“Microns d’Or” contest:
rewarding innovation

The Microns d’Or contest is now recognised by professionals as the indisputable benchmark of innovation.

The contest rewards the most innovative micro and nanotechnology products presented at Micronora for the first time.

3 categories are represented:

  • Machinery & equipment
  • Microtechnology components & subassemblies
  • Intelligent systems & software

The Microns d’Or are awarded only to exhibitors, co-exhibitors, brands and firms represented at the fair. (Write to contact@micronora.com for an application pack)

WINNERS IN 2022

VULKAM

Microtechnology
components

Micron d’Or
for a new industrial process, to manufacture, for example, more efficient and more resilient watch movement parts by thermomoulding amorphous metal alloys: Vulkalloys.

SYMÉTRIE

Microtechnology equipment on production
or laboratory machines

Micron d’Or
for an innovative positioning system: the compact MAUKA hexaglide, which can position loads of up to 5 kg with a precision of 0.5 μm in translation and 5 μrad in rotation with 6 degrees of freedom.

PRÉCISE FRANCE – GROUPE PRACARTIS

Machines for production, assembly and
measurement/control of microtechnology products

Micron d’Or
for a 3-5 axis mini-CNC centre: the PRECIBOT takes on the challenge of providing very high precision despite its light weight (under 100 kg) and very small size, all while taking into account current economic and environmental trends.

FEMTO-ST

Micro and nano-system demonstrators
and prototypes reserved for laboratories

Micron d’Or
for an optical micro-tweezer fitted to the end of a stretched optical fibre measuring 50 μm x 40 μm x 25 μm: leading the way with a new generation of nanorobotic structures.

Special jury prizes

AMADA MACHINERY EUROPE

For a system to programme reproducible profile grinding operations with micron precision.

DIXI POLYTOOL

For a patented coolant system incorporated directly into the tool to optimise the cutting process.

Winners at previous trade fairs

Jury’s prize of honour
STÄUBLI ROBOTICS STÄUBLI ROBOTICS

For a mobile, adaptable and autonomous robotic system for the industry of the future, applicable to intelligent and flexible production, helping to relieve operators during repetitive tasks.
Hall A1 – aisle 2 – stand 220 and Zoom Industry 4.0
Winners 2018
PROTAVIC INTERNATIONAL

Products integrating nanotechnology solutions
PROTAVIC INTERNATIONAL

Nano d'or
For formulating and creating transparent, conductive and flexible surface coatings, including silver nanowires, and applicable by liquid spray. This product is particularly suitable for defrosting (on glass or plastic) and for anti-static protection.
Hall A1 – aisle 5 – stand 504
VP PLAST
Microtechnical components
VP PLAST
Micron d'or
For a microinjection process with a view to producing a PEEK microconnector with a diameter of 1.08 mm and a thickness of 0.5 mm. The quality of the manufactured parts stems from the precise impression machining and the robotic grasping and control systems.
Hall B1 – aisle 3 – stand 303
PERCIPIO ROBOTICS
Devices and sub-assemblies integrating microtechnical components
PERCIPIO ROBOTICS
Micron d'or
For novel tweezers with force feedback designed to simplify the handling and assembly of microcomponents (watchmaking, electronics, medical, etc.), used either manually or remotely. Contact force resolution: around 10µN (0.01g). Dimensions: 144 x 15 x 22 mm. Weight: 40 g.
Hall C – aisle 6 – stand 607
VUICHARD MICHEL
Microtechnical production tools and instruments
VUICHARD MICHEL
Micron d'or
For creating a 10 x 10 mm brass impression with a sinusoidal pattern, an amplitude of 2.5μ and pitch of 10μ, made on a machining centre using a tool with a diameter of 1μ, a pitch of 0.5μ and unparalleled know-how.
Hall B1 – aisle 4 – stand 409
LASEA
Machine tools and microtechnical production machinery, automated systems, fittings
LASEA
Micron d'or
For a laser micromachining tool combining 5 mechanical axes with 2 optical axes. This combination of up to 7 simultaneous axes paves the way for 3-dimensional high-precision laser machining with high productivity.
Hall C – aisle 3 – stand 313
FEMTO-ST / ROBOTIQUE
Microsystem prototypes exclusively reserved for research organisations
FEMTO-ST / ROBOTIQUE
Micron d'or
For the first miniature parallel robot (2 to 3 cm long) with 7 DOF incorporating a grasping function. Highly dextrous in a very small volume, it has potential applications in very limited environments.
Hall C – aisle 6 – stand 603 and Zoom Industry 4.0
Special jury prizes
EXPERTISE VISION EXPERTISE VISION

