carry a 5-year guarantee from the brand with 5 Years the crown. Rolex has kept this new extension of its standard warranty relatively quiet, only announcing details to its sales network. According to one authorised dealer, this Guaranteed – is because the company considers that «extending its guarantee to 5 years goes hand in hand with the constant advances the brand has achieved since its incep- tion, a result of its total focus on reliability Rolex leads the way and performance». The dealer also cor- roborated something that is no secret in the trade: Rolex is undeniably among the brands to cause the least worries for the After-Sales Service. 1. Rolex Global Headquarters in Geneva. 2. Like all Rolex models, the Cosmograph Constant Innovation Daytona now enjoys a 5-year warranty. The fact that one of the leading brands in Swiss watchmaking is extending its guarantee period across its entire output clearly shows unshakeable confidence in 2. the reliability of its products. Because at that level of production (around 700,000 watches sold each year), any issues of re- ted with Co-Axial movements. In both water resistance, accuracy and reliability liability 3 or 4 years down the line gen- cases, however, the guarantee does not and this latest move reflects those devel- erating a flood of returns would have cover the brand’s entire production. At opments. This spring it unveiled its latest disastrous repercussions on a brand’s fi- another level altogether – 3,000 watches mechanical movement in , the most nances. No major watchmaking com- produced per year at the very peak of technically impressive ever certified by a pany could shoulder that kind of risk, the watchmaking pyramid – Richard brand, with 5 patents and accuracy to which probably explains why most war- Mille has been offering 5-year guaran- +/-2 seconds per day. Seen in this light, ranties on Swiss watches run out after 2 tees on its timepieces for several years al- the new 5-year guarantee is unlikely to years. But now, with this bold move from ready. be considered an end in itself for Rolex Rolex, new lines in the sand are being – which would explain the lack of big drawn for the future. It’s worth noting With this new 5-year warranty, Rolex noise about it – but simply as another that Breitling also offers a 5-year guar- takes the lead in an area that very natu- stage in the process of differentiating it- antee on all models with proprietary rally has a direct impact on consumers self from the competition. manufacture movements and Omega (and their bank balances). The brand has 1. gives a 4-year warranty on its models fit- consistently focussed on advances in www.rolex.com

>> 260TH ANNIVERSARY II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 71

ean-Marc Vacheron, 260 years first that necessitated the solving of im- Vacheron Constantin has just unveiled the most com- ago, signed up his first appren- pressive mathematical and technical plicated watch in the world. This concentration of J tice. This desire to pass on ex- problems. It also gives a few clues as to pertise has taken on a whole new the origins of the buyer. mechanical watchmaking, commissioned by a private meaning 260 years later, as the Genevan Manufacture can not only So what is the price of this piece that is collector, took eight years to develop and includes a boast the title of the world’s oldest unique in every way? «No comment» total of 57 complications. watchmaking brand in continuous op- from Vacheron Constantin, who simply eration, but it has also just unveiled the confirms that the price was set at the most complicated watch ever produced. start of the adventure, even before all ▲ BY MICHEL JEANNOT / BIPH ▲ ▲ the properties of the piece had been de- «The race for a record-breaking watch fined. But these unique and exceptional wasn’t an end in itself – the interest of «image» pieces are not the most prof- the project lay in the challenge it repre- itable from a strictly accounting perspec- sented,» explains Juan Carlos Torres, tive. It is rumored that Johann Rupert, CEO of Vacheron Constantin. In reality, CEO of the Richemont group, in ecstasy the request came from a leading watch the other day over the finished watch, collector and connoisseur who came to remarked that it was… too inexpensive! Vacheron Constantin nearly ten years 1. ago to order «the most complicated www.vacheron-constantin.com The most complicated watch of the 21st century». A hand- adventure in the form of the world’s shake later, the order was signed and most complicated watch, the Reference sealed for everyone involved. All that re- 57260, featuring 57 complications – 1. Vacheron Constantin Ref. 57260 - Back. mained was to design, develop, perfect some of which are unprecedented at this and produce the watch in question... level of creation and complexity – and 2. The three master watchmakers who integrating 2,800 components. In sum, designed the Reference 57260 watch in the world by Vacheron Constantin. Jean-Luc Perrin, Eight years of hard work in Vacheron a pocket watch weighing almost a kilo Yannick Pintus, Micke Pintus. Constantin’s bespoke pieces workshop incorporating nearly a dozen world firsts were required of the manager in terms of watchmaking functions and 3. Vacheron Constantin Ref. 57260 - Front. Dominique Bernaz and three highly ex- patents filed. For the record, the previ- perienced master watchmakers to meet ous title holder, the Calibre 89 by Patek this challenge, during which time the Philippe presented 27 years ago, in- collector extended his requirements fur- cluded 36 complications. ther, suggesting the addition of an un- precedented complication: a perpetual Originating as a commission from a pri- Hebrew calendar. vate collector, Vacheron Constantin’s Reference 57260 – produced as a one- off piece – includes just about every major complication known to watch- making, as well as new developments. Retrograde dual display flyback chrono- graph, Westminster chime, grande son- nerie, petite sonnerie, alarm, night-time silent mode, perpetual calendar with a host of indications (including, as well as the usual features, sidereal time, zodiac 2. constellations, and more), equation of time, a new type of 12-hour second Thus, earlier today, in its Manufacture in time zone and a spherical tourbillon! But Plan-les-Ouates, Vacheron Constantin the most remarkable is, without doubt, 1. unveiled the results of this extraordinary the perpetual Hebrew calendar, a world 3.

