Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What processes does Microweld offer?

Microweld offers laser micro-welding, laser micro-cutting, and laser engraving and marking. These precision laser processing technologies are used for joining complex components, producing high-precision geometries, and ensuring traceability, identification, and surface finishing.

Q: What materials can be processed by Microweld?

Microweld processes titanium and titanium alloys, including Ti-6Al-4V, tantalum, cobalt-chromium alloys, austenitic and martensitic stainless steels, diamond, technical ceramics such as SiC and tungsten carbide, ceramic matrix composites, and nitinol. Feasibility studies are available for specialized materials or alloys.

Q: What is the minimum precision achievable with laser micro-welding?

Laser micro-welding can produce extremely small welds, typically between 0.1 and 0.5 mm, with minimal to virtually no distortion. This precision is especially important for implantable medical devices where dimensional stability must be maintained within ±0.05 mm.

Q: Can Microweld process complex geometries?

Yes. Microweld uses advanced multi-axis positioning systems to process complex geometries, including microchannels, complex 3D geometries, curved surfaces, and highly complex component configurations. Each project receives a dedicated technical assessment.

Q: Which process should you choose: laser, TIG, brazing, or adhesive bonding?

The best joining process depends on the materials, required precision, thermal constraints, and mechanical performance. Laser welding offers very low heat input, minimal distortion, high joint strength, very small weld sizes below 0.1 mm, short cycle times, and suitability for MedTech applications. TIG, brazing, and adhesive bonding may be suitable depending on cost, geometry, and material compatibility.

Q: Can’t find the answer to your question?

For technical questions or specific requirements, contact Microweld by email at technic@microweld.fr or by phone at +33 (0) 4 50 69 84 85.

What processes does Microweld offer?

Microweld specializes in three complementary precision laser processing technologies:

laser micro-welding (Laser Beam Welding) for joining complex components with minimal heat input;
Laser micro-cutting for producing high-precision geometries;
Laser engraving and marking for traceability, identification, and surface finishing.

Leveraging its expertise in industrial laser technologies, Microweld delivers exceptional precision when processing sensitive materials and high-value components through advanced laser-based manufacturing.

What materials can be processed by Microweld?

Microweld processes a wide range of critical alloys, including titanium and titanium alloys (notably Ti-6Al-4V), tantalum, cobalt-chromium alloys for orthopedic and dental applications, as well as austenitic and martensitic stainless steels.

For laser micro-cutting, Microweld has developed proprietary technology for 2D and 3D laser machining and cutting of challenging materials, including diamond, technical ceramics (SiC and tungsten carbide), ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), and nitinol (nickel-titanium alloy).

For specialized materials or alloys not listed above, Microweld offers a feasibility study to assess their compatibility with our laser processing technologies.

What is the minimum precision achievable with laser micro-welding?

Laser micro-welding enables the production of extremely small welds—typically between 0.1 and 0.5 mm—with minimal to virtually no distortion. This level of precision is particularly critical for implantable medical devices, where dimensional stability must be maintained within ±0.05 mm. The laser’s highly localized heat input minimizes the heat-affected zone (HAZ), preserving the metallurgical properties of the material surrounding the weld.

Can Microweld process complex geometries?

Yes. Microweld operates advanced multi-axis positioning systems capable of processing components with complex geometries, including:

microchannels,
complex 3D geometries,
curved surfaces,
highly complex component configurations.

Each project undergoes a dedicated technical assessment to determine the most suitable laser process and ensure the required level of quality in line with the customer’s specifications.

Is Microweld certified for the MedTech industry?

Yes. Microweld is certified to ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 13485 for medical devices. ISO 13485 certification ensures a robust quality management system covering full traceability, process controls, equipment validation, non-conformance management, and supplier audit compliance. Microweld has been serving the medical device industry since 1997.

Which process should you choose: laser, TIG, brazing, or adhesive bonding?

Each joining technology offers distinct advantages depending on the materials involved, the required level of precision, thermal constraints, and the desired mechanical performance. The table below compares the key characteristics of laser welding, TIG welding, brazing, and adhesive bonding to help you select the most suitable solution for your application.

Criterion	Microweld (Laser)	Conventional TIG	Brazing / Soldering	Adhesive Bonding
Heat input	Very low	Moderate to high	Very low	None
Distortion	Minimal	Moderate	Minimal	None
Joint strength	High (fusion bond)	High	Moderate	Low
Minimum weld size	< 0.1 mm	1–2 mm	0.5–1 mm	N/A
Fragile materials (ceramics, composites)	No	No	Possible	Possible
Dissimilar materials	Difficult	Possible	Possible	N/A
Setup cost	Moderate	Low	Low	Very low
Unit cost	Moderate to high	Low	Low	Very low
Cycle time	Short	Long	Short	Short
MedTech approved	✓	✓	✓	Limited
Vacuum outgassing	Possible	No	No	Possible

Can’t find the answer to your question?

For any technical questions or specific requirements, our team is here to help. We’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.

Mail: technic@microweld.fr

Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 69 84 85