Introduction to laser welding machines for medical devices

Medical devices are precision instruments and many of the internal components are also very precise. Medical devices often require sterility and no chemicals to be involved, while medical devices are small and require microscopic soldering with smooth welds that do not damage the components. Conventional welding methods can introduce chemical substances into the equipment and instruments, which can affect precision. Laser welding, as a non-contact welding method, is particularly suitable for the production of such medical device products. Laser welding machines generate little heat and can be used in close proximity to polymer seals, glass and metal seals, welded components and electronic circuits. Follow GOLD MARK to see how laser welding machines are used in medical devices.

The majority of non-implantable medical tools are 304L stainless steel. It is easy to weld, does not crack and is not as prone to corrosion in the weld area as high carbon stainless steel alloys. Other alloys are sometimes used, such as high hardness stainless steels like 440C or 430, and sometimes titanium Ti6-4, all of which are weldable provided the correct welding method and alloy combination is used.

Surgical tools, such as biopsy tools, use laser welding to attach the pins to the components and to weld the components to the leads. Dental appliances use laser welding for a wide range of applications, from grinding to the fabrication of the tool’s housing. Small vascular clips are laser welded during assembly and smooth, consistent welds are required on such delicate tools. Stents, cardiac catheter components, and other arterial therapy tools are assembled using laser welding. To facilitate X-ray inspection, new X-ray opaque markings are added to the components. Rigid endoscopes are often made with stainless steel tubes, which are laser-sealed between the tubes and at the coupler position. In most cases, laser welding results in smooth, porosity-free, repeatable welds, which can be used where little distortion is required, and where autoclaving is required.

Pulsed YAG lasers are the best choice for welding medical devices. They have high peak power, generate little heat, can solve problems with different alloys, and can perform fine processing while maintaining a high depth of fusion. Fibre optic transmission is the most commonly used as the consistent focal spot size and energy distribution both help to fill various gaps using fillet and butt joints to get a good fusion core diameter when welding large quantities. Also the small focal spot range is kept within 40-60um. For large quantities of welding that need to be done quickly, continuous lasers and super-mode YAG lasers are the best choice.

There are many more applications for laser welding in the medical device sector. In addition to laser welding technology being used in the production of medical devices, there are many other innovative laser processing technologies that have great potential in the manufacture of medical devices. Laser welding meets the requirements of medical device production and manufacturing due to its non-contact welding method. At the same time, laser welding technology can be said to have greatly contributed to the development of medical devices due to the fact that it produces almost no dross or debris during the welding process and no adhesives need to be added.

Jinan Gold Mark CNC Machinery Co., Ltd. is a high-tech industry enterprise specialized in researching, manufacturing and selling the machines as follows: Laser Engraver, Fiber Laser Marking Machine, CNC Router. The products have been widely used in advertisement board, crafts and molding, architecture, seal, label, woodcutting and engraving, stonework decoration, leather cutting, garment industries, and so on. On the base of absorbing the international advanced technology, we provide the clients the most advanced production and perfect after-sale service. In recently years, our products have been sold not only in China, but also as far as Southeast Asia, Middle east, Europe, South America and other overseas Markets.

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