Quality in Focus: Innovative Laser Systems for Medical Device Manufacturing

Newest innovation TruLaser Station 5004 with electronic stereomicroscope for the manual welding of medical devices

TRUMPF at MEDTEC Stuttgart, March 11 - 13, 2008 // Hall 6, Booth 1339
Ditzingen, December 18, 2007 – With its broad range of applications and high flexibility in cutting, welding and marking of medical instruments and implants, lasers are the first choice in production tools. At MEDTEC, TRUMPF, the complete supplier of innovative laser systems, will present on-stage demonstrations of precision welding and marking of two stainless steel tubes.

TRUMPF will also premiere its TruLaser Station 5004 with integrated solid-state laser of the TruPulse series. The TruLaser Station 5004 offers a first in laser processing – an optical stereomicroscope has been replaced by an electronic stereomicroscope. Furthermore the new workstation is more compact and ergonomic than comparable systems.

In contrast to workstations with optical stereomicroscopes the difference is that the new microscope has been separated from the laser optics. Now the operator adjusts the monocular of the microscope to his needs. It no longer has to be oriented to the size of the part. Of course, both cameras of the microscope offer the complete, three-dimensional exposure of work pieces that the operator requests.

For greater precision all moves are executed by the laser beam as the workpiece remains stationery. At the same time the large work area is adapted to the needs of the flexible manufacturing of medical devices. If more space is required or bulky instruments need to be manufactured either a break-through in the work plate can be used or the protection cover be lifted simply upwards. In this case, the operator has to make sure that he and people around him are protected against the radiation of the laser (safety glasses, protective clothes).

Medical technology profits from the laser’s precision

“The laser has decisive advantages over other production methods with regard to process quality: It works according to clearly defined parameters that one can read out, store, check and reproduce at any time,” says Dr. Alexander Knitsch, Application Manager at TRUMPF. This feature of the laser is becoming more and more important as demands for documentation increase. Laser power can be regulated precisely, making it possible to perfectly control and adjust the heat input on temperature-sensitive materials. A decisive plus is that the quality of laser-processed surfaces is flawless – no drag lines, grooves, burrs, or furrows to compromise hygiene. Laser welded seams, in pacemakers for example, have a smooth surface free of pores and the same biocompatibility as the base material.

Welding and cutting with TruPulse

Pulsed solid-state lasers of the TruPulse series are especially suitable for medical device manufacturing. The series, introduced a year ago, now includes twelve different models whose average power ranges from 20 W (TruPulse 21) to more than 500 W (TruPulse 556). All TruPulse devices are water-cooled as standard equipment. Up to 150 W, the lasers are also available with air cooling. With up to six laser light cables on a device, one laser can be used with several systems. Using the TRUMPF TelePresence Portal, it is also possible for service technicians to access the system online for maintenance purposes – securely and regardless of location.

Laser marking systems for almost any material

In the medical device industry, laser marking ensures the traceability of products. There are many advantages over alternative marking methods such as printing or etching. It is an environmentally friendly procedure without paints, acids or solvents. The marking process is very gentle to materials, because it is a non-contact process and no force is applied to the workpiece. The high precision, quality and reproducibility can be achieved at a high marking speed, even at difficult-to-access points. Laser markings on surgical instruments, when properly parameterized, are resistant to highly alkaline cleaning and high-temperature sterilization. TRUMPF will show for this field of application the TruMark 6130 marking laser with the TruMark Station 5000 marking system.
Further Information
TRUMPF is a high-technology group with focuses in production, laser and medical technology.
Further information about the company and images in printable resolution can be found at our
Media Services section
 
Print   Top
© 2008 TRUMPF, 2008-02-22   Home   Disclaimer   Corporate Information   Data privacy notice