Medical Device Link.

Show Daily Index

John Tinson, vice president of sales for SPI Lasers

SPI Lasers (Southampton, UK) launched its 200-W continuous wave/modulated fiber laser at the MD&M West trade show. Designed for micromachining metals, plastics, or ceramics, the laser offers a small footprint and high stability.

Its single-mode fiber translates to a single-mode output, giving the laser more operating efficiency than Nd YAG lasers. Spot sizes of less than 10 µm can be produced using the high-intensity laser source. Analog and digital controls allow users to select the pulse rise times.

As a cutting laser, the output power stability is typically better than 0.5% over a 12-hr time period. As a welding laser, it offers a range of µs to ms pulses at repetition rates of up to 50Khz. Pulse stabilities are better than 0.2%. It is this quality that gives customers the most flexibility, says John Tinson, vice president of sales. “The high pulse stability allows manufacturers to ensure that from batch to batch, they are getting consistent quality,” he adds.

SPI Lasers offers a 200-W fiber laser for use in micromachining metals, plastics, and ceramics.

In addition to its uses for cutting and welding, the laser can also be used for print plate and ceramic engraving. Medical applications for the laser range from stent and catheter manufacturing to filters and guidewires. Another MD&M exhibitor, Crafford-LaserStar Technologies, is displaying its application of SPI's 200-W fiber laser. According to Tinson, the laser has also been used to produce prototypes of bone and joint replacement devices.

SPI Lasers runs an application facility in San Jose, as well as a comprehensive “try before you buy” evaluation program. The company also offers its customers ongoing support and advice on how to tailor the laser to its specific needs.

The entire laser unit comes factory-sealed in a standard 19-in. rack or compact OEM unit. The laser can be air- or water-cooled as needed for machining processes.