>> MATERIALS II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 73

Nanoplastics with megaproperties

New treatment «BLANC» (Beluga-Like Advan- ced Nanotec Coating) To allow creatures to swim, walk, fly, and to interact with matter and energy, protect themselves… nature has in- vented so many materials, finely designed and tuned to such a variety of functional surfaces… Countless games have been played naturally out rewardingly with innumerable molecules. Still, engineers in Western Switzerland continue to imagine and design new innovative materials at the micro & nano- scale for applications that reach into every part of society. Patient positioning element for spinal surgery Photo: Geneva © FGTC / Olivier Miche Olivier / FGTC ©

>> MEDICAL MATERIALS 2. II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 75

materials because of their excellent me- chanical properties and their very light weight. Weight savings lead to im- With an ISO 13485 certification and more than proved fuel efficiency and allow the 25 years of experience in the development and pro- construction of larger aircrafts, capable 1. Hand layup of carbon fiber prepregs. of transporting more passengers at 2. Patient positioning element for spinal duction of complex composite material parts, Com- greater speeds. A substantial research surgery. effort has therefore been achieved by posites Busch has emerged as a powerful OEM the aerospace industry, as well as gov- supplier for the manufacturing of medical devices. ernmental and academic communities, in order to develop this class of materi- y adapting to the needs and re- als. This means that these materials are • pleasant to the touch, providing a feel- quirements of customers, sur- well characterized now and given the ing of warmth when in contact with B geons and patients, the company broad spectrum of polymers and rein- the skin has been able to capitalize on its expert- forced fibers available, these have been • visually and aesthetically appealing. ise for the development of innovative applied to other industrial sectors, such products destined for a variety of appli- as the medical technology. Risk control cations: external fixation elements for Once benefits and costs have been as- Medical solutions osteosynthesis, patient supports and po- Benefits for medical devices sessed, and both technical and eco- sitioning systems, handles and other The composite materials used in medical nomic feasibility have been components for surgical and dental in- applications must meet extremely strin- demonstrated, realistic and profitable struments, single-use ancillaries, patient- gent standards and respond perfectly to implementation of composites is con- specific surgical guides, ... end-use requirements with regards to ceivable. However, for successful imple- performance and reliability. If these cri- mentation, yet another important go composites teria are met, composite materials can parameter needs to be considered. This «Think right, think become an interesting alternative to parameter is the risk factor. The risk of composites!» metals and metal alloys traditionally introducing a new technology must be Dr. Nicolas Bernet, used in medical devices. In order to acknowledged, understood, assessed General manager compete with materials like stainless BU Medical and perfectly managed, especially when steel, titanium and aluminum alloys, it comes to public health. Increased particular composites (mainly based on product performance and quality assur- carbon fibers) have been developed ance help minimize risk, but come at a Fiber reinforced polymers specifically for surgical instruments, or- cost premium. Major advances have been made during thopedic products and implants. The Advantages, costs and risk are thus the past three decades in the develop- fast progress of composite materials in closely linked to each other and will all ment of organic matrix composites. This the medtech field has come to a large have to be considered, not only from a type of material consists of a polymer extent from the following advantages: technological point of view (including matrix which is reinforced with short or • light weight, combined with mechani- mechanical performance, biocompatibil- long, continuous or discontinuous fibers, cal properties which can be modulated ity, durability, disposal after use and so which enable to gain a high resistance • anisotropic behavior, allowing differ- forth), but also from a strategic point of against ruptures and a high rigidity at ent properties and functionalities to be view (including composite engineering the same time. Polymer matrix compos- obtained in different part areas or di- skills, supply chain management, regu- ites are usually divided into two cate- rections latory trends and so forth). gories: • resistance to repeated sterilization Therefore, the wish to replace a metallic - reinforced plastics cycles without deterioration of per- component by a component made out - high-performance (also called ad- formance, aesthetic aspect and di- of composite material will have wide- vanced) composites, which contain a mensional characteristics ranging implications. Contributions and large volume percentage (more than • approved biocompatibility of certain advices from specialists involved in the 50%) of long and highly resistant matrices and fibers, suppressing the development and manufacturing of fibers, such as carbon fibers, glass risk of allergic reactions caused by the composite materials are thus essential for fibers or aramid fibers. release of metal ions maximizing the success of integrating The aerospace industry in the US and in • x-ray transparency, thereby allowing these materials into medical products. Europe has been the predominant driver optimal interpretation and visualiza- 1. in the research of advanced composite tion of radiographic images www.compositesbusch.ch

