Medical technology
Precise Laser Machines for Medical Devices and Equipment
systems from ACSYS ensure maximum precision, flexibility, and sterility for medical products. Even the smallest components can be efficiently and precisely marked, engraved, structured, cut, and welded using laser technology, and our systems are designed to facilitate all of these applications for our clients.
Manufacturers of medical technology products have been using our customized laser systems for the production of surgical instruments, implants, and medical devices for many years. Due to our years of expertise in providing laser systems for medical technology, we are the first port of call when it comes to top-quality, maximum process reliability and compliance with medical and hygiene standards in the manufacture of medical products and solutions.
Permanent marking
With the help of laser marking, important information can be permanently applied to implants, medical equipment and MedTech devices. Especially when it comes to cleaning and sterilization, marking with laser technology offers an advantage over conventional methods. In addition, individualization via barcodes, logos, or serial numbers can be easily integrated into the software. Even complex 3D geometries can be marked to a high standard using laser marking.
The medical field also faces UDI requirements, with UDI standing for “unique device identifier.” These identifiers need to be present on many types of equipment, as well as packaging and labels, to indicate exactly what a product or a component is. Elements that may be featured include a Global Trade Item Number, date codes, batch numbers, serial numbers, expiration dates, and more.
Laser marking and laser engraving are ideally suited for adding UDI information to medical equipment, as the processes are fast, precise, repeatable, and, as mentioned above, sterile.
Specific applications of marking and engraving for medical purposes include:
- Black marking, creating permanent marks via short-pulse lasers, avoiding the need for corrosive chemicals
- UV plastic marking ideal for many medical devices, from catheters to insulin pumps and beyond
- Ceramic labeling to avoid damaging the material, as is common in other methods
- Depth scaling, also called annealing, which is suitable for dental marking and other needs
View our slideshow below for a more in-depth look at these processes.
Black Marking
Individualized medical devices, such as artificial joints, are marked in accordance with UDI using laser technology. With black marking, the laser marking on the implant is permanent, high-contrast and corrosion-resistant. In addition, surface functionalization with the aid of ultra-short pulse lasers (USPL) offers new possibilities for supporting the growth of implants through microstructures on the surface without having to resort to corrosive chemicals.
UV plastic marking
With a UV laser source and the right combination of optics, software and process parameters, extremely fine markings with high contrast can be created on silicones and white polyamides. In medical technology, the process is particularly suitable for UDI marking of catheters, insulin pumps and instruments in accordance with FDA and MDR traceability requirements. In ACSYS laser systems, UV lasers are mainly used for marking plastics in the MedTech sector due to their short wavelength and the correspondingly low heat input during marking.
Labeling of technical ceramics
In the medical sector, materials and components are subjected to frequent cleaning. High temperatures, aggressive chemicals or ultrasonic baths are often used to achieve sterility. There are very high requirements for the markings, scaling and labeling on the individual components. Laser marking and engraving offers the enormous advantage over conventional methods in that no application takes place and the material is not attacked or becomes brittle.
Depth scaling
Annealing marking is the ideal marking process for the dental industry. The precise depth scales in the millimeter range are absolutely abrasion-resistant and do not attack the material of the drill bit. The material is heated in a targeted manner to influence its color properties. In addition, the color of the scaling can be changed through targeted parameterization of the laser in order to achieve even better readability of the depth scale.
Fineblanking
Laser fineblanking is particularly suitable for medical products that are based on tubular blanks. It can be used to cut a wide range of extremely fine components out of metal, plastic, or organic material without contact, with applications ranging from stents to aortic valve replacement (TAVI) and more. In addition, ultra short pulse lasers (USPL/UKP) offer an efficient and precise solution for fine cutting of temperature-sensitive materials such as nitinol.
Both tubular laser cutting and foil laser cutting approaches are possible, with benefits including:
- High-precision results
- Burr-free and clean cuts that help maintain tight tolerances
- Gentle processing of sensitive materials
- Production of complex patterns, fine contours, and tight radii cuts
- No material deformation
Tubular laser cutting
Laser fineblanking offers high precision and efficiency for cutting tubes and tubular parts in medical technology. When cutting metal stents, lasers enable a precise, burr-free cut, which is crucial for maintaining tight tolerances. Polymer stents and cannulas can be fine-cut cleanly and precisely without contact using ACSYS laser systems. Laser cutting allows sensitive materials (e.g. special metals such as titanium or platinum) to be processed efficiently and gently.
