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AssigneeRichemont International SA
InventorsLaurent CATALDO, Greg M. Morris, Eli Liechty
Estimating the term…
A method for producing a watch case middle having reduced weight is disclosed. A 3-D data set is generated for the case middle, the model comprising at least one internal cavity within the case middle. The 3-D data set is converted into a plurality of layers, each layer representing a cross-sectional layer of the middle, and then the case middle is formed layer-by-layer from powdered material using an additive manufacturing process such as DMLS in order to provide the case middle with a unitary construction. Loose powder is removed from each cavity via one or more powder evacuation holes formed between the cavity and an external surface of the case middle, and a through hole formed through the middle is machined to a desired finish and/or precision, the through hole being designed to receive a control member stem when a watch movement is mounted inside the middle.
A method for producing a watch case middle having reduced weight, comprising:
A watch case middle comprising an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface defining an opening for housing a watch movement, the case middle comprising at least one internal cavity that extends around the case middle between the inner and outer peripheral surfaces such that the case middle comprises at least 25% less material than a solid case middle having the same external geometry but no internal cavities, the case middle being formed layer-by-layer from powdered material using an additive manufacturing process such that the case middle has a unitary construction throughout.
A method for producing a watch case middle having reduced weight, comprising:
A method for producing a watch case middle having reduced weight, comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.