>> MATERIALS 2. 3. Mag 77

The Institute for Applied Plastics Research (iRAP) in Fribourg deals with most activities in polymer process- 1. Injection mold with an integrated magne- ing, with a concentration on two main areas: materials tization technology. The lines on the blue piece visualize the magnetic field of an with high added value, their improvement and selec- he iRAP Institute at the School of mer suitable for conducting high electric injected composite magnet. tion, and the processes linked to developing ecode- Engineering and Architecture in Fri- currents of several amperes. T bourg has several key projects in 2. Laser texture on a mold surface. The effect sign in plastics with a focus on injection molding. the domain of micro and nano materials. In your «Dielectric and magnetic of textures and coatings on demolding of nanofillers» project, using nanopar- the polymer was analyzed. The blue bar corresponds to 250 micron. What is the Eurostar «Superslip» ticles allowed you to greatly increase the project for instance? dielectric response of a polymer? 3. Network formed by electrically conductive In the context of an European project, Polymers are systematically used as in- fillers (bright red) in a plastic matrix we evaluate the influence of surface sulating components in electric storage (brown). The blue bar corresponds to coatings and surface textures on plastic media such as capacitors. However, 250 micron. parts sticking to the injection mold. A polymers commonly show a very low specific test mold was conceived in dielectric response that therefore lowers Nanoplastics order to install cylindrically shaped in- the electric storage capacity. In this proj- serts and to measure the force arising ect, we demonstrated that silica-coated technology that can withstand the in- during the ejection phase. The ejection iron oxide (hematite) nanoparticles in- jection pressures and temperature. force is directly correlated with the poly- tegrated in a PMMA matrix were able Nowadays, we manage the production mer sticking to the mold’s surface; this to increase the dielectric response by a of composite magnets with our part- was used as criterion for the effect of a factor of 15. Furthermore, the iron ner’s specifications and the technology with megaproperties surface treatment. Figure 2 shows a oxide provides a tunable magnetic re- is now integrated into their production typical laser surface texture that was sponse that enables control of the di- line. characterized in this project. The Super- electric and magnetic properties of slip project brought to light a new gen- polymers by integrating one single filler Also a start-up developed a new tech- eration of CrN-based surface coating material. nology for micro-/ nanostructuring tools that was combined with ion implanta- used in injection molding? tion. The micro-/ nanostructuring of poly- «Polymers with mer surfaces offers tremendous poten- What about «SigmaPlast» project? high added value tial for added functionality to be The «SigmaPlast» project represents in- are one of the integrated into plastic products, such as deed one of the main strategic axes of main strategic holographic optical effects for security the iRAP Institute and is carried out in directions of the features. The start-up company Mor- collaboration with eight industrial part- iRAP Institute.» photonix (www.morphotonix.com) ners. It falls within the field of polymers Dr Stefan Hengsberger, faced the challenge of developing a with high added value. We have as- professor of physics and new technology for the direct micro- nanotechnology, member sessed the potential and durability of of the institute iRAP /nanostructuring of tools used in injec- highly electrically conductive hybrid tion molding. The quality of the grating polymers for a potential application for reproduced on the plastic part was in- circuit boards in electronic or mecha- A similar principle in your «Magplast» vestigated by changing the different tronic products. Hybrid conductive poly- project involving nanomagnets? parameters of injection molding and of mers are systems composed of a plastic The objective of the Magplast project the grating. In this project we could matrix with a network of electrically was to inject polymer pellets into the demonstrate that the quality of the conductive fillers (see Figure 3) capable mold that were highly filled with ferro- plastic reproduction depended greatly of conducting electric currents and/or magnetic particles in combination with on mold temperature, viscosity of the thermal heat fluxes as well as serving as a magnetization of the plastic part (see plastic, injection speed and direction, an electromagnetic shield. An important Figure 1). One of the project’s main and back pressure. outcome of the SigmaPlast project was challenges was the conception of the 1. the development of a new hybrid poly- mold with an integrated magnetization http://irap.heia-fr.ch

