steel to Nitinol, a shape-memory alloy, and titanium, the pre- ferred alloy for implantation into the human body, and polymers used in the high-volume fabrication of microfluidic devices.
Picosecond Lasers Showing Promise Many lasers currently deployed are either CO2
or fiber
lasers, with fiber gaining converts in recent years as prices for fiber lasers have fallen. Both these types of lasers use a fusion cut that melts metals efficiently while using nozzles to deliver a gas, either oxygen, nitrogen, or even shop air, to blow away particles from the cutting area. A newer class of extremely short-pulse picosecond lasers also is starting to be employed, particularly for cutting stents, with a cold process where the laser vaporizes the material instead of melting it. The manufacturing of stents is an important area in medi- cal device manufacturing, notes Sascha Weiler, program manager, Micro Processing, Trumpf Inc. (Farmington, CT), but lasers are used in many aspects of medical manufactur-
Image courtesy Trumpf Inc.
The TruMicro 5000 line of picosecond lasers cuts stents and other medical components with a cold process that vapor- izes metal and nonmetal parts, instead of melting them.
ing. “You can divide that into three applications: welding, marking, and cutting. These can include welding of pace- maker housings, endoscopes, parts that require clean and smooth welds, which go into the human body. And marking,
When Innovation and Performance Counts… ...Count on Dynomax Inc.
In the medical device industry, performance is critical – whether it’s connectors for diagnostic machines or components for life-saving implants.
Components for Life
Dynomax Inc. has been providing its customers with contract manufacturing excellence for over 25 years. We are a leader in value-added engineering and high-precision micro-injection molding, tooling and machining for the medical, aerospace and defense industries.
Our vertically integrated engineering and manufacturing team works closely with our customers to develop innovative solutions and deliver precision performance.
Put the Dynomax team to work for you. Visit www.dynomaxinc.com or call 847-680-8833.
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