Lasers in Medical Device Manufacturing: Stent Processing

laser systems for cutting, welding and snipping (metal and polymer stents)

Stents are tubular, elastic structures made from metal or polymers that are implanted into the human body to give support. Stents for vascular, biliary, and oesophageal applications are often processed using laser technology; the accuracy and precision on an incredibly small scale that lasers offer is ideal for stent processing. Wire and tubing are the most widely used materials for producing expandable and self-expanding stents. When stents are manufactured from a tube or rod, laser cutting is a common technology to remove excess material and create the desired flexibility. For wire stents, the wires need to be joined, which is commonly done with a laser welder. The final step is trimming (snipping) the excess wire. This cutting, or snipping, of the wire can be done manually but can be automated with a laser snipper. AMADA WELD TECH supplies all three laser systems: for cutting, welding and snipping.