>> MATERIALS II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 79

2. Founded in 2004, Positive Coating SA is character- ized by the development of innovative solutions in the field of decorative surface treatments for luxury goods based on the PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) 1. New treatment «BLANC» (Beluga-Like and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) technologies. Advanced Nanotec Coating). 2. CVD & PVD treatments Patented white owadays, Positive Coating SA functioning in a gas, maintained with re- range of perfectly reproducible colors counts more than 20 qualified duced pressure. Application of an elec- and are applicable on complex three-di- N collaborators on its production trical field leads to a cold luminescent mensional parts. Moreover, tiny extra site and an infrastructure at the forefront plasma which allows to deposit every thickness ensures intact preservation of treatment called of technology. It uses industrial PVD and type of material on various metals and the mechanical surface structure. CVD equipment of variable sizes and ca- ceramics: steel, titanium alloys, copper pacities, allowing to treat large or small alloys, yellow/white/red gold, sintered CVD NanoDeCo treatments guarantee series with economically advantageous tungsten, zirconia, alumina, sapphire. an excellent protection against corrosion conditions. of metalic substrates. In spite of a very strong chemical stability, processes are «BLANC» With an experience of more than «Innovation is reversible. 10 years, its expertise and its know-how our prime Taking advantage of exceptional techni- are recognized by the most famous motivation which cal characteristics, CVD NanoDeCo tech- watch-making brands and by market leads us to nology offers a superior quality and leaders in the fields of leather goods, always get a step irreproachable esthetics, fulfilling the re- jewelry, writing instruments and the ahead.» quirement of the watchmaking sector. medical sector. Pierre-Albert Steinmann, President Director Innovation and R&D Placed in the heart of a prestigious mi- Mainly active in the decorative treatment crotechnical industry, Positive Coating CVD technology (Chemical Vapor of watchmaking components, Positive elaborates premium technological prod- Deposition) Coating develops novelties, in terms of ucts which contribute to the renown of In 2014, the company has revealed a coatings color, by combining dry- and the Watch Valley. new family of treatments, called «Nano- wet-way technologies. DeCo», resulting from the CVD tech- PVD technology (Physical Vapor nology. As an example, the R&D department re- Deposition) cently developed a patented white treat- Sputtering is the technology used by These metallic oxide coatings apply to ment called «BLANC» (Beluga-Like Positive Coating to coat luxury items the internal components of the watch. Advanced Nanotec Coating). with decorative and/or functional thin The main applications of this new tech- films. Layers with a thickness of about nology are the coloring of movement Unceasingly in search of innovation, the 1 micron can be deposited with a perfect elements, the colorless protection R&D department of Positive Coating is control of color, adhesion, hardness and against oxidation/tarnishment of silver committed to remain at the forefront of durability. The mechanical structure of plated dials and the realization of two- technology and to offer its customers a surfaces (polished, glossed, sanded, etc.) colored parts without shielding. quality and a variety of top-of-the-range are preserved after treatment. Thanks to a nanometric thickness con- services. 1. It is a deposition process under vacuum trol, CVD layers of oxides offer a wide www.positivecoating.ch

>> SUB-CONTRACTING 2. 3. Mag 81

The development of new products can become a 1. Mecatis engineering: concept, program- ming and schematic proposal. puzzle for SMEs. Engineering – related to product, 2. Fabrication: complex part machining. process or documentation – consumes great re- 3. Industrialisation: mounting & wiring series sources and sometimes small businesses with good of machines. ideas can simply not implement them. A company lo- 4. Maintenance: curative and preventive maintenance. cated in Valais, Mecatis offers the dose of oxygen ocated at Isérables, just at the ar- nesses often miss: first a mastery of the they need. A meeting with Samuel Vuadens founding rival of the cable car, Mecatis' complete design chain and secondly, a L premises extends to 1000 m2 and point of view from the outside. We al- specialist. The company also offers pos- associate of Mecatis. includes offices as well as prototyping ways start from our customers' need, sibilities for product testing and valida- and assembly workshops. This company we help clarify it and then we develop tion. of 15 people works with a network of an answer». independent professionals and offers its From need to functional product expertise in engineering to companies Process engineering Subcontracting all or part of its engi- active in microtechnology. As of today As in the example above, Mecatis can neering on some projects may seem 80% of its customers are in the Jura re- function as a genuine contractor that «dangerous» for SMEs, but this opera- Broad engineering gion. First customer of the company: manages the entire process (research tion allows them to have a specialized Affolter technologies in Malleray, can- suppliers and subcontractors, follow- resource used punctually. Mr. Vuadens ton of Bern. Mr. Vuadens remembers: up,...). Here again, listening to the concludes: «The know-how of our net- «I worked at Affolter's R&D office and needs is paramount. The company may work allows us to allocate resources per- when I decided to follow the path of in- implement processes and deliver them fectly adapted to each project, we offer dependence, the management encour- in the hands of customers or keep them a clear and transparent process and of resources at your aged me and gave me my first (whole or in part) internally. Mr. course our ethics ensures confidentiality. mandate: the development of a loading Vuadens says: «The answer we provide The perceived risk is a barrier, but once device. Results being very positive, our really depends on our customers. There- the contact made and the customer in- collaboration continued». fore we generally start with a "small" formed in detail, this barrier reduces». project and once our customer con- The references list of Mecatis is getting vinced by a good development, we can longer day after day and proves Mr. convenience «Day after day, offer more». Vuadens right. Are you facing an engi- our team tries to neering problem? Do not hesitate to innovate to bring Documentation engineering contact Mecatis. our clients Once a product completed and indus- complete solu- trialized, its public life can start ... and www.mecatis.ch tions that will other challenges await the entrepre- make them more neurs. Documentation must accompany competitive.» the life of the product. Mecatis also pro- Samuel Vuadens, vides a complete service at this level. founding associate of Having developed the product, engi- Mecatis neers can create adhoc documentation for certification and for customers. Product engineering At the level of product design, Mecatis Mounting of prototypes and more... offers different services. From complete ln addition to all aspects related to re- design based on specification (often search and development, Mecatis has its created by Mecatis discussing with cus- own premises intended for assembly of tomers) to risk analyses. The company’s prototypes or small series in subcon- engineers are highly sensitive to design tracting. Assembly of prototypes can for series products. Mr. Vuadens says: also be carried out in customer's plant 1. «We offer two elements that small busi- with the help of a Mecatis engineer or 4.

