01 May 2007
: Parafix invests in laser cutting technology
The capabilities of Parafix have been continually advanced by its customers' requirements. Originally by the computer and hard disk drive industry who pushed both the technical competency and quality systems, and more recently by the telecommunications and electronics manufacturers for more functional, accurate, and cost effective parts.
It is now the turn of the medical and healthcare sectors, where the need for high precision, minute detail and absolute consistency are driving the R & D focus, and indeed some investment at Parafix. Primarily in the life sciences and medical device markets, Parafix are being asked for dimensions and positional accuracy way beyond the means of conventional flat-bed and rotary tool manufacturers. This led to the commissioning of a CO2 laser cutter in Q3 2006, which has been operational since January this year. Once at Parafix, it was down to the engineering team to integrate the laser into electronically controlled reel to reel processes, with waste removal ability. They achieved this whilst maintaining +/- 0.05mm accuracy, but also incorporated a web registration function that offers the capability of identifying a previously cut or printed mark and making a secondary complementary cut. Capable of a 500mm per second speed, it is driven by electronic drawing files and can cut up to a diameter of 218mm. Tests have proven that, with adjustment to cutting speed and beam power, it can cut approximately 90% of the adhesive and other flexible material components that Parafix supply to these, and other markets. It was also imperative, after ensuring compliance with BSEN ISO 13488, that the machine would not only be compatible for operation within a class 10,000 clean room, but also that the reeled output parts could be used to feed the companies' line of Accuplace automated pick and place equipment Related links: Parafix Healthcare market: http://www.parafix.com/industries/health.htm Accuplace placement solutions: http://www.accuplace.com/ParafixAccuPlace.htm
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