Putnam Plastics Corporation, a developer of minimally invasive medical devices, has expanded their capabilities to include laser machining and short pulse and ultrashort pulse laser technologies.

In addition, an in-house tool shop allows Putnam to design custom tooling and fixtures to handle a variety of materials and tubing in need of laser machining.

This strategy provides a reduction in lead time and shortening of customers’ supply chains to bring them one step closer to a finished device, all under one roof.

Putnam’s laser machining allows for medical devices to be manufactured with the smallest features. Multiple in-house lasers, provide the ability to have tight tolerances and to machine complex features with repeatability better than four microns. These lasers, some of which have four-axis capability, are able to produce simple and complex micro-features, precision cuts, braid and coil terminations, and laser printing and marking. In addition to these capabilities, they also have laser bonding abilities which create smooth, strong welded bonds and offer a more efficient application of heat than the traditional method.

“Our two and four-axis lasers are able to cut precise patterns with reliable accuracy even in our most difficult configurations, such as our multi-lumen, thin walled, lined, and braid reinforced catheter tubing,” says Ray Rilling, Director of Technology.

“This makes our laser machining capabilities ideal for a variety of catheters, including micro catheters, guide catheters, and EP catheters.”

Other applications in medical catheter design that can benefit from laser machining include, drug delivery access ports, selective removal of material, and position markings.

By adding laser machining to their arsenal of value added finishing capabilities, Putnam is able to bring customers one step closer to their finished product by shortening their supply chain and reducing lead time.