Foster Corporation Introduces LazerMed Laser Marking Technology

Foster Corporation, a leader in polymer solutions for medical device and pharmaceutical  applications, has introduced LazerMed, a biocompatible laser marking technology that offers high resolution, durable printing capability for plastic materials used in medical devices such as tubing, catheter shafts, labware, and medical equipment.
 
Laser marking is a contact-free process that provides for ultra-fast printing that is eco-friendly (no solvents), with no pre-treatment of substrates required. In addition, there are no consumables (inks) required, as the laser marking pigments are melt blended into the polymer at the compounding stage. This proprietary technology has no effect on the sterilization process and can be added to a polymer as a masterbatch. The result is a permanent solution that can be used for injection molded, extruded, and blow molded components.
 
The LazerMed technology is manufactured using state-of-the-art laser marking pigments. These pigments provide a versatile printing platform that can be used in the vast majority of plastic materials, including transparent and opaque materials, used in medical device applications. Laser marking pigments are weather durable, available for high temperature applications and have passed USP Class VI testing for biocompatibility. 
 
“LazerMed laser marking technology benefits medical device manufacturers by offering an eco-friendly cost effective alternative to traditional printing technique,” said Tim Largier, manager of Research and Development at Foster. “It benefits users at the delivery level by providing a permanent and safe method for labeling medical devices and components.”
 
For more than 25 years Foster Corporation has been serving medical device manufacturers with technology and service in custom biomedical polymer compounding. Within two ISO 13485:2003- and ISO 9001:2008-certified facilities, Foster offers formulation development and production of polymer enhancements including radiopaque fillers, custom colors, and other specialty additives. The company is based in Putnam, Conn.