TH >> SPOTLIGHT ON... CARAN D’ACHE 100 ANNIVERSARY II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine 8383 2. Mag

1. Savoir-faire SwissMade: Caran d’Ache Located in Geneva since its inception in 1915, Caran d’Ache is committed 1010 Diamonds. The most expensive pen to creating and developing writing and drawing instruments. They are in the world? Priceless: pièce unique. combining the finest materials with the most innovative skills – including 2. Applying Chinese lacquer. some that are extremely rare, such as the exceptional art of authentic 3. Caran d'Ache first manufacture. Chinese lacquer done by hand in the ancestral manner. Today, and ever since the creation of the Maison, all Caran d’Ache products have ince its beginnings, when the gent regulatory requirements are ap- production plant have reduced heating been produced in its Geneva workshops. Swiss watchmaking and jewellery plied to all Caran d’Ache products in costs by 50%. The installation of 800 m2 S industries were enjoying major order to ensure safe use, even by our of solar panels on the roof has reduced growth, Caran d’Ache has been part of youngest customers. CO2 emissions by 23 tonnes. 1 million this same lineage of excellence, technical litres of oil have been saved over 50 quality and craftsmanship. Today, it em- Through its commitment and ethical re- years through the incineration of recov- bodies the same high quality standards, sponsibility, the Maison Caran d’Ache ered wood shavings. Each year, almost while fostering continuous innovation works to preserve the natural environ- 50 tonnes of shavings are collected, and improvement. ment and its resources, while placing compacted into briquettes and used as Caran d’Ache, human beings at the very core of its de- fuel for the factory’s central heating sys- «Our company’s velopment. The production facilities tem. This produces an important reduc- sustainability is consistently incorporate best practices in tion in waste, cuts heating costs and the result of hard terms of the social, environmental and disposes of unusable materials. By the work, passion and economic life of its internal structures, as same token, the Manufacture has given above all a refusal well as in its regular exchanges with up the use of solvents for lacquers based 100 years of to compromise suppliers and partners. on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), on anything which have been replaced by new which is not in Respect for the environment is reflected water-based lacquers. In keeping with line with our in activities aimed at optimising energy this resolutely long-term vision, the mission and our efficiency and closed-cycle processing of Maison Caran d’Ache ensures a careful values.» metals. In the last 30 years, improve- equilibrium between an ethical environ- continuous innovation ments in the thermal insulation of the ment and sustainable quality. Carole Hubscher, Caran d’Ache Chairwoman

Every Caran d’Ache product is subject to the strictest quality controls, applied both to raw materials and their sources, as well as to the processes used by the Maison. This approach is an essential component of the Swiss Made quality label and the control system in place en- sures compliance with the strictest crite- ria and standards. Colour pencils and inks are systematically tested for their lightfastness, while fountain pen nibs and ballpoint or roller pen tips are checked in terms of their priming quality and writing flow. Individual controls are conducted regularly in accordance with 1. requirements and product types. Strin- 3.

