Resonetics debuts laser micromachining system

Resonetics, Nashua, N.H., this week introduced the RapidX250 laser micromachining system for microfluidic and microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices. The rapid prototyping tool best suits corporate and university research requiring rapid prototyping tolerances approaching 1µm, according to the company news release.

"Traditionally," the company reported, "MEMS devices have been fabricated by traditional semiconductor lithography, but the multi-step process takes significant time. The RapidX250 uses a multi-wavelength excimer laser (193nm and 248nm) to directly fabricate the structures in a single step, drastically reducing prototype time."

The RapidX250 is said to be capable of fabricating 2-D (flat sheets, tubes) and 3-D parts (balloons, non-planar surfaces), including XYZ, theta and goniometer. With a 193nm wavelength, the laser can ablate cleanly fluropolymers, bioabsorbable polymers and glass.