Foil cutting
Complex patterns, fine contours and tight radii can be realized with ACSYS laser cutting systems, even on the thinnest films, without stressing the material. Non-contact processing prevents material deformation and ensures precise cuts. This property is particularly advantageous for thin, sensitive film materials. Laser cutting enables fast, efficient and precise processing, making it ideal for applications in medical technology.
Micromachining
The possible applications for laser micromachining, or microstructuring, in medical technology range from osseointegration and microfluidics to the lotus effect. Femtosecond lasers can be used to create micro- and nanoscale structures on almost any surface and geometry.
conventional processes such as etching technology, processing with ultra-short pulse lasers (USPL/UKP) offers significant advantages in terms of quality, efficiency, and environmental friendliness. Femtosecond lasers can also be used to clean surfaces, for example to remove impurities from upstream processes.
Benefits of this subset of laser processing include:
- Working with sensitive materials like ceramics, glass, and plastic
- Creating antibacterial and nonstick surfaces
- Sterilizing surfaces via laser cleaning to meet the needs of the medical field
- Creating microscopic holes via laser drilling for diverse purposes
- Creating precise patterns on surfaces via direct laser interference patterning
Microstructuring
ACSYS Ultra Short Pulse Lasers (USPL) can be used to create micro- and nanoscale structures on almost any surface. Even sensitive materials such as plastic, glass, ceramics or semiconductors can be functionalized with laser textures. For example, implants fuse faster with the tissue if the material surfaces are roughened in a targeted manner. And the same technology is suitable for creating antibacterial and non-stick surfaces – inspired by microscopic patterns found in nature.
Laser cleaning
Medical devices, surgical instruments and implants can be cleaned and sterilized using laser technology. Laser cleaning with ACSYS laser systems effectively removes biofilm, deposits and contamination from medical instruments and implants, dental tools and endoscopes. Completely without aggressive chemicals or cleaning agents and therefore particularly sustainable, without compromising on maximum sterility and cleanliness.
Laser drilling
Laser drilling is a key technology in medical technology, which is essential for the production of complex microstructures. For example, it enables microscopically small holes to be drilled in medical stents, allowing precise drug delivery. It is also used in the production of micro-vias on printed circuit boards for medical devices to ensure high-precision electrical connections. ACSYS Femtosecond Lasers offer accuracy and efficiency for numerous medical applications.
Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP)
With the help of DLIP technology, interference patterns are created using two or more laser beams to generate precise patterns on the surface of a material. For example, by applying functional laser structures to medical implants, sandblasting effects can be achieved that offer significant improvements over traditional methods in terms of both cell adhesion and cell proliferation. With their unique combination of hardware, software and processes, laser systems from ACSYS enable optimum integration of DLIP technology.
Products and solutions
CUSTOM
From individualized laser systems with a wide range of options to tailor-made laser solutions: Customer-specific adaptations are almost always possible with laser systems from ACSYS.
PIRANHA
Engraving, marking, structuring, welding, cutting: The PIRANHA® masters all disciplines of laser processing. This is what makes it so versatile and flexible in use.
MULTISHIFT
The MULTISHIFT® from ACSYS is versatile, ergonomic, automated, full of high-tech and an eye-catcher. If only because you can watch the laser at work here.
BARRACUDA
The BARRACUDA® from ACSYS combines numerous laser processing methods with plenty of room for individual requirements. This provides maximum flexibility.
How ACSYS Stands Out
For over 20 years, ACSYS has been working with diverse industries to supply them to high-quality systems for laser marking, engraving, cutting, welding, and more. We tailor our systems to the needs of our clients to ensure they can perform the essential processes their operations need, supplying individually customized hardware and software.
Our team is comprised of more than 120 industry specialists dedicated to designing innovative systems, and we regularly partner with global brands and major laser research organizations to advance the field. Along with this, we ensure our customers are well taken care of, providing training and education, service packages, spare parts and accessories, application consulting, and much more.
Contact Us for Laser Systems for the Medical Field
Our systems are ideally suited for healthcare and medical supply applications, and we’re ready to help you improve your operations. Reach out to our team today to discuss system options.
Your ACSYS laser expert
Do you have any questions?
I am happy to help.
Ardalan Masoumi
Business Development Manager
Telephone: +49 7154 80875 531
E-Mail: a.masoumi@acsys.de