Lumenous Device Technologies, Sunnyvale, Calif., provides laser-micromachining and premium finishing to the medical device and precision instrument industries worldwide. To cut tubing, a stationary laser beam is positioned over an x-y-rotary motion system. The tubing feedstock is advanced automatically after each part is cut, while advanced energy-management techniques produce a clean, smooth edge. Laser beam kerf width varies with alloy, thickness, and the speed of the process.
A typical kerf range is 20 to 100 microns (0.0008 to 0.004 in.). Lumenous recommends planning on a kerf of 30 microns (0.0012 in.) if the part can accommodate it. Tube diameters range from 0.1 to 12 mm (0.004 to 0.5 in.). Sheet cutting can accommodate fairly large sheets. As a minimum, generally at least 200 mm (8 in.) on one side is needed.
The company’s Process Report provides visibility into the process and a durable characterization of each lot. Raw data, statistical analysis, and a sample photo provide details for the quality assurance staff and for purchasers, and they contribute to our customers’ engineering knowledge base about their product. Delivery in electronic format makes the information truly useful.
