1. Why use glass microfabrication in luxury components?
It offers exceptional precision, perfect transparency, and unmatched design freedom—enabling intricate, free-form 3D creations that inspire new levels of creativity in watchmaking.
2. What materials are suited for aesthetic microstructures?
Fused silica and borosilicate glass BF33 offer exceptional clarity, transparency, and durability—both can be polished to achieve flawless finishes ideal for decorative or functional components.
3. Can microtexturing enhance visual effects?
Yes, femtosecond laser structuring produces light-diffusing or reflective surfaces.
4. Are glass microstructures scratch-resistant?
Glass provides excellent hardness and wear resistance compared to polymers and brass.
5. Can logos or patterns be embedded in glass?
Laser engraving allows permanent and precise branding in the bulk of the material.
6. How accurate are decorative microfeatures?
Micrometer-level resolution and 3D shape accuracy down to 1µm ensures flawless integration in watch components.
7. Can glass be combined with metals?
Yes, hybrid assemblies with gold or steel are achievable using welding, bonding or inserts.
8. Is mass customization possible?
Digital laser processing enables individualized designs at scale.
9. How does glass behave under thermal changes?
Glass has elevated thermal properties. It can endure significant temperature changes without deforming or melting.
10. What finishes can be applied?
Polished and matt combined with anti-reflective coatings and surface texturing enhance luxury appeal.
11. Is glass lighter than sapphire or brass?
Yes. Fused silica glass is about twice as light as sapphire and four times lighter than brass, bringing a clear benefit. For example, in the case of glass watch hands, where the reduced weight decreases energy consumption and helps extend the power reserve of the timepiece.
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