Ultrafast laser micromachining

Reduced cycle times and tooling costs and new levels of precision are the direct, success-triggering benefits of Microlution’s compact, high-performance, ultrafast ML-5 Laser platform. A perfect example of the performance Microlution brings to manufacturers, the Microlution ML-5 is optimized for micro hole-drilling and fine cutting without heat-affected zone, producing precision parts in seconds.

Like all Microlution platforms, the Microlution ML-5 brings together high acceleration, exceptional stability, precise part handling, and motion control with integrated part characterization and measurement to deliver ultraprecise machining with unsurpassed accuracy, speed and quality. From more efficient automotive fuel injectors and complex, micro precision watch parts to highly precise medical catheter tips and micro-crack-free holes for mobile devices’ hardened glass displays, the Microlution ML-5 brings new designs and products to life.

With ±1 µm positional accuracy and ±0.5 µm repeatability, the platform offers up to five axes of motion and supports multiple Laser types. It has a precision ground natural granite base; high-precision linear motors; high-resolution Heidenhain glass scale encoders; granite-mounted, ironless rails; high-precision beam delivery system; in-line workpiece touch probe; integrated power meter; and high-speed optical camera.

Manufacturers achieve faster, more accurate and higher quality micromachining results with Microlution’s solutions to reduce cycle times, decrease tooling costs and achieve new levels of precision. Automotive and medtech are just two of the industries in which Microlution customers are achieving new levels of success.

GM Components Holdings (GMCH), a subsidiary of General Motors, is one example of how Microlution drives customers’ success in automotive manufacturing. In today’s automotive industry, gas direct injection (GDi) makers are competing to be technology leaders. The goal: higher precision for a higher spray performance to maximize fuel economy and minimize emissions. New injector designs require new levels of precision, process flexibility, and repeatability. GMCH, in New York (US) manufactures and distributes automotive components with a strong focus on engine management systems. The Rochester Components plant uses the most advanced technologies to build high-quality fuel injection systems for world-class engines. With Microlution’s ultrafast Laser system, GMCH achieves greater flexibility and higher precision while at the same time lowering flow variation and reducing cycle times.

In medtech, Johnson Matthey’s medical components manufacturing business (JM) has found an answer to support its customers in producing medical devices from precious metals with extremely precise parts and high product quality. Using Microlution’s ultrafast Laser technology, JM is able to meet and exceed its customers’ demand for smaller, burr-free holes and cuts—and help produce safer, more effective devices such as catheter ablation tips to deliver more efficient and precise treatment for cardiac arrhythmia. Catheter tips need to be small enough to travel through human veins, perform complex procedures, and meet all government safety and quality requirements. Thanks to ultrafast Laser fine cutting and micro hole-drilling, material can be removed without generating heat, enabling the machining of tiny holes with sufficient surface and edge quality to bring new catheter irrigation tip designs to life. JM utilizes a turnkey automated Laser machining system from Microlution that achieves higher accuracy and repeatability, reduces cycle times, and increases machine throughput.