Laser Photonics Corporation (LPC) and its subsidiary, Control Micro Systems Inc. (CMS Laser), are accelerating their joint Research and Development (R&D) initiative focused on advanced Laser Cold Marking technology tailored specifically for plastic medical device manufacturing and its critical Unique Device Identification (UDI) mandates.

While industrial laser marking is common, medical devices face stringent UDI and traceability mandates from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In the rare event of malfunction, instant origin tracing is crucial for understanding and prevention.

“We’re not just refining a process; we’re forging a future where medical devices are safer and more traceable than ever before,” LPC Executive Vice President John Armstrong said. “Leveraging laser technology, we’re unlocking precision and efficiency for medical device manufacturers while strengthening trust and accountability in the healthcare space.”

This innovation is powered by ultrafast picosecond and femtosecond lasers. CMS systems using this technology ensure that markings on medical device surfaces withstand rigorous cleaning and daily use. The ultra-short pulses virtually eliminate HAZ, crucial for clean micro-features in cut or drilled devices made from materials like HDPE, Delrin, nylon, and Teflon (PTFE).

Related: Laser Photonics Advances R&D Efforts in Laser Marking for Stainless Steel Medical Wires

Integrating machine vision and automation further minimizes manufacturing errors and enhances quality control. Machine vision verifies parts, aligns marking, and checks the final mark and data. Automated systems with robots and conveyors eliminate human error and accelerate production.

CMS Laser’s on-the-fly processing enables rapid, precise marking of continuously fed plastic parts. Controlled by proprietary software, these systems integrate picosecond fiber lasers for micromachining, rotary units, and encoder feedback for velocity tracking, potentially increasing medical product line throughput by up to 550%.

Strategically leveraging CMS Laser’s deep expertise, LPC is making significant investments in laser cold marking R&D for plastics in medical device manufacturing. This initiative aligns well with LPC’s broader diversification strategy, aimed at delivering enhanced value to shareholders and building robust resilience within evolving market dynamics.

Laser Photonics is a vertically integrated manufacturer and R&D Center of Excellence for industrial laser technologies and systems. Laser Photonics seeks 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. Laser Photonics’ new generation of leading-edge laser blasting technologies and equipment also addresses the numerous health, safety, environmental and regulatory issues associated with old methods.

Control Micro Systems (CMS Laser), is a 40-year U.S. pioneer in software controls development for laser machines. Today, the company produces turnkey laser material processing systems for marking, cutting, drilling, welding, cleaning, and more. Its cutting-edge laser systems are expertly engineered for high-precision applications in a wide range of industries and tailored to each client’s unique manufacturing needs. CMS Laser counts several top 20 global life sciences companies among its customers.