Cold source UV laser marking plastic medical equipment

Cold light source UV laser marking plastic medical equipment

Laser marking of plastics has become commonplace in industrial equipment, medical devices, aerospace components, auto parts and general household appliances. However, medical device manufacturing suppliers are required to track their products using unique device identification codes, data matrices and other tracking information. They must also meet strict Food and Drug Administration guidelines. In the event of a rare failure or other adverse event, tracking where and when a product was manufactured can go a long way in identifying the problem and taking action to prevent it from recurring.

"Cold Marking" with UV Laser Provides Smooth Marks in Surfaces

When marking plastics, the first thing to consider is the type of marking you need. Methods range from surface melting or foaming, to photochemical changes to materials using UV and green lasers. For medical grade plastics, UDI markings must feel smooth and eliminate areas that could harbor bacteria. This is where "cold marking" at UV wavelengths comes into play. The use of UV lasers during cold laser marking changes the molecular structure of the material, which is ideal for applications sensitive to thermal damage. This thermal damage outside the marked area is called the heat affected zone. Additives in white plastics, such as TiO2, strongly absorb UV light and undergo chemical changes in the plastic, making it darker. This process produces smooth, highly legible marks inside the plastic, not just on the surface.

We have extensive experience in the medical device industry and have developed advanced solutions for laser marking, cutting and drilling applications.

Costly manufacturing errors are reduced through laser automation, and combining vision and automation systems can reduce manufacturing errors and significantly facilitate comprehensive quality assurance. We have built a reputation for using machine vision to reduce costly manufacturing errors by validating parts, adjusting applications, and post-validating processes and data. Full automation of robots and conveyor belts also eliminates human error and improves overall production.