For a machine controlling 3D geometries of microtechnical components. Suitable for high-speed workflows, 100% of the parts are controlled / sorted with 20 nm precision.
Hall C – aisle 5 – stand 505
AUREA TECHNOLOGY AUREA TECHNOLOGY

For an optical measurement device comprising a photon counter and a confocal microscope for characterizing fluorescent or photoluminescent nano and microsystems in terms of intensity and fluorescence lifetime.
Hall C – aisle 1 – stand 103

Jury's prize of honour
MECADECOUPE

For producing diaphragms for Devialet brand Bluetooth speakers, marketed by Apple, with a very high acoustic and visual quality.

Winners 2016

Products integrating nanotechnology solutions

SMART FORCE TECHNOLOGIES

Nano d'or for one of the first appliances dedicated to the controlled deposit of colloidal nano particles. Sectors of application: optical, life sciences, nano structure manufacturing, microelectronics.

Microtechnical components

AGS FUSION

Micron d'or for producing, using additive manufacturing, a plastic injection mould spindle with a two-channel regulation circuit with reverse propellers of up to 0.25mm in diameter over a length of more than 100mm.

Devices and sub-assemblies integrating microtechnical components

SET

Micron d'or for the design, manufacture and fine-tuning of a very high precision ±0.5µm "flip-chip bonders" machine. Sectors of application: calculators integrating optics, high-definition cameras, spatial, medical.

Microtechnical production tools and instruments

CRYLA

Micron d'or for producing a process to obtain a medical gold micro component weighing 0.2 thousandths of a gram in quantities of around 100,000 parts per year.

Machine tools and microtechnical production machinery, automated systems, fittings

ROFIN BAASEL

Micron d'or for a rapid cutting machine (up to 300mm/s) for transparent materials and crystals, using an ultra-short pulse laser.

Microsystem prototypes exclusively reserved for research organisations

METAMORPH

Micron d'or for an industrial solution or series manufacturing of millimetre parts in complex forms, in Amorphous Metal Alloys (AMA) with performances greatly superior to those achieved currently: 5 times more resistant, 5 times more precise, with mirror or textured surfaces.

Special jury prizes
FEMTO-ST / Dépt. Optique

For producing membrane electro-optical micro and nano components, resulting in several records for simpler machining, with surfaces superior to the state of the art (10nm roughness produced in 10 minutes).

CRYSTAL DEVICE TECHNOLOGY

For producing a digital shoe, based on an innovative concept for generating piezoelectric energy, enabling communication via Bluetooth with a smartphone.

Jury’s prize of honour
CARMAT

For making an implantable artificial heart. This prosthesis is an exceptional example of what a combination of mechanics, electronics, computing and sensors can achieve.

Winners 2014

Microtechnology components

CG. TEC INJECTION

ConProMi project - Partners: PEP and INL Micron d’or for the injection of microfluidic components comprising a 7-micron filter, made possible thanks to the design and innovative production of moulds. The combination of three technologies has pushed back the technological frontiers of injection.

Sub-assemblies incorporating microtechnology components

SILMACH

Micron d’or for a micro-device detecting and metering events such as impacts, vibrations and distortion. This system without any source of energy evaluates the potential level of damage of a structure.

Devices with microtechnology components

GF MACHINING SOLUTIONS

Micron d’or for an optical inspection and intelligent correction device in wire EDM machining. This equipment, which compares the machined profile with the theoretical simulation, offers engraving precision to the nearest micron.

Production tools and instruments

QIOVA

Micron d’or for a high-speed laser marking device (80,000 marks per hour). Innovative product due to the absence of a mask and long-awaited in the field of fighting against counterfeiting on any media.

