9T Labs, experts in digital, automated and cost-competitive serial production of continuous fibre components, has announced that its Additive Fusion Technology (AFT) was chosen to produce the carbon composite watch case for Oris SA’s new limited edition watch.
This distinctive Swiss timepiece honours Coulson Aviation, a Canadian company that provides aerial forest fire suppression, for its work in protecting people and the environment. The relationship with Coulson is part of Oris’s “Change for the Better” initiative, a series of collaborations with pioneering conservation organisations.
“Our new watch pays tribute to the courage and dedication of Coulson Aviation’s aerial firefighters by featuring high-tech carbon composite materials used in aerospace, a patented 3D fabrication process never before used in watchmaking and a dramatic, fire-orange face,” said Ulrich Herzog, chairman, Oris SA. “The additively manufactured carbon composite watch case made with 9T Labs’ technology is strong, ultra-light and rigid for top performance in the field. This unique watch symbolises the shared values of Oris and Coulson, including continuous innovation and early adoption of leading-edge technology.”
Oris looked beyond traditional manufacturing and materials to achieve its goals for waste reduction, exceptional durability, and its increased reliance on Swiss excellence. The company chose 9T Labs whose unique AFT platform combines software, additive manufacturing and compression moulding in matched metal dies. Using AFT, 9T Labs mass produced 1,000 units of the Coulson limited edition watch case from a thermoplastic composite based on PEKK engineering resin and reinforced with 60% continuous carbon fibre. The PEKK material, a high-density resin, provides a solid, substantial feel to the watch.
The AFT process delivered significant advantages over the state-of-the-art method of cutting the watch case out of metal blocks. For example, the AFT technology achieves extreme lightweight at highest strength, low waste and unique aesthetics from the preservation of the continuous carbon fibre and consistently high quality across all 1,000 watch cases.
“We are thrilled and extremely grateful for our successful partnership with Oris,” said Giovanni Cavolina, chief commercial officer and co-founder, 9T Labs. “The collaboration did not only help enhance the performance and aesthetics of the Coulson watch, it also demonstrated the potential of 9T Labs’ Additive Fusion Technology to become the new industry standard for mass producing composite products strong, lightweight and sustainably like never before.”
