Laser Photonics and CMS Laser have expanded their development project for a technology that is said to achieve a level of critical precision for medical device manufacturers.
ORLANDO, Fla.—Laser Photonics Corporation (LPC), a global developer of industrial laser systems for cleaning and other material processing applications, and its recently acquired subsidiary, Control Micro Systems, Inc. (CMS Laser), have expanded their Clear-on-Clear Plastic Welding technology development project, Laser Photonics said in a release.
According to LPC, laser welding continues to replace ultrasonic welding as the method of choice to permanently bond polymer parts. Clear-on-Clear Plastic Welding uses laser technology to join transparent plastics together seamlessly with a level of precision that is critical for medical device manufacturers.
“Combining CMS’s expertise with our R&D initiatives allows us to further develop cutting-edge Clear on Clear Plastic Welding technology to meet the stringent demands of multiple sectors,” said John Armstrong, executive vice president of LPC, in the release. “We are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible with laser technology as we work toward setting new standards in several industries.”
Clear-on-Clear Plastic Welding systems by CMS are reported to offer numerous advantages, including minimal thermal impact, precise control over the weld area, and the ability to create aesthetically appealing welds without the need for additional adhesives or fasteners. Control Micro Systems’ Class I, Clear-on-Clear Plastic Welding systems use off-axis machine vision to detect fiducials, determine processing locations, and verify welds.
Control Micro Systems developed automated Clear-on-Clear Plastic Welding technology to provide a high-speed process for welding clear plastic materials. These systems can be configured for standalone operation or integrated into existing SMT lines. They are said to be well-suited for welding medical plastics and other clear materials while providing a flexible manufacturing process for production and R&D.
As it leverages Control Micro Systems’ specialized expertise, LPC is channeling resources into R&D in the laser plastic welding manufacturing area, aligning with its “comprehensive diversification strategy,” the company said.
Laser Photonics describes itself as “a vertically integrated manufacturer and R&D Center of Excellence for industrial laser technologies and systems.” The company is seeking to disrupt the $46 billion centuries-old sand and abrasives blasting markets, focusing on surface cleaning, rust removal, corrosion control, de-painting, and other laser-based industrial applications. Its new generation of leading-edge laser blasting technologies and equipment also address numerous health, safety, environmental and regulatory issues associated with old methods, according to the release.