High precision laser cutting system profiles medical implants such as stents or other precision components and speeds are ten times higher than with the first machines.

Rofin / Baasel Lasertech presents the new StarCut Tube - a high precision laser cutting system for profiling medical implants such as stents or other precision components. State-of-the-art technology allows cutting a coronary stent of 8mm length in less than 1 min. A stent is a device which is surgically inserted into blood- or air-ways and expanded to hold a passage open to facilitate free flow.

Coronary stents are typically of order of 1mm diameter metal tubes which are inserted inside arteries as an alternative to heart bypass operations, for example.

Over 10 years ago the first such tube cutters were sold for making stents.

These had a gear driven rotary axis, an open work station and a separate supply unit for the laser source.

Today, after several hundred successfully installed systems, the fifth generation of StarCut Tube operates at up to ten times faster than the original launch machine.

The basis for the enormous increase in productivity is the state-of-the-art motion system based on linear motor technology and the direct drive rotary axis.

The sophisticated control unit of the laser adjusts all performance parameters of the laser source optimally to the travel speed of the motion system.

Even smallest radii pose no problem.

The actual contour trajectory can be viewed on the large TFT monitor at any time.

With the proven massive granite set-up, a dimansional tolerance of only a few microns can be achieved - and with high long term stability.

Another benefit the new StarCut Tube offers is the possibility to choose between several available sources: the proven StarCut 18 laser with a power range of 7 to 25W achieves 'kerf' (the width of the laser cut) widths of 18-20 microns.

The new StarCut12fm, a fundamental mode laser with 12 W makes kerf widths smaller than 15 micron.

Finally, state-of-the-art fiber laser technology: the Star-Cut Tube Fiber with maximum 20W power can also achieve kerf widths below 15 micron in suitable materials with high productivity.

Laser source, control, drives with supply modules and the automatic tube loading are integrated into the compact and ergonomic housing.

Rofin/Baasel Lasertech paid particular attention to ensuring easy access to the components, for set up, loaning and unloading.

Operation and the loading and unloading of tubes is done from the side.

A high quality stereo microscope or, as an option, a camera allows process viewing.

The StarCut Tube is configured to use a variety of process gases with a pressure of up to 25 bar.

The StarCut Tube wet cutting option allows cutting with liquid flushing inside the tube.

The optional 4-axis version allows non-radial cuts which opens up the possibility of cutting hole contours as produced by mechanical milling or eroding.

In this way novel geometries can be created to optimize the flexibility of stents even further.

For cutting of high precision flat sheet components, a cutting support box is available.