Clean, Non-Contact Wire Stripping
Laser ablation, or laser stripping, is a method of precision wire stripping where enamel coatings can be removed from specified locations using non-mechanical means. The process involves the use of laser energy to remove layers of enamel without causing damage to the metallic conductors inside.
Laser ablation works with a wide range of polymer insulations and enamels (polyimide, urethane, PTFE, and other polymers) and is a non‑contact, clean process, avoiding deformation of the conductors and also avoiding the waste and debris typical with mechanical and chemical methods of enamel stripping. The result is an insulated wire with clean insulation gaps precisely spaced for your downstream application.
Enamels may be stripped into interstrips at precise lengths between ablations in a reel to reel process that allows for continuous length of wire delivered on spools for further processing.
VAS Wire is Assembly-Ready
Laser ablation is part of MWS Wire's Value Added Services - a suite of processes and technical capabilities that support your wire needs from development through production. Whether it's custom spooling, ablation, discreet lengths, or lab reports, MWS can prepare your wire to be assembly-ready for your downstream processes.
Multifilar
Ablation
Ablations can also be applied to multifilar wire across all wires either at specified intervals or as a repeated pattern like single wire ablation.
Notching and Laser Ablation
When ordering ablated wire that is intended to be used in discrete lengths, the wire can also be notched by a similar laser process so that individual sections can be snapped off for use. Notching can be combined with any existing ablation pattern.
Ablation
Accuracy
As a controlled mechanical process, laser ablation can be highly accurate allowing for precise placement of wires onto pre-made electrical contacts. Contact us for more information if your wire application requires precise tolerances.
Applications of Laser Ablation
Laser ablation has many applications in both the medical and industrial sectors.
Medical
Cardiac rhythm management leads and electrophysiology catheters use very fine, tightly packed conductors that must be stripped without nicks or shorts. Pre‑ablated segments simplify final assembly and welding or crimping.
Neurostimulation leads and guidewires benefit from precise "windows" of exposed metal along the shaft for electrodes or sensors, which are well suited to laser‑defined patterns applied before assembly.
Micro‑sensors embedded in catheters or other disposable tools that need multiple, precisely located exposed sections along very fine wires. Pre‑ablated "windowed" wire lets the device builder focus on placement and bonding rather than stripping.
Industrial
Aerospace electronics (avionics, defense, satellites) that require strip methods to verify reliability in controlled environments.
Miniaturized interconnects in high‑density connectors or micro‑coax assemblies gain from tight strip tolerances and consistent quality from lot to lot.
Enameled magnet wires for coils, micro‑motors, or specialty sensors can have enamel removed at defined locations for terminations or taps using laser ablation, avoiding mechanical scraping and improving yield.
MWS is Wired for Your Process
MWS wire can combine laser ablation with any of our other value added services to ensure that your wire arrives at your facility ready for the next process with all needed documentation. Contact our sales department for more information.
