Laser Photonics Corporation a global leader in the development of industrial laser systems for material processing applications, has announced the launch of a new research and development (R&D) initiative aimed at advancing laser solutions for pharmaceutical tablet drilling, wafer scribing, and semiconductor marking. This move comes on the heels of LPC’s recent acquisition of Control Micro Systems, Inc. (CMS), which has provided the company with new technologies and expertise to accelerate growth in these diverse sectors.
LPC’s R&D push reflects a strategic effort to further enhance its laser systems capabilities and expand into new markets. By leveraging the innovative technologies from CMS, LPC is positioning itself to offer cutting-edge solutions for industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to semiconductors. This initiative underscores LPC’s commitment to broadening its technological footprint and maintaining a competitive edge in the industrial laser sector.
Expanding into New Markets
“Laser technology has revolutionized material processing across multiple industries, and now with the acquisition of Control Micro Systems, we are tapping into even more market segments,” said Wayne Tupuola, CEO of LPC. “CMS’s state-of-the-art technology and Orlando-based development team have already proven to be invaluable in this expansion, and we are excited to bring this expertise to new verticals such as pharmaceuticals, wafer processing, and semiconductors.”
The R&D initiative will see the company investing substantial resources into developing advanced laser solutions tailored to the specific needs of these industries. Key areas of focus include tablet drilling for time-release medications, wafer serialization, and high-precision semiconductor marking. Through these projects, LPC aims to enhance its technological offerings and meet the growing demands of these specialized markets.
Advancing Pharmaceutical Laser Technology
In the pharmaceutical industry, LPC is set to advance the development of CMS’s tablet drilling and marking system, which has been engineered to address the needs of time-release medications. The system uses Class I automated CO2 lasers and incorporates a custom fixture for tablets, along with features such as fume extraction and machine vision inspection for quality control. This technology serves as a powerful anti-counterfeiting solution, providing pharmaceutical companies with a way to securely mark their products and prevent counterfeit medications from entering the market.
The company sees great potential in this system, particularly as the pharmaceutical industry increasingly seeks to adopt innovative, secure methods of tracking and verifying drugs. By integrating laser technology into this process, LPC is helping improve the accuracy, efficiency, and security of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Innovating in Wafer Scribing and Semiconductor Marking
LPC is also making significant strides in wafer serialization, an essential process in the production of semiconductor devices and related technologies. Wafer scribing, marking, and lapping are critical steps in creating silicon wafers and compounds used in consumer electronics, solar panels, LEDs, MEMS devices, and other optoelectronic components. LPC’s development of the multi-station CMS wafer system is designed to process wafers up to 300 mm in width and between 300 to 800 microns in thickness. This system also incorporates robotic wafer positioning to improve precision and streamline the wafer manufacturing process, making it more efficient and scalable.
In the semiconductor sector, LPC will continue to refine CMS’s laser marking system, which uses high-precision ultraviolet lasers combined with a galvanometer scanhead. This system allows for fast fiducial recognition and enables the creation of small, permanent markings on IC mold compounds and ceramics. The unique benefit of this system is its ability to mark semiconductor parts with minimal heat, preventing any damage to sensitive components. Additionally, machine vision is used to verify chip positioning and marking alignment, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of each part.
This advanced semiconductor laser marking technology positions LPC to support the growing demand for precise, high-speed marking in the semiconductor industry, an area that continues to see rapid innovation as the market for chips, microelectronics, and related technologies expands.
Looking Ahead
LPC’s new R&D initiative is a testament to the company’s commitment to driving technological advancements in the laser systems sector. By focusing on key applications in pharmaceuticals, wafer processing, and semiconductors, LPC is positioning itself as a leader in these specialized markets.
With the support of CMS’s cutting-edge technologies, LPC plans to continue evolving its product offerings and unveiling new laser solutions for a broad range of industries. The company is poised to deliver advanced laser systems that address critical needs in the fields of drug manufacturing, electronics, and semiconductors.
Stay tuned for upcoming announcements from LPC as the company shares further details about the advancements being made in each of these systems. With the expansion into these high-growth markets, LPC is setting the stage for continued innovation and growth in the industrial laser systems sector.
