How to Realize Permanent Tracing of Medical Devices

Laser technology has been widely used in the medical field for a variety of purposes, including surgery, diagnostics, and sterilization.Compared to traditional marking methods, laser marking is more precise, more environmentally friendly, and more adaptable to complex shapes. Combined with the UDI system, laser marking makes it possible to track medical devices throughout their life cycle with the same ease as tracking a package. This greatly improves the efficiency of the industry's regulatory system.

Why do medical devices need permanent markings?

The medical industry is increasingly demanding strict traceability for medical equipment, like giving every piece of equipment an "ID card.Laser marking technology can directly etch a UDI code or production batch number onto a device without damaging the material. Even after repeated disinfections, the markings will not fade.This "one item, one code" approach makes it easy to recall defective products, much as one might look up a courier delivery number.

These are the five advantages of laser marking.

The accuracy is finer than a human hair.

The 0.2 mm lettering on medical micro-instruments can be clearly displayed, which is more than five times the precision of traditional ink printing.We have done experiments, and we can read a QR code on a stent 100 % of the time with professional equipment.

They are tough and can endure a lot.

After being subjected to high-pressure sterilization, alcohol immersion, and instrument collision testing, the label remains intact.Some customers have reported that the laser markings on surgical clamps they have used for three years are still just as clear as if applied only yesterday.

It's environmentally friendly and saves time.

It requires no ink or solvent, and can be used straight out of the box.Last year, a certain machinery factory switched to laser marking, saving more than NT $ 100,000 in hazardous waste disposal fees, and the workers no longer have to wear gas masks all day.

The practical steps of implementing a permanent traceability system.

Choose a suitable location for the tag.

The implant must be placed in a stress-free area of the bone and away from the joint's working surface. Bone implants are usually placed in the concave part of the bone.Our engineers will bring a 3D scanner to the customer's door and help them find the most suitable location for the tattoo," says Huang.

The secret of parameter adjustment.

Different materials require different solutions.Titanium alloys are suited to fiber lasers, while polymers are best worked on with ultraviolet lasers.During the tuning process, it is necessary to adjust the output power and frequency in real time, like an experienced Chinese medical practitioner taking a pulse.

Establishing data links.

The tagging is just the beginning. The key is connecting each tag to a database.He suggests using dynamic encryption technology to package information about the date of production, sterilization records, and so on into a separate data packet.