Laser cutter A-Laser helps Cardica produce next-generation medical devices
Milpitas, CA - Cardica (Redwood City, CA), which designs and manufactures proprietary stapling and automated anastomotic devices for cardiac and laparoscopic surgical procedures, has partnered with precision laser cutter A-Laser to expand and refine its line of next-generation medical devices.
“For several years, we have worked with A-Laser on a number of product prototypes as well as ongoing precision parts manufacturing,” explains Donovan Ware, materials Manager for Cardica. “The quality of the laser-cut components A-Laser supplies is consistently high and the engineering team continues to be an invaluable resource for ensuring proper materials sourcing and design collaboration.”
Cardica’s relationship with A-Laser began with the development of its revolutionary MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 surgical stapler, an 80° articulating device with a 5mm shaft. Precision laser cutting of thin metal parts with tight tolerances was critical, and A-Laser’s comprehensive range of laser cutting services and the company’s engineering expertise have been instrumental in the progression of the MicroCutter product line.
“Knowing that we are playing a part in the manufacture of revolutionary medical devices is gratifying," says Josh Saunders, president of A-Laser. "And, the challenging designs from Cardica drive us to innovate new ways to manufacture exceptionally small, precise stainless steel components. In fact, one part can only be manufactured through a process of chemical etching and laser cutting, which is a technique A-Laser perfected and now employs to produce a specialty part used in Cardica’s MicroCutter device.”
A-Laser’s short lead times and local proximity are key advantages for Cardica. Reduced cycle times offer numerous benefits, including improved productivity, shortened product development cycles, nimble design modification capability, and inventory reduction, among others. Ware says that Cardica can deliver a design to A-Laser and have parts in a couple of days.
For more information, please visit www.a-laser.com.