Swiss specialist in high-precision micro parts through photochemical etching, laser technology, electroforming and watch decoration.
CMT Rickenbach SA
La Chaux-de-Fonds (CH)New on Amplifa
About CMT Rickenbach
CMT Rickenbach SA is a Swiss family-owned company based in La Chaux-de-Fonds that manufactures high-precision metal components for the watch industry, medical technology, aerospace, electronics and microtechnology. Production is based on photochemical etching, nano- and femtosecond laser technology for cutting, engraving and welding, as well as micro bending for miniaturized metal parts. Material thicknesses from 10 µm to 2 mm are processed burr-free without heating. With over 40 years of experience in electroplating, the company offers decorative and functional electrolytic coatings in gold, nickel and rhodium. The range is complemented by watch decorations (satin finishing, pearling, Geneva stripes, diamond polishing, skeletonization) and engraving in chemical, laser and mechanical form. Fast, cost-effective tooling enables delivery times of 2 to 4 weeks, with rush orders within one week – from prototype to large-scale series.
- Site
- La Chaux-de-Fonds
- Processes
- Photochemical etching, Laser technologies (laser cutting, engraving, welding), Engraving (chemical, laser, mechanical), Electroforming (electrolytic deposits: gold, nickel, rhodium etc.), Micro bending, Watch decorations (satin finishing, CNC/manual pearling, diamond polishing, beading, Geneva stripes,, Photochemical etching/cutting, Laser cutting, engraving and welding (nano- and femtosecond lasers)
- Materials
- Stainless steel, Steel, Durinox, Durnico, Copper, Brass, Copper-beryllium, Arcap
- Certificates
- Bureau Véritas Certificate
- Industries
- Watch industry, Medical technology, Aerospace/Defense, Automotive (Transport), Electronics/Connector technology, Microtechnology
- 01
Photochemical etching/cutting
- 02
Laser cutting/engraving/welding
- 03
Micro bending
- 04
Engraving (chemical, laser, mechanical)
- 05
Electroforming (gold, nickel, rhodium)
- 06
Watch decoration and finishing
Materials and Processes
Photochemical Etching
Burr-free cutting of complex contours in sheets from 0.01 to 2 mm without mechanical deformation.
Laser (Nano-/Femtosecond)
Precise cutting, engraving and welding of almost all metals without heating the workpiece.
Electroforming
Electrolytic coatings in gold, nickel and rhodium for decorative and functional requirements.
Micro Bending
Fine, uniform bends on miniaturized components, often combined with photochemical etching.
Engraving (chemical, laser, mechanical)
Deep and textured engraving of technical and decorative elements.
Watch Decoration
Satin finishing, pearling, Geneva stripes, diamond polishing and skeletonization in traditional and modern styles.
Locations
La Chaux-de-Fonds
CHHeadquarters and Production
- Lot size
- Prototype to large-scale series
- Materials
- Stainless steel, steel, copper, brass, titanium, molybdenum, tungsten, nickel, gold
- Nano- and femtosecond laser source
- Pearling CNC
- Photochemical etching system
- Electroplating systems
Components
Inside the production
Industries
Processes & technical limits
| Processes | Tolerance | Max. part | Weight | Lot size | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photochemical etchingSurface | ±0.005mm (positioning); standard tolerances ±0.010 mm | – | – | – | Stainless steels, Steels, Durinox, Durnico, Copper and alloys (brass, copper-beryllium, Arcap,, Molybdenum, Tungsten, Nickel, Mu-metal, Gold, Titanium (on request, max. 0.15 mm) |
| Laser technologies (laser cutting, engraving, welding)Surface | – | – | – | – | almost all metals |
| Engraving (chemical, laser, mechanical)Surface | – | – | – | – | Metals (depending on material) |
| Electroforming (electrolytic deposits: gold, nickel, rhodium etc.)Surface | – | – | – | – | Gold, Nickel, Rhodium |
| Micro bendingForming | – | – | – | – | almost all metals |
| Watch decorations (satin finishing, CNC/manual pearling, diamond polishing, beading, Geneva stripes,Surface | – | – | – | – | almost all metals |
2 Anlagen & Maschinen
| Machine | Manufacturer / model | Quantity | Working area | Year built | Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nano- and femtosecond laser source | – | – | Material thickness 10 µm to 2 mm | – | La Chaux-de-Fonds |
| Pearling CNC | – | – | – | – | La Chaux-de-Fonds |
Additional services
Quality
Every electroplating treatment is carefully controlled to ensure a clean, homogeneous and durable finish. Processing follows micrometric precision and reproducibility standards.
| Evidence | La Chaux-de-Fonds |
|---|---|
| Bureau Véritas Certificate |
History
Foundation of the family-owned company with over 40 years of experience in electroplating and watch decoration