Laser Machining Filters and Screens

Filters and screens are utilized in various industries such as Aerospace, Automotive fuel systems, Medical and Bio-medical device industries and are used primarily for keeping undesirable particles, residue or dirt away from permeating into sensitive parts of equipment. Filters display different shapes and sizes; some are conical, cylindrical or flat in nature and can be designed to have many holes or apertures depending on the type and size of particles needed to be filtered.

In the case of metal-type filters, laser-drilled holes may be as small as 0.001” in diameter with very high accuracy and a tolerance range of +/- .0001”.  Laser drilling can be applied to a variety of metals such as stainless steel, titanium, copper or polymers such as PEEK, Kapton and silicone. Laser processing is extremely precise. Thousands of holes can be laser drilled onto a filter in a repetitive manner with the same level of precision maintained throughout the process. Lasers can cut in a non-contact manner without diminishing the integrity of the material.

Filter for separation of specific-shaped particles .006″ in size

Lasers are superior to almost any other process for manufacturing filters. Other methods of machining experience problems with wear or dulling of drill bits, blades or other moving parts which eventually affect the quality and precision of the apertures. In addition, chemical etching or use of wire meshes for filtration also have limitations.  Laser machining filters has become the method of choice for those seeking a superior filter.

Gateway Laser Services has various technologies services — laser drilling, welding, marking and cutting — which enable us to manufacture many types of filters. We can customize the filter because our laser micromachining systems can be configured in different ways depending upon the range of tasks they are expected to perform. Variations have to do with material type, thickness level, diameter of the apertures and the associated spacing and tolerances specified for a particular filter.

Holes in stainless steel, 75 micron diameter

In the case of metal filters, an additional step may be required to attach the filter/screen to a master cylinder. A preferred method is to laser weld the filter by applying delicate welds around the areas with fine apertures forming a tight hermetic joint of the filter.  Gateway Laser Services can laser weld metals/alloys for many types of applications in medical devices, robotics, aerospace, water jet cutting and other fluidic systems.

For all of your laser micromachining needs, always think Gateway Laser Services. 314.785.6800. http://www.gatewaylaser.com

Laser micromachining and its ties to the medical field

As leaders in the field of precision laser micromachining, Gateway Laser Services specializes in the processing of highly precise components that require extremely close tolerances.  Laser micromachining is an alternative method for medical device manufacturers who rely on high levels of consistency and repeatability. It’s a fast and dependable way to machine small and very thin parts for the medical industry.

Benefits of Machining Versus Other Component Fabrication Techniques

Modern laser micromachinig has experienced enormous changes within the last 10 years based on new laser sources with high efficiency laser diode pumping and developments of fiber lasers as well as shorter pulsed lasers with high frequencies. Laser micromachining will be used in all industries as engineers learn the advantages of the process and comparing it to well established mechanical machining methods such as EDM, micromolding, electroforming, chemical etching, etc.

Gateway Laser Grows Professional Staff

Many of Gateway Laser’s local customers have paid a visit or two to our office in St. Louis, MO and for those who have; they more than likely had the opportunity to meet the newest addition to our Management Team: Lola, HR Manager.

Films, Filters and more!

Laser Micromachining PEEK (polyetheretherketone) Films

High Performance SemiCrystalline PEEK (polyetheretherketone) films are drawing interest within the industrial marketplace. PEEK has the characteristics of a versatile high performance film such as a high dielectric property, resistance to chemical corrosion, withstands higher operating temperatures and it’s one of the most thermally stable thermoplastics out on the market.

Filtration device made from PEEK film. Holes 100+/-5 microns

The material has a variety of uses and applications from fabrication of industrial machines, medical devices, medical implants, electronic devices, scientific instruments, chemical processing as well as oil and gas industries. In the biomedical field it is quickly closing in as a competitor to stainless steel in the use of implants where material strength and toughness prevents wear and tear inside the body with low potential risk.

PEEK Filters

Gateway Laser Services has a laser micromachining method for manufacturing small parts with extremely high precision. Filters which must function in high temperature or corrosive environments may be fabricated out of PEEK film as the material of choice. Such filters are often designed as small-hole arrays laser drilled in specific patterns as called for by design. The laser drilled apertures can be as small as just a few microns. PEEK filters display excellent edge quality without burring.

Seals & Gaskets

In the fabrication of seals and gaskets PEEK has become a material of choice as a high performance polymer for industrial applications. It’s superior combination of properties such as displays outstanding mechanical performance in high or low temperatures as well as water or steam, it is highly resistant to wear or fatigue, and great hydrolysis resistance makes it very attractive to industries.

The future for laser micromachining PEEK material for biomedical applications is very bright. PEEK competes with stainless steel and other metals as a material used for implants; its strength and toughness prevents wear and tear inside the body with low potential risk. Laser micromachining for medical implants is almost a must when dimensional accuracies are tightly tolerance.

Gateway Laser Services

At Gateway Laser, we like to think of ourselves as more than just a laser cutting job shop. Our high resolution micromachining process allows us to produce very small features with unparalleled precision. Our laser cutting services are for those who must meet exacting standards requiring highly accurate dimensions and extremely tight tolerances.

Gateway Laser Services is St. Louis-based but they serve a clientele across the globe. We are  celebrating our 10th year in business in addition to a growth of new clients and unique projects.

Follow along with our blog as we will stay on top of posting new happenings at Gateway Laser Services, industry related news, and field education.