Laser marking on surgical instruments ensures product quality, prevents counterfeiting, and increases patient safety – all important factors in ensuring the surgery goes smoothly. Since ‘unique device identifier’ (UDI) codes are mandatory for manufacturers in almost all countries worldwide, Laser marking has played a key role in the manufacturing process of medical devices and components of all safety classes.

In Australia, surgical instrument tracking systems are usually designed around the AS/NZS 4187:2014 compliance requirements relating to identification and traceability. For the laser marking process itself, picosecond laser marking ensures black marking without reflections. Laser marking with a picosecond laser resists citric and nitric passivation cycles (a traditional fiber laser would fail the second test). Not all laser marker manufacturers are using this technology.

Advantages identified of using picosecond lasers on surgical instruments:

• • High-contrast black marking

• • No oxidation problems

• • Faster than traditional fiber laser

Laser marking does not compromise component hygiene requirements and withstands cleaning with alkaline substances and sterilisation at high temperatures. Laser Resources can help with laser marking equipment for early compliance with the AS/NZS 4187:2014 standard.

For more examples of laser marking for traceability, view the following video:
Coherent – Black Marking of Medical Reusables

For more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Laser Resources (Australia) Australia. Contact us today for a detailed consultation and discover how our laser marking solutions can assist with surgical instrument identification and traceability.