Laser micro-processing of cardiovascular stent with fiber laser cutting system

A metallic cardiovascular stent cutting system based on fiber laser was designed in this study. In order to achieve the cutting of stent, the main modules and the key technologies were analyzed and achieved. Then with the cutting system, the kerf width size was studied for different cutting parameters including laser output power, pulse length, repeat frequency, cutting speed and assisting gas pressure. Finally, a high quality of cutting of 316L stainless steel cardiovascular stent was achieved. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.