Saturday, December 09, 2006

Lasers micro-machine medical devices, instruments

Precisely metered drug delivery systems, microfluidic structures, catheters, stents, aerosol nozzles and many other medical devices can benefit fromlaser micro-machining techniques.

Precisely metered drug delivery systems, microfluidic structures, catheters, stents, aerosol nozzles and many other medical devices can benefit from the high precision and high throughput achievable with an Oxford Lasers' laser micro-machining system. These systems are capable of processing a wide variety of materials including polymers, ceramics, metals and semiconductors to micron and even sub-micron accuracy. Oxford Lasers micro-machining equipment can supply both superior hole drilling performance and valuable economy when compared with hot needle processes and excimer lasers.

For even more cost effectiveness, multiple wavelengths (visible and UV) can be obtained from the same laser, thus offering the unique opportunity for both metal and plastic components to be manufactured using the same equipment.

Precision flow devices, based on volumetric control of a liquid, gas or solid, face ever more stringent market demands and laser micro-machining answers the need for tighter and substantially smaller volumetric control.

Oxford Lasers can drill holes ranging in size from 5 to 500 microns in diameter and can achieve tolerances of less than 1 micron.

Handheld nebulizers, variable-release medications and intravenous (I.V) regulators, flow meters and gas regulators, aerosol and oxygen face masks, disposable emergency oxygen resuscitators, disposable nebulizer products, apnea monitors and spirometer products are all examples of how this innovative technology can be used.

Leak testing is an area where the smallest possible holes are required to test packaging processes in the pharmaceutical industry.

Oxford Lasers can provide such artificial holes to simulate leaks in an automatic production line quality control process or on a sub contract batch basis.

For customers who are looking to out-source some of their manufacturing processes, Oxford Lasers Materials Processing Applications Laboratories offer direct access to the latest laser micro machining systems, including a new UV laser laboratory specially set up for work with polymers and glass.

A highly qualified and experienced team of application specialists is on site to carry out contracts or to advise.

Oxford Lasers applications facilities offer a high quality, reliable, development and manufacturing service with the production infrastructure and technical know-how to deliver products on time and in a cost-effective manner.

Oxford Lasers micro machining systems or lasers can be used to cut materials such as PZT ceramic, PVDF and lithium niobate for ultrasonic transducers or metals for a wide variety of applications including micro-spotting pins for high-throughput screening.

Selective laser ablation enables the patterning of electronics materials to form complex miniature circuits.