4. Laser Parameters for Surgical Instrument Marking
Shenzhen, China
Published: Jul 3, 2026
4. Laser Parameters for Surgical Instrument Marking
Annealing Parameters for Stainless Steel (SS316/SS304)
| Parameter | 20W Fiber | 30W Fiber |
|---|---|---|
| Power (%) | 40–55% | 30–45% |
| Speed (mm/s) | 250–400 | 350–550 |
| Frequency (kHz) | 20–50 | 20–50 |
| Fill spacing (mm) | 0.01–0.03 | 0.01–0.03 |
| Passes | 1–2 | 1 |
| Focus | On surface | On surface |
For DataMatrix codes specifically:
- Use vector marking mode for the DataMatrix (not raster fill)
- Adjust line spacing to match the cell size requirement
- Verify readability with a grade-A scanner per ISO/IEC 15415
Titanium Marking Parameters
| Parameter | Setting |
|---|---|
| Power (%) | 30–50% |
| Speed (mm/s) | 200–500 |
| Frequency (kHz) | 20–80 |
| Mark type | Annealing (light oxide) or light engraving |
Titanium marks well with annealing. The oxide layer is extremely stable and produces a dark, high-contrast mark. For tiny titanium devices (bone screws, dental implants), use short-pulse MOPA settings for precise cell formation.
Plastic Medical Device Marking
For HDPE, PVC, and other medical plastics:
| Parameter | Setting |
|---|---|
| Laser type | UV (355nm) recommended |
| Power | 3–5W UV |
| Mark type | Color change or foaming |
| Alternative | Fiber laser with laser-sensitive additives |
Important: Not all polymers respond identically to laser energy. 1064nm fiber laser absorption varies significantly between polymer formulations. UV lasers provide more consistent results on medical plastics without requiring additives — but validate each material.
