UV Laser Marking of Medical Devices

Medical instruments Medical instruments often require high-precision, low-volume markings, but the traditional methods of marking these instruments are often inefficient and imprecise.The high precision and non-contact nature of UV lasers significantly improves the clarity and durability of markings, thus increasing product quality.This article compares traditional methods with ultraviolet laser processing, and explores how the latter can optimize the production process, reduce losses and costs, and meet the industry's stringent standards.

A pain point in medical instrument manufacturing.

It's not as simple as just putting a label on the equipment.Whether it is an instrument or an implant, the marking must be clear, permanent, and biocompatible.Traditional methods such as ink printing or mechanical engraving have several drawbacks. For example, ink can easily flake off or smudge, and it is not heat resistant. In addition, mechanical engraving can damage the surface of the material, and with high-strength materials such as titanium, the damage can affect the performance of the device.And what's more, if a defective product is found, the cost of reworking it is so high that it makes one want to cry.

Where are the advantages of UV lasers?

The success of UV lasers is not due to hype.The laser uses a cold process. Simply put, it uses a high-intensity beam of light to gently remove the surface layer of the material. The process requires no contact with tools, so there is no risk of scratching or deformation.

They are accurate to an absurd degree.

Traditional craftsmanship can get as precise as a millimeter or so, but UV lasers can go down to the micron level.It is even possible to etch a code onto a stent with a diameter of less than one millimeter that is readable by machines but invisible to the naked eye. This is a real boon for traceability management.

There are so many different materials to work with.

The UV laser can handle plastics, ceramics, and metal composites with equal ease.Especially when it comes to heat-sensitive materials, the traditional methods can burn the material, but the UV laser can handle even the most delicate materials without a problem.

The passing rate has been climbing steadily.

In one real-life case, a manufacturer of orthopedic equipment changed to ultraviolet laser equipment, and the rate of defective markings dropped from 8 % to 0.5 %.Because the parameters of the laser can be precisely controlled, the quality control inspector no longer has to use a magnifying glass to check each product.

How to select the right UV laser equipment

Don't rush to place an order; first make sure you understand exactly what your company needs.

It depends on the power and the wave length.

Power is not better the higher it is. For processing high molecular materials, 3-5 watts is sufficient, but for metals, more than 10 watts may be required.The wavelength of 355 nanometers is the golden standard in medical laser technology.

Don't fall into the software trap.

Good equipment needs to be matched by intelligent software.For example, the machines can automatically identify the arc of a curved surface and automatically avoid complex patterns. These functions can save the operator half of the training time.

After-sales support is more important than price.

I have known of factories that have bought old second-hand equipment in order to save money, but because no one knows how to adjust the optical path, the machines end up being used as furniture.You must choose a brand that provides on-site training and 24-hour technical support to get you out of a jam when you need it.

What do real users have to say?

A technical manager of a medical tubing factory in Zhejiang says with a sigh, "Back when we used inkjet printers, we always had a solvent smell in the factory.The switch to lasers has not only improved the air quality in the factory, but also boosted the yield of good products from 82 % to 98 %. The company passed its FDA audit at the first attempt.Such examples are becoming increasingly common in the industry. At the end of the day, the hidden costs that can be saved by upgrading technology are far more than the price of the equipment itself.