A PEEK extrusion illustrates Putnam’s laser cutting and printing capabilities. Photo courtesy of Putnam Plastics.
DAYVILLE, Conn.—Putnam Plastics Corporation, a manufacturer of advanced extrusions for minimally invasive medical devices, reported earlier this year that it has expanded its capabilities to include advanced laser machining and “state-of-the-art short pulse and ultrashort pulse laser technologies.”
Putnam’s laser machining is said to enable the manufacturing of medical devices “with the smallest features in accordance with the most demanding specifications.” Multiple in-house lasers provide the ability to achieve tight tolerances and to machine complex features with repeatability better than 4 microns, the company said in a press release. The lasers, some of which have 4-axis capability, are able to produce simple and complex micro-features, precision cuts, braid and coil terminations, and laser printing and marking. They are also said to have laser bonding abilities that create smooth, strong welded bonds and offer a more efficient application of heat than the traditional method.
“Our 2- and 4-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,” said Ray Rilling, director of technology at Putnam Plastics, in the release. “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.
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, along with its expansion of laser machining capabilities, reduces lead time and shortens customers’ supply chains “to bring them one step closer to a finished device, all under one roof,” the company said.
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