Today, laser technology has reached a level that makes it ideal for the medical device industry in more than one way. Wavelength, output power level and beam quality can be adapted for cutting, welding, structuring or marking of a wide range of materials.

Innovation
Laser welding of polymers is one example for new production technologies. All thermoplastic resins and thermoplastic elastomers can be joined pressure-tight and with nearly base material strength. Given the right choice of wavelength and additives, laser welding achieves perfect surfaces without residual microparticles and adhesives or roughness.

Miniaturization
In metal processing, with excellent beam qualities and flexible pulse shaping, lasers have come to set seam and spot welds in the micron range. This new precision is the key to processing ever smaller and more sensitive workpieces, such as micro-welding of Nitinol wires of 20 microns in diameter.

Perfect surfaces
Almost every form of material processing leaves unwanted traces on the workpiece, in the production of medical devices almost always a problem. Perfectly hygienic surfaces free from burrs, grooves and residues are a must. The high quality of laser-cut edges, almost without unwanted burrs, edge hardening and tapering, drastically reduces the need for finish processing.

Consistent quality
Since the laser beam as cutting- or welding tool does not wear out, consistent quality of cuts and joints and thus the quality of workpieces can be maintained. Intelligent controls guarantee constant laser power, beam quality and pulse form. Because all the processing is contact-free, a number of optical inline monitoring methods are available.