Lasers in Medical Manufacturing


The machines have steadily improved. Ultrafast, pulsed lasers had a reputation for reliably breaking down through the early 2000s, which led many to predict they’d never be used on a shop floor. But by the mid-2000s ultrafast lasers had been developed to meet the demands of industrial production.


“They’ve come a long way,” said TRUMPF’s Weiler, who said his company’s best polymer tube-cutting machine is the TruMicro 5250. “There’s no difference now in reliability.” There are other considerations too, including wavelength. Weiler said: “As it turns out, these polymers absorb the green wavelength the best.” He agrees that there’s a formidable learning curve, even after purchasing the right laser.


Chui said proper process techniques—moving the laser beam quickly and using the right assist gas, if necessary, to cool the work area and remove debris in the form of a vapor plume—are critical.


And while laser makers tout elimination of postprocessing, there are no guarantees.


“Almost nobody wants to postprocess bioabsorbable stents, because by their very nature they’re very susceptible to their environment,” said Capp, pointing out that the metals can corrode and the polymers degrade. Capp explains that by using the correct energy, beam shape and pulse characteristics, an operator can reduce or eliminate the need for postprocessing. But if you don’t do it right, “You end up with [evidence that] the laser was here,” said Capp.


Cost, Size and Speed


Just like their slower cousins, ultrafast, pulsed lasers have their pros and cons, including cost considerations, size, and processing speed. Not surprisingly, each technology has its proponents and critics.


While costs have come down, there’s a big jump in price


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