Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Lasers machine tubes to take on new forms

Tube shaping using laser processes allows silicone and poly tubing to take on new forms - ablates spirals or contours without piercing tube wall in medical components.

Unusual tube shaping and contouring of silicone and polymer tubing with precision hole features as tiny as 5 microns is a new service offered by Spectralytics, contract manufacturing supplier of specialized high precision laser services. The new Spectralytics process allows for any shape to be drilled through to the center (one wall) or through both walls of the tubular part. In addition, Spectralytics can ablate spirals or contours on the outside tube diameter without piercing through to the tube core.

Unusual shapes and contours can thus be created with accurately sized and located holes.

Precise depth control insures repeatable accuracy of features part-to-part in both small and large quantities.

Spectralytics developed the new process for medical applications such as catheters, embolic protection devices and stents.

The company provides Nd YAG laser drilling, cutting and welding, CO2 laser cutting and welding, Excimer laser drilling, micro-machining and ablation, and TEA laser and traces for medical, electronic and other technology applications.

Additional services include experience at laser processing a wide range of medical device materials ranging from nitinol to nylon, and hard materials from stainless steel to titanium, as well as exotic and heat sensitive materials.

ISO 9002 certified, Spectralytics provides automation and clean air systems customized to a customer's requirements.

The company provides many secondary operations including electro polishing and chemical deburring.

It offers complete design services including CAD/Smart Cam DAD/CAD facilities, smart scope measurement, and full lot control and material tracking.

It has in-house tool shop and universal tooling for multiple designs.