anOrdain

Case Study

anOrdain + University of Strathclyde

To develop the in-house capability in advanced metrological techniques for the production of complex watch parts.

anOrdain

anOrdain are based in Glasgow, Scotland, and create artisanal, high-end mechanical watches with enamel dials. The traditional craft of enamelling is arguably the most difficult dial (face) making technique in watchmaking, and anOrdain has built a reputation as a market leader.

What was the need?

The Challenge

The challenge is to develop and implement a digital-twin-driven precision machining process for delicate watch hands, so that anOrdain can manufacture these components inhouse with improved quality design flexibility.

anOrdain watches are currently hand-made and they have no CNC (computer numerical control) machining experience in-house. anOrdain want to bring advanced CNC-machining expertise in-house, allowing them to develop tubular hands in-house at a commercially viable scale. This improved manufacturing accuracy and speed will bring prototyping in-house, allowing designers to develop/test new ideas and meet future commercial demands, whilst reducing wastage of precious materials.

What changed?

The Impacts and Benefits

Impacts for the Company

Although the KTP project is still in its early stages, it is hoped that this KTP will allow anOrdain to increase output by manufacturing watches that do not rely on the very laborious and highly skilled enamelling process, or third-party hand suppliers in Switzerland.

There are many luxury watches with metal dials and flat hands. By incorporating the world's only tubular hands, anOrdain will create a unique selling point (USP) for our new product line.

Impacts to the Academic Team

This KTP is an opportunity for the academic team to further advance their leading research in precision manufacturing in a real-world environment. The outcomes of the project will contribute to several key research areas, especially in digital twin, AI and precision motional control.

The outputs of the KTP will contribute to case studies and projects in MSc Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Systems, as well as undergraduate modules

The academic team hope to publish 2 journal papers in 'Precision Engineering' and 'Journal of Materials Processing Technology' as well as presenting at two international Conferences.

Smart manufacturing will be informed by the outputs of the project, which are anticipated to help secure further funding to set up two new PhD student projects to develop in-line metrology and work handling systems.

The People

Meet the Team

Xiuyuan Chen

KTP Associate

Euan Law

Company Supervisor

Prof Xichun Luo

Knowledge Base Supervisor