Miniature components

Aerospace, electro-optics, semi-conductors, cryogenics, and other hi-tech industries require tight tolerance, laser machining of high-precision miniature components. Stringent product requirements involving precision parts match the set of manufacturing capabilities and hands-on experience offered by STI.

STI Laser Industries, Ltd., specializes in laser cutting, laser welding and finishing of miniature metal parts. A wide range of companies turn to STI for contract manufacturing of their quality assured products. The following categories outline typical non-medical applications involving miniature metal parts.

Shims, spacers or masks for electro-optic calibration

STI developed special laser cutting techniques for cutting thin metal foils and very fine shims or spacers of 0.005-0.05 mm thickness used for electro-optic calibration. These laser machining techniques enable STI to handle and laser cut thin foils without deforming their shape and without thermally affecting them.

Micro filters

STI cuts miniature slots or hole patterns from various metals and sinterized materials (stainless steel, aluminum, cobalt chrome, tantalum, copper, titanium, ceramics, etc.) at 20 micron minimal cutting width. Micro filters are used in medical and non-medical applications for separating larger particles from liquids or gases.

In applications that require finer filtration (≤ 20 μm), STI receives the filter media, cuts the desired contour and welds the filter element into place.

Examples of filters produced by STI include a surface filter for the electronic industry made of a 100 micron thick Tantalum foil with 10,000 holes (0.3mm diameter) at 1mm pitch between holes. The photo on the right shows a stainless steel medical micro filter machined for a fertility treatment application having 2,000 rectangular slots of 2x0.02 mm.

Tiny moving mechanisms

Precision parts for tiny moving mechanisms (≤ 1 mm) require laser machining capability. STI excels at manufacturing tiny, high-precision metal parts, and assembles complex mechanisms composed of multiple components.

Miniature moving parts, such as: discs, cog wheels, levers, belts, pins and shafts, perform different mechanical functions. The particular shape, size and material of the part depend on the application. A stainless steel lever used in a locking mechanism provides an example. Selective electropolishing maintains the sharp edge of the lever while rounding corners of moving areas to reduce friction and improve operating efficiency.

Precision nozzles

A nozzle is a mechanical device that regulates the flow of gas or liquid. Nozzle variables include the geometry, inlet and outlet dimensions, thickness, material, and corrosion resistance. STI manufactures nozzles for different applications, such as: non-contact air floating systems, fuel injection, gas pressure and/or temperature measuring devices, vacuum nozzles, pressure nozzles, etc.

An air pressure measuring device for jet engines provides an example of a product composed of various nozzles manufactured for the aerospace industry. STI provided R&D support, laser cutting and laser welding assembly services.

© 2011 STI Laser Industries, Ltd.   ISO 13485:2003, ISO 9001:2008 - Contract manufacturing, assembly and packaging of medical devices.