The technological prowess essential to manufacturing intricate MR-G components
Among the original mold processing techniques developed at Yamagata Casio is the nano-processing technology at the heart of MR-G production. This ultra-precision crafting process, accurate to the nanometer (one billionth of a meter), is essential to MR-G manufacturing. Here, we look behind the scenes at the technological development driving ultra-precision processing at Yamagata Casio.
Kiwamu Suzuki
Section Leader, Mold Engineering Section, Plastic Device Manufacturing Technology Department
Developing ultra-precision processing accurate to the nanometer (1/1000 µm)
Dedicated to delivering the ultimate in toughness and beauty, the MR-G line maintains absolutely uncompromising quality in the manufacture of all components. Beautifully detailed patterns are created for each part to create numerous designs within a single dial. The key to all this: proprietary Casio ultra-precision nano-processing technologies.
Suzuki explains, “What we are talking about here are ultra-precision processing technologies capable of delivering machining precision accurate to the nanometer (1/1000 µm). At Yamagata Casio, we produce metal components with three-dimensional surfaces featuring nano-scale precision to create watch dials with a diverse variety of textural appearances. In 2004, Casio initiated a process of joint development with Yamagata Prefecture to develop innovative molding and machining techniques not known to competitors. A variety of fine-precision approaches have been applied to molding techniques, making the dreams of our timepiece designers’ come true. Nano-processing was employed for the first time in 2013 for the MRG-G1000. Then, following the installation of ultra-precision processing machinery at Yamagata Casio in 2015, improvements to machining techniques and mastery of the technology by our ‘Medalists’ have led to further advances.”
For the MR-G line, this nano-processing technology is employed primarily for parts like the dial and indexes — the “face” of the watch. It is the core technology at Yamagata Casio behind our ever more impressive MR-G designs. The MR-G line continues to evolve with a commitment to achieving the subtlety of expression and tough durability people everywhere have come to expect of Japanese products.
Machining so precise it even makes seams in componentry invisible
The molding technology used in the manufacture of MR-G dials employs a combination of multiple components, each individually processed to achieve a beautiful appearance. The dial for the MRG-B2000, for instance, is made of 16 pieces combined with such a level of precision that the seams between them are not even visible to the eye. MR-G timepieces feature an absolutely uncompromising attention to detail and strength, and we ensure the total perfection of each and every individual component .
Componentry-cutting with wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM)
Another technology behind the impressive precision of MR-G timepieces is wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM). This technology is employed to achieve precision processing, using wire to apply electrical current to components being cut at intervals of a mere two to three microns. With this process, for example, if a shape is cut out of the center of a block of metal and then reinserted into the block, the naked eye only sees a smooth surface; the gap where cut is invisible. Sophisticated technological capabilities like this are the key to MR-G craftsmanship.
Machining precision achieved by proprietary Casio nano-processing technologies
Nano-scale, three-dimensional processing technologies enable us to produce components with highly unique, textured surfaces. For the MRG-BF1000, for instance, small parts of the molds for the index marks are created using electroforming and nano-processing technology. Carefully crafted in this way, these indexes are then incorporated into the watch face, adding the sharp look of highly defined edges in a luxe style befitting the MR-G line.
