Laser Micromachining
Since 1982, Potomac Photonics has been setting the standard for Laser Micromachining Services.
Laser Micromachining Services:
Laser Micromachining of Stainless Steel Tube
Potomac Photonics offers a broad range of cost-effective and highly repeatable laser micromachining capabilities that are available for applications ranging from prototyping through production manufacturing. With a variety of laser sources from deep UV excimer to Nd:YAG lasers, we can micromachine most materials (eg. polymers, metals, ceramic, glass). Our Engineers will choose the most appropriate laser system to micromachine your parts, based on feature sizes, tolerances, volume, and material.
- 193nm
- 248nm
- 266nm
- 355nm
- 532nm
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Laser Micromachining of almost any polymer
1064nm
- 10600nm
Visit our Gallery to see examples of:
- Laser micromachining of polymers
- Laser micromachining of glass
- Laser micromachining of ceramics
- Laser micromachining of metals
- Laser micromachining of silicon wafers
- Laser micromachining of diamonds
- Laser micromachining (laser marking)
We are continually developing new laser micromachining capabilities and have been recognized by many of our customersfor developing processes to manufacture their parts where others have fallen short. Our laser micromachining systems are equipped with some of the most cutting edge optics configurations, motion systems and parts handling fixtures in the world. We take pride in pushing the limits of laser micromachining technology from a process, quality and cost perspective.
Laser Micromachining of Cermaic
For more information about Micromachining please see:
- Laser Micromachining Polymers
- Laser Micromachining Metals
- Laser Micromachining – Marking Services
- Laser Micromachining Welding
- Laser Micromachining Cost
- Laser Micromachining Overview
- Laser Micromachining Applications
- Laser Micromachining: QR Code Laser Marking
- Laser Micromachining: Microhole Drilling
Laser Micromachining of Channel in Nylon Wire
Laser Micromachining Polymers:
- Type of polymer being micromachined and its absorption spectrum are critical in determining the optimal laser source to use.
- Typically, matching the low transmission point of a given material to the corresponding laser wavelength yields the most favorable results.
- UV Lasers produce “cooler” excitation in polymers which results in an extremely clean cut quality with a minimal Heat Affected Zone (HAZ)
- Key considerations when choosing the appropriate laser source include, desired cut quality, feature size and throughput.
- There is a wide spectrum of process parameters that can be optimized in order to meet quality and cost targets. For example, shorter laser pulses can improve cut quality and reduce the Heat Affected Zone.
- The smallest feature size achievable with a UV laser source is about 1 micron.
- Potomac stocks many types of polymers in Dupont Kapton (polyimide), Mylar (PET), PEEK, Polycarbonate and others,
- Potomac has almost every laser wavelength in-house, including UV systems at 193nm, 248nm and 355nm.
Laser Micromachining of custom Nitinol washers
Laser Micromachining Metals:
Laser Micromachining of Stainless Steel, Copper, Nitinol, Tantalum, Gold, Aluminum and other metal materials.
- Type of metal being micromachined, reflectivity of material, and feature size desired are the most critical factors in determining optimal laser source to use.
- The laser beam is absorbed into the surface of the material, and the energy of the laser is converted to heat which vaporizes or melts the metal material.
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Laser Micromachining Stainless Steel Part
A gas or fluid assist is often utilized to improve the cut quality, expel molten metal, and minimize the Heat Affect Zone (HAZ).
- IR lasers are typically the first choice to laser micromachine metals from a quality and cost perspective.
- When features less than 10 microns are required, the UV laser may be a good alternative to the IR, assuming the metal thickness is less than 0.003″
- Intricate and complex features can be cut on both flat and tubular metal substrates utilizing high precision multi-axis motion systems.
- Potomac has experience laser micromachining almost every type of metal material including stainless steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, gold, silver and others.
Our laser micromachining systems are driven by CAD to FAB technology and do not require costly masks or tooling options. All that is needed to get started is a drawing to get started.
In addition to Laser Micromachining, Potomac has MicroCNC and 3D Printing capabilities.
Laser micromachining can be a very cost-effective way to manufacture custom parts in both prototype and production volumes. Call us today to discuss your next project. Lead times can be as fast as 24 hours in some cases.
Precision Slits in Stainless Steel
Micromachining Small Polymer Tubes
Laser Micromachining Brass
Laser Micromachining Ceramic
Laser Micromachining Copper
Laser Micromachining Glass
Laser Micromachining of 15-mil thick stainless steel.
Laser Micromachining Bioabsorbable Materials
Laser Micromachining HDPE
Laser Micromachining Kapton
Laser Micromachining LDPE
Laser Micromachining Metal
Laser Micromachining and Welding
Microfluidic Channel in Ceramic
Laser Micromachining Nitinol
Laser Micromachining PCB
Laser Micromachining PEEK
Laser Micromachining PET
Laser Micromachining Service - Stainless Steel
Laser Micromachining Service - Precision Cutting
Laser Micromachining Polycarbonate
Laser Micromachining Polyimide
Laser Micromachining Polymers
Laser Micromachining Polystyrene
Laser Micromachining: Small holes in polymer material.
Small holes in copper substrate with minimal wall separation.
Laser Micromachining Silicone
Laser Micromachining Silicon Wafers
Laser Micromachining Stainless Steel
Laser Micromachining Tantalum
Laser Micromachining of small slits in stainless steel
Laser Micromachining of microholes in glass
Laser Micromachining Titanium
Laser Micromachining Services
UV Laser Micromachining
Green Laser Micromachining
IR Laser Micromachining
Laser Micromachining of Stainless Steel
Laser Micromachining and Fill with Conductive Material
Laser Micromachining Cirlex
Laser Micromachining ITO
Laser Micromachining Rubber
Fiber Laser Micromachining
Laser Micromachining in Stainless Steel
Laser Micromachining Kapton
News & Articles
- News
- Articles
Potomac Photonics Awarded National Science Foundation Grant to Join BU Photonics Center
Potomac Cover Story
Laser processing works on a micro scale, by C. Paul Christensen
Fine Diamonds With Laser Machining, by C. Paul Christensen
Case Studies
Microhole Drilling Services
Did you know ?
Potomac recognizes the need for long-term strategic Partnerships. We have focused upon relationships where there is a product development-production manufacturing progression.