Laser cold marking for plastic medical device manufacturing

Laser Photonics Corp., and its subsidiary, Control Micro Systems Inc., announced a significant acceleration of their joint research and development (R&D) initiative focused on advanced Laser Cold Marking technology tailored specifically for the exacting demands of plastic medical device manufacturing and its critical Unique Device Identification (UDI) mandates.

While industrial laser marking is common, medical devices face stringent UDI and traceability mandates from the FDA. In the rare event of malfunction, instant origin tracing is crucial for understanding and prevention.

“We’re not just refining a process; we’re forging a future where medical devices are safer and more traceable than ever before," states John Armstrong, executive vice president of LPC. "Leveraging laser technology, we're unlocking unprecedented precision and efficiency for medical device manufacturers while strengthening trust and accountability in the healthcare space."

This innovation is powered by ultrafast picosecond and femtosecond lasers. CMS systems utilizing this technology ensure that markings on medical device surfaces withstand rigorous cleaning and daily use. The ultra-short pulses virtually eliminate HAZ, crucial for clean micro-features in cut or drilled devices made from materials like HDPE, Delrin, nylon, and Teflon (PTFE).

Integrating machine vision and automation further minimizes manufacturing errors and enhances quality control. Machine vision verifies parts, aligns marking, and checks the final mark and data. Automated systems with robots and conveyors eliminate human error and accelerate production.

CMS Laser’s on-the-fly processing enables rapid, precise marking of continuously fed plastic parts. Controlled by proprietary software, these systems integrate picosecond fiber lasers for micromachining, rotary units, and encoder feedback for velocity tracking, potentially increasing medical product line throughput by up to 550%.

Strategically leveraging CMS Laser’s deep expertise, LPC is making significant investments in the R&D of laser cold marking for plastics in medical device manufacturing. This initiative aligns perfectly with LPC’s broader diversification strategy, aimed at delivering enhanced value to shareholders and building robust resilience within evolving market dynamics.