>> SPOTLIGHT ON... CARAN D’ACHE 100TH ANNIVERSARY 8585 6. Mag

Caran d’Ache gets involved in the 4. Limited edition Alchemix Solar Impulse. fascinating adventure of Solar 5. Caran d’Ache: Spirit of Switzerland. Limited Impulse Edition 2015, 100 th Anniversary: 100 pieces. Solar Impulse is making history, with a little help from Caran d’Ache. The iconic 6. Caran d’Ache is proud to announce its new Swiss brand is involved in this fascinating role as principal sponsor of Belinda Bencic adventure for two years as a specialized (18 years), Swiss tennis player. partner. As part of this initiative, Caran 7. Caelograph Edition Alpha: an ingenious d’Ache became the official supplier of and sophisticated instrument to gaze at the pens used by the two pilots. A big the stars at a given time and place. favorite with travelers because of their incomparable writing quality and high resistance to atmospheric pressure, these writing instruments are used primarily 2010: Launch of the Luminance 6901, for making entries in the precious log- the colour pencil with the high- books. est lightfastness certification. 2010: Creation of the most expensive As a specialist partner, Caran d’Ache writing instrument: 1010 Dia- now enjoys the tremendous privilege of 4. monds Fountain Pen. This counting Bertrand Piccard and André unique creation in white gold Borschberg among its brand ambassa- a spirit of innovation, «Swissness», and focus on more technical developments, with more than 850 pure dia- dors. The mutual appreciation which ex- a strong commitment towards sustain- particularly research into the kinds of monds is a genuine masterpiece ists between Solar Impulse and Caran able development. This wonderful rela- high-tech components and materials of craftsmanship. d’Ache is based on three shared values: needed to produce innovative pens. tionship is set to flourish further with a 2012: Invention, development and KEY MILESTONES production of the Caelograph, the first writing instrument that 1915: Foundation of the «Fabrique 1952: Caran d’Ache starts developing allow to read the sky. Genevoise de Crayons» in a new formula for wax oil pen- 2014: Development and production of Geneva cils. And so Neocolor I is born the 825 Antibactérien, a 100% 1924: Acquired by Arnold Schweitzer, and became an essential fine Swiss Made pen that eliminates the «Fabrique Genevoise de arts product. 99.9% of all bacteria. Crayons» is renamed «Caran 1953: At first dedicated to high quality 2015: Caran d’Ache 100th anniversary. d’Ache», in honour of the fa- mechanical pencils, the collec- www.carandache.com mous French artist Emmanuel tion Ecridor welcomes in 1953 Poiré. precious ballpoint pens. 1920’s:Technograph, a cedar wood 1969: Instantly identifiable, the 849 graphite pencil decorated with ballpoint pen has a hexagonal fine gold lettering, has symbol- shape and the ultra-comfort- ised the expertise of Caran able proportions of an iconic d’Ache in graphite since the model. 1920s. 1970: Launching of the Madison col- 1929: First designed in 1929, Fixpen- lection, the first to include a cil is the first mechanical pencil fountain pen. in the world equipped with a 1983: The Maison Caran d’Ache de- patented gripping mechanism. velops its unique know-how 1931: Caran d'Ache revolutionises the with Chinese lacquer. world of design and colour 1999: The Modernista Diamonds when it invents Prismalo, in its fountain pen enters the Guin- Geneva workshops, the world’s ness Book of Records as «the 5. first water-soluble colour pencil. world's most expensive pen». 7.

The Micronarc network: an example of 7 innovative companies, in the 7 cantons of Western Switzerland II - 2016 Micronarc Magazine Mag 87

Geosatis SA, Le Noirmont A mission at the Kizy Tracking SA, A GPS ankle bracelet that fulfils Neuchâtel the real needs of society. Locate and trace objects everywhere, www.geo-satis.com for weeks or months, heart of micro and without running out of battery (no GPS), and without any additional investment. www.kizytracking.com SwiSS-9 GmbH, Nidau nanotechnologies

Development, production and commercialization of surface A unique hub of competence functionalization products Micronarc covers a region with a highly future generations of a qualified work- Nanolive SA, (hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, developed industrial culture that has force; Lausanne superoleophobic coatings). evolved into a centre of excellence in www.swiss-9.com micro and nanotechnologies. Solidly an- • acting as a source of reliable and ac- A revolutionary tomographic chored in a centuries-old tradition, the cessible information, serving as an in- microscope to look instantly passion for innovation and extreme pre- strument for the dissemination and inside living cells in 3D. cision is reflected in a dense network of exchange of knowledge, both in the www.nanolive.ch www.micronarc.ch educational, research and business insti- professional and public arenas. tutions. This translates into optimum Bcomp Ltd., performance in terms of symbiosis in re- To achieve these objectives, Micronarc: Fribourg search and applications, transfers of technology, and innovation cycles. • manages and operates the internet Development and patenting of portal www.micronarc.ch; technologies allowing the fabrication A communication platform of superior products from natural Micronarc is a communication platform • establishes a strong presence at the in- Plair SA, fibres. created by the governments of the ternational level, notably through the www.bcomp.ch seven cantons that constitute Western organisation of grouped stands at in- Geneva Switzerland (Berne, Fribourg, Vaud, dustry trade shows; Valais, Neuchâtel, Geneva and Jura). Its Solutions for real-time airborne Biowatch SA, mission is to contribute towards: • organizes professional and public allergen monitoring. events; www.plair.ch Martigny • developing and promoting a regional scientific, technical and economic base • provides information, networking Highly secure, highly convenient, in the micro and nanotechnology sec- structures, and business introductions. biometric authentication that tors, as well as related educational recognizes your wrist. structures, R&D facilities, technology Executive Office www.biowatch.ch transfers, inward investment and busi- FSRM – Swiss Foundation ness structures; For research in Microtechnology Micronarc Ruelle DuPeyrou 4, CP 2353 c/o FSRM – Swiss Foundation • encouraging seamless interaction be- CH-2001 Neuchâtel - Switzerland

