The Steps To Additive Perfection
01 - Grade 23 Titanium Powder:
Apiar utilises aerospace standard Grade 23 Titanium, superior to the Grade 5 more commonly used in watchmaking.
With a mere 0.013% oxygen content, Grade 23 offers enhanced fracture toughness and biocompatibility.
Its premium qualities make it ideal for aerospace, biomedical applications and of course superior quality watch cases.
02 - Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF):
Renishaw 500Q Flex Machines craft our cases using a Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) process.
The process utilises high precision lasers to selectively sinter titanium powder at over 1660°C, one layer at a time.
Thousands of intricate 0.06mm sintered layers culminate in a complex 3D Invenire 'Near Net shape'.
03 - De-powdering Process:
Brushes are used within the machine to remove 99% of the powder covering the build plate.
The parts are then transferred to a high-frequency oscillating machine to remove any residual powder deposited within the complex case geometry.
04 - Heat Treatment Process:
The part then undergoes an annealing heat treatment process at 850°C for 2 hours within a precisely controlled furnace.
The purpose of heat treatment is to relieve residual stresses within the part in order to maximise the mechanical properties.
05 - Parts removed from the build plate:
During the printing process, the cases are welded to the build plate by the lasers.
To detach the parts, a wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) machine is used.
Carving New Ground In Revolutionary geometries
Celebrating the elegant intersection of form and function in watchmaking
Honeycomb
Drawing from nature's wisdom, we've adopted hexagons, known for efficient tessellation and inherent strength. These qualities yield robust components with minimal material usage, emulating engineering best practices.
Gyroid
The Gyroid is a very complex geometry which is excellent at handling compressive loads. Additive Manufacturing now enables accurate reproduction of this advanced geometry.
X - Lattice
The X-Lattice excels in strength-to-weight, ideal for aerospace applications. Beyond its technical prowess, its futuristic elegance enhances our watch designs.
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FAQs
For the answers to the most frequently asked questions, please see below: -
Given the custom nature of our timepieces, the manufacturing process takes between 4-6 months. You will receive regular updates as your order progresses, and accurate delivery date information once the order is ready to be shipped.
You’ll find the words “10 bar” engraved on the underside of all of our watches. To qualify for said certification they have been rigorously tested in line with ISO 22810. This testing regime ensures the robustness of the watch not only during a maximum pressure event of 10 bar but also for prolonged submersion underwater whilst also withstanding thermal shock when moving across temperature gradients.
At Apiar, each of our Invenire timepieces is meticulously crafted and personalised to your specifications. They are made-to-order, ensuring that each watch is as unique as the individual who wears it. Owing to this bespoke nature of our production process, we regret that we are unable to offer refunds on purchases.
At Apiar, we stand by the enduring quality of our Invenire timepieces, offering a comprehensive 2-year warranty with every purchase. We believe in the longevity of our watches, and we want you to enjoy them with peace of mind. Beyond the warranty period, our commitment to your satisfaction continues with our dedicated servicing program. We are here to ensure that your Invenire keeps ticking as beautifully as the day you first adorned your wrist with it, now and for the many years to come.
If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].