Editorial –Winter/Spring 2025, Lasers in Medical Device Manufacturing – Tools to Remember!
The use of lasers in industrial manufacturing dates back to the early 1960s, but their applications in medical device manufacturing have evolved over several decades. Laser technology is employed in a range of processes, from basic marking to advanced hydrophilic or hydrophobic applications using femtosecond lasers.
Medical device manufacturing processes involving lasers include ablation, marking, drilling, cutting, and welding. Common materials used in medical devices include polymers, steels, titanium, nitinol, various alloys, and transition metals. These materials are often challenging to form and process due to their strength. Traditional fabrication, manufacturing, and assembly methods may not meet the stringent quality requirements of medical devices.
Key requirements for medical devices include precision, uncompromising quality, innovative features, durability, and efficacy.
Laser processing is especially critical for manufacturing a variety of medical devices, including:
-Stents
-Drug-delivery systems
-Clips
-Connectors
-Cardiac pacemakers
-Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) and leads
-Other thermally and strength-sensitive components
While laser processes offer high precision, medical device classification demands strict requirements for process technology, manufacturing systems, and, crucially, process validation. Continuous quality control and diagnostic methods are implemented throughout the manufacturing process to ensure consistency—from verifying laser-cut quality to assessing weld-nugget pull strength.
Lasers have already made significant contributions to the medical device manufacturing industry and are expected to continue expanding their role as one of the most reliable and versatile manufacturing tools. As devices become smaller and more multifunctional, laser technology will remain integral to producing cutting-edge medical devices.
Dr. M. Nasim Uddin
Editor-in-Chief