Putnam Plastics Expands Laser Machining Capabilities

Putnam Plastics Corporation, a developer of advanced extrusions for minimally invasive medical devices, has expanded its capabilities to include advanced laser machining and short pulse and ultrashort pulse laser technologies. In addition, 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 provides a reduction in lead time and shortening of customers’ supply chains to bring them one step closer to a finished device, all under one roof.
 
Putnam’s laser machining allows for medical devices to be manufactured with the smallest features in accordance with the most demanding specifications. Multiple in-house lasers, provide the ability to have tight tolerances and to machine complex features with repeatability better than 4 microns. These 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. In addition to these capabilities, the company also offers laser bonding abilities which 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 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. “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.

Based in Dayville, Conn., Putnam Plastics develops small-diameter medical tubing used in the manufacturing of vascular catheters and minimally invasive medical devices. Configurations include single lumen, solid profile and monofilament, multi-lumen, multiple materials in layers or stripes, tapers and bumps, variable durometer materials along the length, wire and fiber reinforcements, and wire jacketing.