Welding Journal - April 2012 - (Page 52)

Fiber Lasers Perform Precision Cutting for Medical Devices Various processes are compared for cost, cut quality, and processing speed M edical device manufacturers demand faster and more reliable and cost-effective manufacturing solutions to stay competitive in the global marketplace. One area where these needs are especially prevalent is precision cutting of thin metal tubular structures, like those found in stents, rigid endoscopic and arthroscopic devices, biopsy tools, needles, and cannulas. The term “surgical precision” aptly applies to the need for clean sharp edges, contours, and patterns found in medical device tools and devices. From surgical instruments used in cutting and biopsy, to needles containing unusual tips and side- Fig. 1 — A typical 100W fiber laser. wall openings, to puzzle chain linkages for flexible endoscopes, cutting must provide the higher precision, quality, and speed now required. There are several methods available to cut the metals most commonly found in surgical and implantable medical devices, which include stainless steel, titanium, nickel and cobalt-chrome alloys, and Nitinol (a shape memory alloy). Each of the major options with using lasers, electric discharge machining (EDM), waterjet, and chemical machining and grinding, has a role to play. However, precision fiber laser cutting technology is now emerging as the preferred choice for many thin-wall metal tube cutting or machining applications used in endoscopic and arthroscopic medical instruments, particularly when superior edge quality, tight dimensional tolerances, and/or high-volume production are required. In addition, new laser cutting technologies are now coming on the market, including more powerful fiber lasers integrated into turnkey systems with multiaxis motion capabilities. This technology gives medical device designers the freedom to incorporate more intricate geometries with superior “as-cut” edge quality. SolidState Laser Choices Laser cutting is ideally suited for making complex shapes because it is not limited by part geometry. Because the laser cutting tool does not rely on touching the part, it can be oriented to make any shape or form. The general benefits of laser cutting are as follows: • Noncontact process • Minimal thermal input and heataffected zone (HAZ) • Beam width diameter < 0.001 in. • High speed and precision with single pass • Superior as-cut edge quality • High level of process control. Fiber lasers and pulsed Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) lasers are the two solid-state laser options used most for fine cutting of the type of thin material (≤ 0.020 in. [0.5 mm]) found in most surgical and medical Based on an article from Miyachi Unitek Corp., Monrovia, Calif., www.miyachiunitek.com. 52 APRIL 2012 http://www.miyachiunitek.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Welding Journal - April 2012

April 2012 - TOC Listing
Unlocking Your Gas Metal Arc Welding Potential - A study sponsored by the National Shipbuilding Research Program investigated low-cost modifications to equipment or parameters that improved welding performance - P. A. Blomquist
Community College Welding Program Update - Many community colleges around the country are equipping future workers with the skills manufacturers need D. Postlethwaite
Modern Power Source Technology Drives Process Improvement - New technology in weld monitoring is making it easier to access the data by all the appropriate personnel and understand how it should be applied to benefit weld quality - T. McEllis
Building a Welding Career from the Ground Up - A thirty-two-year career welder shares her passion for the profession with others in hopes of inspiring them to expand their skills and knowledge
How Today’s Power Sources Aid Pulsed GMAW - The advanced welding machines of today can deliver power to the arc in almost any form and can react with split-second timing to avoid adverse arc phenomena - L. Barley
Fiber Lasers Perform Precision Cutting for Medical Devices - There are many methods to cut thin tubular structures often used in medical devices, but fiber lasers are emerging as the precision machines of choice
Arc Characteristics in Pulsed-GMA Welding with Acute - Groove Angles The characteristics of a joint tracking sensor were monitored under conditions of different groove angles and root openings - R-H. Kim et al.
Design of Experiment and Goal Programming Application for the GMAW Process - This study was conducted to determine critical gas metal arc welding variables and ways to optimize them - Y. T. Iç et al.
Predictive and Measurement Methods for Delta Ferrite Determination in Stainless Steels - The advantages and limitations of predictive measurement methods for δ ferrite are outlined - M. A. Valiente Bermejo
Susceptibility of IN740 to HAZ Liquation Cracking and Ductility-Dip Cracking - Conditions that lead to cracking susceptibility of nickel-based IN740 were simulated to determine an action for its prevention - J. E. Ramirez
Editorial
Washington Watchword
Press Time News
News of the Industry
Aluminum Q&A
Brazing Q&A
Product & Print Spotlight
Coming Events
Certification Schedule
Welding Workbook
Society News
Interpretations D1.1
Guide to AWS Services
Personnel
Welding School Profiles
Classifieds
Advertiser Index

Welding Journal - April 2012