For research in Microtechnology Micronarc is an initiative of the Cantons tween all participants; Tel. +41 32 720 09 00 of Bern, Fribourg, Vaud, Valais, Neuchâtel, Geneva Ruelle DuPeyrou 4 and Jura. Supported by the Swiss State www.micronarc.ch Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) CH-2001 Neuchâtel - Switzerland under the NPR. • attracting other creative and innovative Tel. +41 32 720 09 00 forces, generating jobs and ensuring

Micronarc Alpine Meeting 7 th edition The Micronarc team 88 Mag

The Micronarc Expert Committee was Micronarc is managed by its Executive set up in 2008. Its mission is to establish Secretariat, the Swiss Foundation for Re- strategy guidelines for the Micronarc search in Microtechnology (FSRM) in The Microproducts Annual Meeting 31 January - 2 February 2016 platform, to direct the platform, initiate collaboration with the GIM-CH / Swiss- Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland new activities, and serve as liaison be- mechanic. tween the various participants. Contacts Microsystems have entered the age of high volume production for consumer applications, especially

mobile phones, ICT, watchmaking and medical disposable devices. The issues associated with the CSEM © The constituent members are: Danick Bionda production of these are of continued interest to manufacturers. These include tooling in high volume Secretary General fabrication of precision parts, making highly efficient and reliable automated assembly lines and test Vincent Rivier, President systems for microproducts. There is a fast growing market for such components and products. Director of the Registre du Commerce Following in the success of the first 6 editions, The Micronarc Alpine Meeting 2016 will continue Serge Amoos its focus on equipment and innovative processes and technologies for manufacturing microprod- ucts. This 2-day conference intends to stimulate networking and discussions in the casual atmosphere Administrative Coordinator, The Ark of Villars, a charming village and ski resort located at 1250 meters of altitude. The event is a high-level, Foundation niche workshop which provides participants with an excellent overview of state-of-the-art manufac- turing technologies. More information at: www.mam2016.ch Dr Stefan Hengsberger Professor, EIA Fribourg EARLY PROGRAM See web site for the most up-to-date information Sunday 31 January 2016 Antonio Rubino 18:00 Registration open Secretary-General GIM-CH Welcome drink at the hotel (dinner afterwards on your own) Alain Codourey Monday 1 February 2016 Managing Director Asyril SA 09:00-09:30 Welcome Session Danick Bionda, Secretary General, Micronarc Frédéric Chautems Prof. Dr. Volker Saile, Chief Science Officer, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Plant Manager MPS Watch (Germany), President, Mancef 09:30-10:00 Invited Keynote on the Future of Micro-manufacturing I Philippe Fischer Prof. Richard Leach, Professor in Metrology, Faculty of Engineering - The University Director FSRM of Nottingham 10:00-10:30 Coffee break + exhibition visit Jacques Jacot 10:30-12:15 Micro-manufacturing Applications I – Watchmaking 1 keynote + 3 speakers Professeur honoraire EPFL + Exhibitor elevator pitch (3 min) Reynold Jaquet 12:15-13:30 Lunch in the hotel 13:30-15:00 Micro-manufacturing Applications II - Medtech 1 keynote + 2 speakers Member of the Berne Precision Cluster + Exhibitor elevator pitch (3 min) Committee 15:00-15:30 Coffee break + exhibition visit 15:30-17:30 MEMS 1 keynote + 3 speakers + Exhibitor elevator pitch (3 min) Micronarc - The communication platform Georges Kotrotsios 17:30 Adjourn for the day of a unique hub of competence Vice President CSEM SA 19:00 Conference Dinner - Meet in hotel lobby at 19:00 Rolf Gobet Tuesday 2 February 2016 Director, Office for the Promotion of 08:30-10:00 Novel Manufacturing I - Energy Harvesting 3 speakers + Exhibitor elevator industries and Technologies, pitch (3 min) 10:00-10:30 Coffee break + exhibition visit Canton of Geneva Executive Office: 10:30-12:00 Novel Manufacturing II - Printing Technologies 1 keynote + 2 speakers + Exhibitor FSRM – Swiss Foundation Fabienne Marquis Weible elevator pitch (3 min) For research in Microtechnology 12:00 Lunch in the hotel Ruelle DuPeyrou 4, CP 2353 Director of the Association Suisse pour CH-2001 Neuchâtel - Switzerland 13:30-15:00 Novel Manufacturing III - Assembly and Laser Methods 1 keynote + 2 speakers + Tel. +41 32 720 09 00 la Recherche Horlogère Exhibitor elevator pitch (3 min) Fax +41 32 720 09 90 15:00-15:30 Coffee break + exhibition visit www.micronarc.ch Max Monti 15:30-16:15 Invited Keynote on the Future of Micro-manufacturing II 1 keynote Research Director, Haute Ecole ARC 16:15-16:30 Final Remarks A Micronarc event organised with 16:30 Conference adjourns - Farewell reception in hotel lobby Martial Racine ad personam as a COMET conference Micronarc is an initiative of the Cantons of Bern, Fribourg, Vaud, Valais, Neuchâtel, Geneva and Jura. Supported by the Swiss State With the support of Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) Micronarc is an initiative of the Cantons under the NPR. of Bern, Fribourg, Vaud, Valais, Neuchâtel, Geneva and Jura. Supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) under the NPR.