Machine tools and microtechnical production machinery, automated systems, fittings

RÖDERS

Micron d’or for a very high speed spindle (up to 90,000 rpm) forming one of the final links in machining and micro-machining. It offers very high-quality, highprecision and surface state machining, thereby generating production gains.

Microsystem prototypes exclusively reserved for research organisations

IEMN

Micron d’or for making an insect-like flying object (ILFO) using MEMS technologies that should lead to the generation of new nano-drones for surveillance and inspection.

Special jury prizes
FEMTO-ST / Dépt. AS2M

For making a micro-system built into the head of an endoscope used for automated laser surgery on the vocal cords.

VUILLERMOZ Philippe

For a piston screw over-moulded with an elastomer washer Ø 0.99 x 0.34 ± 2 μm. Vuillermoz continues to push back the frontiers of micro-machining and micro-injection.

Winners 2012

Microtechnology components

MIMOTEC

Micron d’Or for hologram-type micro-marking done by LIGA-UV to identify and authenticate top-ofthe- range articles. This new anti-counterfeiting concept has been developed in collaboration with Le Locle Engineering School (HEARC).

Sub-assemblies incorporating microtechnology components

PEP et RADIALL

Micron d’Or for producing an "all-in-one" plastic coaxial connector using a three-material plastics injection process, selective metallizing (including the hole) and a reduction in the number of components. Productivity gain and simpler assembly.

Devices with microtechnology components

PERCIPIO ROBOTICS

Micron d’Or for a miniaturized robot-driven recognition assembly system, to assist watch-makers carrying out high-precision moving, gripping and handling operations (1 μm).

Production tools and instruments

XPRESS PRECISION ENGINEERING

Micron d’Or for a three-dimensional measuring machine designed for microtechnical objects, based on a concept that is both original and efficient, which is accurate to within a hundred or so nanometres with a repeatability of 2 to 3 nm, and at a very economical cost.

Machine tools and microtechnical production machinery, automated systems, fittings

CELADA et YASDA

Micron d’Or for a new generation 3-axis machining centre in the sub-micron domain, accurate to within a few hundred nanometres in all 3 axes, achieving a quasi-optical finish (Ra 50 nm).

Microsystem prototypes exclusively reserved for research organisations

FEMTO-ST / Dépt. MN2S – TEMPS FRÉQUENCE

Micron d’Or for an atomic clock based on MEMS technologies. Besides miniaturization, one of the innovations is the release process for caesium, a key element for the stability of the device.

Winners 2010

Microtechnology components

CG. TEC

Micron d’Or for their micro-technopolymer ball retainers (ball diameter 0.6mm) with high operating constraints enabling low-cost production series.

Sub-assemblies incorporating microtechnology components

IMINA TECHNOLOGIES

Micron d’Or for their mobile compact micromanipulator, able to move on a flat surface providing 4 degrees of freedom over a distance of several centimetres (5 nm resolution). Also comprises a toolbearing arm.

Devices with microtechnology components

DYNADENT et PLATE-FORME PROTOTYPAGE MICROTECHNIQUES

Micron d’Or for their rapid prototyping in resin, a highly innovative and unobtrusive dental prosthesis (self-adjustable bridge).

Production tools and instruments

MECADECOUPE

Micron d’Or for their progressive die which combines the cutting, stamping, assembly, sealing and check pointing of complex and diverse parts.
Significant productivity and quality benefits.

Machine tools and microtechnical production machinery, automated systems, fittings

ISP SYSTEM

Micron d’Or for their contactless electromagnetic linear actuator providing high precision flexible control. 5nm resolution (10mm travel). 1 mN strain resolution (± 5 N range). Works in harsh environmental conditions (Ultra-High Vacuum) and cleanroom.

Microsystem prototypes exclusively reserved for research organisations

FEMTO-ST / Dépt. Optique

Micron d’Or for their femtosecond (micro-needle) laser machine tool technique which enables the production of high aspect ratio nanochannels of 200 to 800 nm constant diameter, for depths of over 40 micrometres, in materials such as glass.

Special jury prizes
FEMTO-ST / Dépt. MN2S

For a microconveyer using microfluidics technology which, through levitation, enables movement, positioning and sorting of millimetre- to micron-sized microparts.

