What is Laser Micromachining?
Laser micromachining is a precision process used to produce fine features and tight tolerances at the micro scale. A focused laser beam removes or modifies material without physical contact, allowing accurate machining while minimizing mechanical stress and distortion.
The process is well suited for metals, polymers, ceramics, and glass, and is commonly used for applications in medical devices, microelectronics, photonics, and microfluidics. As a core microfabrication technology, laser micromachining is often combined with complementary processes such as micro CNC machining, bonding, and assembly to support both prototyping and production.
Our Laser Micromachining Capabilities
Since 1982, Potomac Photonics has been setting the standard for laser micromachining services.
Potomac Photonics offers a broad range of cost-effective and highly repeatable laser micromachining capabilities that are available for applications ranging from prototyping through production manufacturing.
With a variety of laser sources from deep UV excimer to Nd:YAG lasers, we can micromachine most materials (e.g. polymers, metals, ceramic, glass). Our engineers will choose the most appropriate laser system to micromachine your parts, based on feature sizes, tolerances, volume, and material.
We are continually developing new laser micromachining capabilities and have been recognized by many of our customers for developing processes to manufacture their parts where others have fallen short.
Our laser micromachining systems are equipped with some of the most cutting edge optics configurations, motion systems and parts handling fixtures in the world. We take pride in pushing the limits of laser micromachining technology from a process, quality and cost perspective.
In addition to laser micromachining parts, we have successfully developed applications for the fabrication of molds and fixtures that require small features and tight tolerances. For example, we can laser micromachine a mold for hot embossing applications, typically in less than a day.
Metal Laser Micromachining
We excel in laser micromachining services for metals, offering precision solutions tailored to your needs.
From stainless steel and copper to nitinol, tantalum, gold, aluminum, and more, we have extensive experience with a wide range of materials.
Our process is driven by critical factors like metal type, reflectivity, and desired feature size, ensuring optimal results with minimal heat affected zones.
We utilize advanced IR lasers for quality and cost effectiveness, though UV lasers are suitable for finer features and thin metal thicknesses.
With our CAD to FAB driven technology, we eliminate the need for costly masks or tooling options, making custom part manufacturing efficient and cost-effective.
Whether you need prototypes or production parts, our laser micromachining delivers fast turnaround times.
Polymer Laser Micromachining
We specializes in laser micromachining services tailored to your polymer needs, leveraging extensive experience with a diverse array of materials.
From micro-hole drilling in balloon catheters to precision applications, we’ve worked with materials like Kapton, Cirlex, PEEK, polystyrene, PMMA, polycarbonate, PTFE, Mylar, and more.
Our meticulous selection of laser wavelengths aligns with your polymer’s absorption spectrum, ensuring optimal results with minimal heat affected zones.
We prioritize delivering cost-effective solutions, balancing factors like cut quality, feature size, and throughput through precise process optimization.
Trust in our expertise and advanced laser capabilities, including UV systems at 193nm, 248nm, and 355nm, for precise and efficient polymer micromachining solutions tailored to your industry needs.
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Need Additional Microfabrication?
Potomac offers generous incentives to our customers that combine laser micromachining with our exhaustive list of other microfabrication processes.
Also From the Goodfellow Group
Laser micromachining results are directly dependent on the composition, purity, and dimensional consistency of the substrate. Goodfellow supplies precision metals, polymers, ceramics, and glass — including Kapton, PEEK, Mylar, stainless steel, titanium, and borosilicate glass — in the exact thicknesses and grades required for micromachining, with material data available for every product.
Source your micromachining substrate from Goodfellow before submitting your project.
Laser-micromachined components can be characterized for edge quality, feature dimensions, heat-affected zone extent, and material composition through Goodfellow’s ISO 17025-accredited materials testing lab, using SEM imaging and EDX elemental analysis. Independent post-machining analysis supports process validation, incoming material qualification, and regulatory documentation.
Verify micromachined feature quality and material integrity with accredited analysis.
