In addition to electropolishing, other metal finishing capabilities include laser marking, which can be used to ensure compliance with the latest UDI requirements, and titanium color anodizing, which can be used to improve part identification with vibrant hues.

Laser Marking

Recent updates to the Food and Drug Administration regulations require parts used in medical applications to have a unique identifying mark to allow for more accurate reporting and analyzing of information regarding the device when an adverse event occurs. The UDI measures, intended to improve patient safety, allow for enhanced tracking and accountability.

A laser marking process that is 100 percent biocompatible and doesn’t interfere with the function of parts used in medical applications can effectively help you meet FDA UDI requirements. For example, the Trumpf TruMark Laser Marking System, which has X, Y, and Z stages, as well as rotary indexers, can mark the following:

  • Flat and 3-dimensional components up to 18.7" high
  • Cylindrical products
  • Alphanumeric characters in any font
  • Any logo, shape, or other form of identification including the 17 most common barcodes including Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, EAN, Code 128A, and CODABAR.

Titanium Color Anodizing

Titanium color anodizing creates a numerous array of colors without adding dyes or other foreign material to the titanium alloy, making it a great choice for medical devices. Because contaminant-free parts are a top concern for the healthcare field, the method of coloration through natural titanium oxides is appealing to manufacturers. In addition, this anodizing treatment is long lasting, resisting discoloration or fading.

Titanium color anodizing is used not only as a decorative finish but also as a means of color-coding parts for product or size identification. This treatment is used on items such as orthopedic implants, medical instruments, and device components.

Titanium color anodizing offers a variety of benefits for medical device manufacturers including the following:

  • Color stability
  • Decorative finish
  • Highly sanitary
  • Visual identification