Femtosecond Laser Micromachining for Medical Devices

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Femtosecond laser micromachining is reserved for the smallest geometries possible, with features 5 micron (.0002″) and less!

This article takes a deeper look into femtosecond lasers and why they are a great option for medical micro machining.

What is Femtosecond Laser Micromachining?

Femto-second lasers use super short and fast laser pulses to machine parts. How short and fast do these lasers work? As the name states, femto pulses about 1,000,000,000,000,000 laser beams per second… Extraordinary! Compare that to a human being that may live to the age of 80, will take 673,000,000 breaths. These lasers pulse about 1,500,000 times more in one second that one may breath in a lifetime.

In a sense, femto-laser micromachining works similar to traditional mill and lathe machining, by forming a workpiece through process of removing material. However, contrary to traditional machining, femtosecond spot sizes are on the order of 5 microns. Hence, its like traditional machining with a 5 micron drill bit! Thus, femtosecond lasers allow for micromachining extremely small and resolute features.

Why Femtosecond Micromachining?

Femtosecond lasers work extraordinarily well for extremely small machined features. This technology shines where traditional machining or even EDM cannot produce such small features. This innovative manufacturing technology allows for virtually sharp inside corners and no burrs! Moreover, it can be used on a variety of materials including metals, plastics, silicone elastomers and more. In many instances, parts can be processed more cost effectively by traditional micromachining (learn more here), so femtosecond laser micromachining is reserved for only the most intricate of parts and features.

Why Femtosecond Laser Cutting?

Femtosecond micro cutting allows for making the most delicate and intricate of cuts. The ultra fast and small laser spot sizes allow, virtually vaporizes materials while adding negligeable stress to the part. The ultra fast pulsing of the laser allows for almost no heat affected zone, and furthermore no burrs! Thus, femtosecond laser micromachining is an excellent technology where delicate features and edge quality are a must have.

Femtosecond Lasers create this micro web cutout with features on the scale of microns.

Femto Laser for Medical Device

Femtosecond laser micromachining can be an excellent option where micro, delicate and high resolution features are a must. Processing by means of laser, also allows for cutting of a variety of materials commonly needed for medical device, including: Tungsten, Platinum, Tantalum, Silicone, and Braded Catheter. Femtosecond laser processing also caries the added benefit of burr-free parts, which is often so crucial for medical device.

In need of femtosecond laser machining?

We manufacture micro components and assemblies in accordance with Medical Device and ISO regulations.

  • Extensive Quality Management Systems
  • ISO 13485:2016 Certified
  • Class ISO-7 Clean Room

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