As we kick off January, many shops are looking at their production goals for the year and asking: How do we get faster without sacrificing quality? If your New Year’s resolution involves tighter tolerances and clean welds, it’s time to talk about the Alpha Laser ALQ. The AL-Q is a Laser Class I welding cell designed specifically for shops that need the flexibility of a manual station with the high-output capabilities of an automated system.
In the medical device manufacturing world, there is zero room for error. The ALQ has emerged as the premier Laser Class I welding cell for the medical sector. It combines the sterile, enclosed environment required for medical production with the surgical precision needed for life-saving technology.
Key Attributes of the ALQ for medical welding:
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Micro Precision: With a spot size as small as .004″ (0.1mm), the ALQ is ideal for welding implants, cardiovascular devices, and surgical instruments without compromising structural integrity.
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Process Validation: An integrated camera records pictures and video of the welding process, providing essential “video proof” for quality assurance and regulatory audits.
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Clean & Controlled: The fully enclosed Class I housing and integrated start-stop fume extraction ensure a clean working environment, essential for maintaining the hygiene standards of medical components.
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Secure Parameters: To maintain validated processes, managers can lock out parameter changes at the touch screen, ensuring that operators cannot deviate from the approved “recipe.”
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Smart Recipes: Use the scanning feature to read bar codes or QR codes on work orders, instantly recalibrating the ALQ to the correct validated recipe.
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Seamless Automation: Built-in I/O and side-housing slots allow for robot pick-and-place integration, perfect for high-volume production of orthopedic implants or surgical instruments.
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Teach Mode: The Teach Mode in X/Y/Z/R allows for complex geometries to be programmed quickly via WINLaserNC—no complex G-codes required.
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Fiber Power Options: Available in 150, 300, 450, and 600 Watts, giving you the flexibility to weld a wide variety of applications.
Versatility: From Automated Runs to Manual Rework
The medical industry often requires the ability to switch between long production runs and specialized manual rework. By using the optional ALPHA LASER 2D video glasses, engineers can perform manual welding tasks for R&D or single-piece repairs with the door open (utilizing additional safety measures). This flexibility makes the ALQ an all-in-one workstation for the entire product lifecycle.
Clean, Safe, and Scalable
The fully enclosed Class I housing and integrated start-stop fume extraction ensure a clean working environment, essential for maintaining the hygiene standards of medical components. Whether you are welding surgical instruments or orthopedic implants, the ALQ provides a stable, validated environment for any welding application.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Medical Industry Benefit |
| Laser Class | Class I (Fully Enclosed for Safety/Cleanliness) |
| Fiber Power | 150W to 600W (Air or Water Cooled options) |
| Spot Size | Adjustable down to 0.1mm for ultra-fine work |
| Software | WINLaserNC (Simple validation, no complex coding) |
| Integration | Side slots for easy conveyor or robotic retrofitting |
The ALQ is the perfect “bridge” machine. It allows you to automate your most repetitive tasks today while remaining flexible enough to handle unique, manual repairs tomorrow. If you’re looking to increase your throughput without the headache of complex CNC coding, the ALQ is your competitive edge for the new year.