OBE

OBE For their 2.5 mm3 MIM micropart used in the composition of a spring hinge for glasses.

Winners 2008

Microtechnical parts or elements used in a component

MINITUBES

Golden Micron for the precision machining and shaping of phynox minitubes, that are used in the 3D architecture of an exceptional watch.

Functional components and simple or complex modular devices

CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES

Golden Micron for a long-stroke (for example, 10 mm) piezo-electric motor with nanometric resolution.

Devices integrating microtechnical components

ALTIMET

Golden Micron for a surface state metrology instrument, that combines three types of (optical and mechanical) sensors, designed for metrology of microboring on complex parts.

Production tools and instruments

RENISHAW

Golden Micron for a rapid measurement head for a three-dimensional measuring machine (10 times faster than standard palpation speed).

Machine-tools and microtechnical production machines automatic controls, accessories

AMCC

Golden Micron for a grasping, revolving and clamping system, using an innovative cryogenic procedure for machining medium and long runs of microtechnical parts.

Microsystem prototypes exclusively reserved for research organisations

FEMTO-ST

Golden Micron for a robot-controlled micro-assembly station by direct manipulation of microtechnical components.

Special jury prizes
MITUTOYO

For a micrometer enabling a spindle to move forward by 2 mm per drum revolution to the resolution of one micron.

HEIDENHAIN

For a new concept of the interferometric ruler eliminating deformation errors primarily due to temperature and guaranteeing the nanometer.

Winners 2006

Microtechnical parts or elements used in a component

CG. TEC Injection

Micron d’Or for microencapsulation of complex inserts obtained by extremely high precision overmoulding.

Functional components and Simple or complex modular devices

GF AgieCharmilles

Micron d’Or for a device for three-dimensional nanometric positioning based on flexible structures and used for nano-machining by EDM. (Agietron micro-nano).

Devices integrating microtechnical components

ISP SYSTEM

Micron d’Or for a mechatronic actuator with nanometric resolution and repeatability.

Production tools and instruments

IMO OBERFLÄCHENTECHNIK

Micron d’Or for MPP “Micro Precision Plating” surface treatment used for selective treatment of a continuous support. Support totally masked and areas to be coated exposed by optical laser.

Machine-tools and microtechnical production machines

DMG FRANCE

Micron d’Or for a machine combining high-speed 5-axis milling with ulstraonic machining to obtain very high quality surface condition.

Microsystems prototypes reserved for research organisations

FEMTO-ST

Micron d’Or for a microlaboratory used for manipulating and qualifying ovocytes.

Special jury prizes
FEMTO-ST

Micromodulator with high performance photonic crystal on lithium niobate.

ENSMM

Production of a completely autonomous micro-drone for reconnaissance and assistance missions in an urban environment.

Winners 2004

Microtechnical parts or elements used in a component

VP PLAST

4 mm3 connector component made with banded moulding, linking cutting and very high precision injection techniques.

Functional components and Simple or complex modular devices

PHOTLINE TECHNOLOGIE

Very high output lithium Niobate based opto-electronic modulator (10Gbits).

Devices integrating microtechnical components

SIMONIN

Digitally regulated pipette made by plastic injection, handling μl volumes, with a resolution of 0.1 μl.

Machine-tools and microtechnical production machines

GF AgieCharmilles

Wire machining tool providing very high precision machining displaying surface finish with a Ra of 0.05 μm.

Microsystem prototypes reserved for research organisations

SILMACH

Silicon clockwork obtained by Micro electrical mechanical systems (MEMS).

Special jury prize

Outillages et instruments de production

ADIAPRESS

Special jury prize for a system consisting of a very high speed hydraulic press (15 m/s) and a high precision tool for adiabatic process stamping, giving a result close to that of straight edge blanking.

Winners 2002

Microtechnical parts or items comprising a component

ACUIPLAST

Received the Micron d'Or for manufacturing an injection-moulded Teflon micro-ring, with a volume smaller than 1 mm3 with tolerances of a few hundredths.

Functional components and simple or complex modular devices

MECASEM

Received the Micron d'Or for producing a highly precise (1/100th of a micrometer) component of a part with little stiffness.

