Manufacturing Micro-gears with a maximum thickness of ≤0.800mm
Mimotec produces a wide variety of precision micro-gears, including cogwheels, pinions, gears with backlash adjustment, and non-circular gears. These can be used for mechanical watch movements, as well as for micro-reducers or micro-pumps for the medical industry (e.g. insulin pumps).
Advantages of UV-LIGA Technology in Micro Gears Manufacturing
The great advantage of UV-LIGA technology or electroforming technology for micro-gear manufacturing is that it can produce gears that strictly adhere to the theoretical profile. Whether external, internal, or backlash-compensated, these gears are characterised by circularity and coaxiality between the central hole and the tooth head in the micron range.
The UV-LIGA process is perfectly suited for producing precision micro-gears, from prototyping to large series.
The smallest micro-gears can have diameters as small as 700µm, with a thickness of 400µm.
Materials for micro-gears manufacturing and integrated components
It is also possible to produce a micro gear coupled to a pinion or cam in one piece. This simplifies assembly operations considerably and guarantees perfect indexing of one in relation to the other.
Our precision micro-gears are made from hard nickel-based stainless materials such as Ni, NiP (100% non-magnetic), and NiFe, as well as hard Au24 carat (220HV).
Combined with a polished surface finish of the functional surfaces (Ra 15–20nm) and high hardness (ranging from 540HV to 610HV), Mimotec micro-gears produced by UV-LIGA technology offer excellent wear resistance.
Custom Micro-Gears for Diverse Applications
All of our micro components are manufactured based on drawings provided by our customers. Thanks to the great design freedom of our manufacturing process, we are able to produce custom tooth structures to meet the specific requirements of your applications. As the examples below illustrate, the only limit is your imagination.
Examples of Micro Gears in Watch Gears Manufacturing & Other Applications
Micro Gears for Micro-Annular Gear Pumps
Example of gearing for micro-annular gear pump applications which allow very precise flow control.
Two-Level Micro-Gears
Micro-gear with external and internal teeth, planet-type, offering very high precision teeth structuring as well as perfect coaxiality (+/-1µm).
Double-Stage Micro-Toothing in Micro-Gears
Example of double-stage micro-toothing, with specific structures that are perfectly angularly aligned with each other for smooth motion transmission.
Micro-Gears with Dual Functionality
It is also possible to combine a dual function in one micro component. This example from watchmaking shows a one-piece cogwheel and cam – a solution which removes the assembly process and guarantees perfect alignment of the cam and the wheel.
Three-Level Micro-Gear for Watchmaking Applications
A 3-stage differential wheel, commonly found in watch gear manufacturing, forms part of a gear train found mainly in watches with multiple escapements, double balances, double tourbillon or more.
Asymmetrical Split Micro-Gear – A Breakthrough in Micro Gears Manufacturing
This asymmetrical split gearing structure eliminates backlash in motion transmission when changing direction.
The flexible section is achieved with a thin blade of 20µm, which can be up to 200µm thick.
This innovative micro gear structure is only possible with our UV-LIGA manufacturing method which offers exceptional precision and performance.