91 Events 2016 Events 2016 Mag

You are cordially invited to exhibit with Micronarc at our 2016 events, or simply to drop by and visit our stand. Contact us at +41 32 720 09 00 or by e-mail at [email protected]

24 to 28 January 2016 Event abroad November 2016 Event abroad IEEE MEMS 2016. 29th International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems. Shanghai, China. Grenoble Innovation Fair. Grenoble, France. www.grenoble-innovation-fair.com www.mems2016.org November 2016 Regional event 27 to 29 January 2016 Event abroad SICHH - Swiss Integrative Center for Human Health. Fribourg, Switzerland. www.sichh.ch NANOTECH JAPAN - International Nanotechnology Exhibition and Conference. Tokyo. www.nanotechexpo.jp November 2016 Regional event 31 January to 2 February 2016 Regional event Micro and Nanotechnologies in materials and processes for European polymer industry. Fribourg, Switzerland. MAM 2016 - Micronarc Alpine Meeting 2016. The Microproducts Annual Meeting . 7th edition. http://swissplastics-cluster.ch Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland. www.mam2016.ch 7 to 9 November 2016 Regional event 9 to 10 March 2016 Event abroad NanoBioTech. Montreux, Switzerland. www.nanotech-montreux.com SSI 2016. Smart Sytems Integration. Munich, Germany. www.mesago.de/en/SSI/ 14 to 17 November 2016 Event abroad 12 to 14 April 2016 Event abroad Compamed. Düsseldorf, Germany. www.compamed-tradefair.com Medtec Europe - New Medical Technology Device Events & Exhibitions. Stuttgart, Germany. www.medteceurope.com 15 to 18 November 2016 Regional event 19 to 22 April 2016 Regional event Swisstech, International Fair for Materials, Components & System Assembly. Basel, Switzerland. www.swisstech-messe.ch SIAMS 2016 - The trade fair for microtechnology production tools . Moutier, Switzerland. www.siams.ch

20 to 22 April 2016 Event abroad Medtec Japan - Asia's largest exhibition for medical equipment. Tokyo, Japan. www.medtecjapan.com/en W 18 May 2016 Regional event E STI Industry event. Lausanne, Switzerland. http://sti.epfl.ch S 10 June 2016 Regional event RobotYx - Y-PARC - Swiss Technopole . Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland. www.y-parc.ch/events/robotyx-2016 T

14 to 17 June 2016 Regional event E EPMT-EPHJ-SMT - Professional Microtechnology Exhibition. • Medtech Microtechnology Day with HEPIA at EPMT. • Microtechnics Alliance Interclusters Event at EPMT. Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland. www.epmt.ch R

30 June to 1 July 2016 Regional event N SWISS NANOCONVENTION 2016. Basel, Switzerland. www.swissnanoconvention.ch

6 to 8 July 2016 Event abroad iCan 2016 Contest of Applications in Nano-micro Technology. Paris, France. www.ican-contest.ch S

8 to 10 september 2016 Regional event W Micro16. Neuchâtel, Switzerland. www.micro16.ch I September 2016 Regional event T Carrefour des Créateurs. Lausanne, Switzerland. www.carrefour-createurs.ch Z 19 to 23 September 2016 Event abroad MNE 2016. 42th Micro and Nano Engineering conference. Vienna, Austria. www.mne2016.org E September 2016 Event abroad R COMS 2016. 21th annual conference on commercialization of micro- and nano-systems. Houston, USA. www.mancef.org/coms/coms-2016 L

27 to 30 September 2016 Event abroad A MICRONORA. International Microtechnology Trade Fair. Besançon, France. www.micronora.com N October 2016 Regional event Events with Micronarc. Cantons of VS, BE, JU, Switzerland. www.micronarc.ch D technologytechn integration for theth products of tomtomorrow

www.csem.chwww.cse [email protected]