Devices with microtechnical components

RENISHAW

Received the Micron d'Or for a small "measuring sensor".
It is the smallest measuring sensor on the market today with a 25 mm diameter body.
It implements opto-electronic potentiometers, it is an original device of flexible mechanical linkage.

Production tools and instruments

B.V. Gereedschapmakerij S.M.S.

Received the Micron d'Or for stamping tools made with cutting items in zircone oxide-based ceramics. This is a solution that increases a tool's shelf-life between 300 to 500% compared to a hard metal tool (carbide type).

Machine tools and microtechnical production machinery

LASER CHEVAL

Received the Micron d'Or for a super compact laser marking machine. The product is a miniaturisation digest in marking technology. The machine is undoubtedly the smallest unit on the market for that capacity.

Microsystem prototypes exclusively reserved for research

LABORATOIRE D’AUTOMATIQUE de Besançon

Received the Micron d'Or for a monolithic actuator with a 3° flexibility. Based on the use of piezoelectric materials, it allows for manipulating objects or introducing objects in confined spaces.

Winners 2000

Microtechnial parts or items

DG CREATIONS

Received the Micron d'Or for a parallel manipulator with a 3° flexibility. 5 ranges of robotic technology for medical research.

Functional components

FORT

Received the Micron d'Or for a very small sized micro-camera: diameter 5 mm, lenght 15 mm, with a high quality adjustable optic (with a field of 130°) combined with an electronically controlled CCD sensor including a micromechanical orientation device.

Devices with microtechnical components

STATICE ETUDES

Received the Micron d'Or for a semi-automatic machine producing clean-room medical devices that allow for precision forming of polymer thermoplastic tubes through forming, welding, dulling of cutting edges, drawing out and closure.

Production tools and instruments

CHEVAL FRERES

Micron d'Or for manufacturing a glass cell measurement standard, consisting of several easilyinterchangeable elements, to measure the ionic conductivity of aqueous solutions. The measurement's precision is of 10-4, directly linked to micrometry precision or even submicrometry of machining each cell's glass element.

Machine tools / Automation

PRESSMAC

Received a Micron d'Or for a programmable multiple slide machine. The ground-breaking design means the cost of tools is reduced as well as production run change-over time.

Trophy manufacturers

The microns & nano d’or trophies were made thanks to contributions from the following companies:

KME ROLLED FRANCE
Raw Materials
6 rue de Sodetal
F-25870 Devecey
Tél. +33 (0)3 81 88 93 30
industrial-rolled-france@kme.com
www.kme.com

ANOXYDE
Anodising
9 route des Echansons
F-25870 Geneuille
Tél. +33 (0)3 81 57 74 93
a.stach@anoxyd.fr
www.anoxyd.fr

LASER CHEVAL
Laser marking of the bases
ZI des Plantes
F-70150 Marnay
Tél. +33 (0)3 81 48 34 60
laser@lasercheval.fr
www.lasercheval.fr

MECADECOUPE
Machining
3 rue Bolivert
25320 Chemaudin
Tél. 03 81 51 40 28
contact@mecadecoupe.com
www.mecadecoupe.com

SILVANT
Polishing of the μ
22 rue du Professeur Grammont
F-25450 Damprichard
Tél. +33 (0)3 81 44 50 93
contact@silvant.com
www.silvant.com

ALBER
Engraving of the plates
3 Zone Artisanale
F-25330 Cleron
Tél. +33 (0)3 81 57 26 76
contact@alber.fr
www.alber.fr

FM Industries
Polishing of the bases and plates
2 rue des Marnières
F-25530 Vercel
Tél. +33 (0)3 81 56 35 00
info@fm-industries.fr
www.groupe-fmindustries-sycrilor.ch

PATOIS Bernard
Gold Plating
4 rue de la Velle
F-25140 Frambouhans
Tél. +33 (0)3 81 68 63 48
www.patois-galvano.fr

With the support of :
LUXE & TECH

18 rue du Couvent
F-25210 Les Fontenelles
Tél. +33(0)3 81 68 53 62
contact@luxe-tech.fr
www.luxe-tech.fr