XL Precision Technologies, a leading manufacturer of medical devices and components, has achieved significant corporate growth in recent years. One of the factors behind this success is the investment in laser instruments, including additional Coherent StarCut Tubes.
XL Precision Technologies
Medical device manufacturing is becoming an increasingly competitive industry. Yet even contract manufacturers can still achieve exceptional success in the marketplace - either through superior product quality and performance, or by offering unique services and application support. It is these elements that XL Precision Technologies (XL-PT) decided to combine, resulting in a 70% increase in production in just 3 years (2018-2020).
XL-PT was founded in 1998 and specializes in the manufacture of precision micro-components, complex tubular components and sub-systems for the medical industry. Their services include design for manufacturing (DFM), prototyping or design solutions for high-volume production for customers from all corners of the world.
XL-PT has an extensive portfolio of laser systems for welding, cutting, drilling and marking. Nearly all of these systems have been supplied by Coherent and include several popular models such as the EasyMark and CombiLine laser marking machines, Select welders, and several StarCut Tube models for cutting and drilling (including the StarCut 18).
Due to the increasing demand for their hypotubes and other precision products, XL-PT has recently increased the range of these machines and now has a total of six StarCut Tube cutting machines. The unparalleled cutting capabilities of Monaco's femtosecond lasers in their latest StarCut Tube hybrid models has allowed them to significantly increase their nitinol processing capacity while eliminating as much additional processing as possible that would be necessary with stainless steel hypotubes.
Benefits of the StarCut Tube laser cutting system
XL-PT has countless laser machines from Coherent designed for cutting, drilling, welding and marking. However, the StarCut Tubes system is the largest part. They have even recently acquired two more. Why? According to Graham, "This machine fits perfectly into our growth strategy for several reasons. Most of our products start their life journey as tube blanks. Yet, we also have products and components that are based on monoplanar substrates. The cutting versatility that StarCut Tubes possesses is therefore a significant added value for us. In addition, StarCut Tubes provides high dimensional precision and fine cut quality, both in combination with fiber and femtosecond lasers. We have recently purchased the latest hybrid models as the combination of fibre and femtosecond lasers allows us to efficiently perform a wide range of tasks, thus achieving the best ROI."
In addition to the above factors, Tom Graham cites the system's ease of use and programming as advantages, particularly important features for the rapidly growing prototyping business. Finally, Graham notes that all XL-PT machines designed for tube cutting are equipped with an optional automatic tube feeder that supports unattended 24/7 operation suitable for larger orders.
Summary
XL Precision Technologies is a contract manufacturer of diverse, precision-engineered medical components and systems for customers around the world, from world-renowned international companies to small startups. Behind their success is laser machining, welding and marking, among other things. XL Precision Technologies has achieved admirable corporate growth, which they have been able to sustain for several years. This is mainly due to unrivalled product quality and rapid prototyping.