Sofab Orthopédie turned to Sisma to double its capacity for laser marking of implants and other metal medical devices.
When it comes to medical projects, it is imperative to provide a robust marking process coupled with a reliable machine.

The project involved five different product families, including femoral heads, tibial bases, mobility cups of various sizes, and surgical guides. The markings had to meet the typical requirements for UDI-compliant black marking (e.g., chemical resistance and excellent legibility) on different materials (cobalt-chromium, titanium, and stainless steel), and the system had to interface with the company’s internal database via SQL queries, automatically load marking designs and execute them on the components.
BSP Pico with the WH-10 automatic loading system fully achieved the production objectives, both in terms of quality and quantity.

Extended Plane is a software function available
for MODO Mark equipped with motorized XY axes, which allows the marking of graphics larger than the working field offered by the focal length in use.
The function automatically breaks down the image into several parts corresponding to the working field of the focal length and calculates all the movements of the axes to recompose the image in the machine.
The high precision of the axes guarantees excellent results and makes MODO Mark an ideal tool for marking large graphics.

In the Coaxial Vision System (CVS), the viewpoint of the camera coincides with the optical path of the laser beam. This allows the work area to be viewed directly within the programming software without any parallax errors, making the machining set-up much easier.

Advantages:

• high precision and repeatability of centering,
• possibility of eliminating jigs or fixtures,
• possibility of laser re-machining on the same part to obtain the required depth or finish.

The use of an integrated laser system with a scanning head requires precise prior knowledge of the path that the laser will follow in order to position the parts to be treated on the work surface accordingly.
The coaxial vision system (CVS) meets this requirement.
Everything within the camera’s field of view will therefore be accessible (and perfectly superimposed) to the laser processing.
This result is achieved thanks to a fast and accurate calibration procedure, capable of performing this alignment without the need for external manual measurements by the operator.
Monochromatic ring lighting, also coaxial with the focusing lens, improves the quality and accuracy of the acquired image. This not only makes it easy to position the machining on the parts, but also allows immediate checking of its aesthetic quality.
In addition, SISMA’s proprietary software provides the user with graphical tools for evaluating the metric dimensions of objects positioned on the work field.
The CVS is a prerequisite for automatic object recognition in combination with the Pattern Matching (PM) software function.

The configuration featuring the most powerful laser on marking machines such as the EASY, BIG SMARKY and BIG SMARK, is suitable for cutting slabs. A dedicated device is available for the motorised plate pulling, complete with a fume extractor.

One of the classic processes in goldsmithing is the cutting of precious metal sheets or alloys such as brass and copper. Traditional cutting methods have long since given way to the technological precision of laser cutting.
A special motorized sheet feeding system can be integrated into the marking machine and controlled via software to automate the cutting process. The fume extractor, which can be equipped with a cyclone for recovering precious metal dust, completes the system for maximum efficiency and optimization of production costs.

With the LOGO 200F the procedure is fully guided step-by-step, so that even an inexperienced operator can easily carry out high quality machining.
Simplicity does not limit the versatility of the machine; the operator chooses the material from a predefined (but expandable) list, the type of processing from the many available options and the desired characteristics. At this point, the system automatically sets the processing parameters, and the operator only needs to adjust the focus.

The true added value of LOGO 200F lies in its user-centric approach. The system is not just a work tool, but an intelligent assistant that guides the operator through every step. The operating procedure is completely guided step-by-step, a decisive factor that allows even inexperienced personnel to achieve impeccable quality results from the very first use. This interactive guide minimizes the learning curve and drastically reduces the risk of operational errors, ensuring consistent quality on every piece.

An intelligent, versatile, and dynamic workflow.
Despite the extreme simplification of processes, the LOGO series does not compromise in terms of versatility and creative power. The management software transforms complex operations into a sequence of quick and intuitive choices.

Expandable material database. The operator selects the material from a preset list that includes the most common metals and alloys, with the possibility of expanding the database for new specific applications.

Wide choice of processes.
The operator can choose from the following processes: marking, blackening, whitening, satin finishing, engraving, cutting.

Automation of process parameters. Once the desired characteristics have been set, the software automatically establishes the optimal laser parameters (power, frequency, speed), ensuring the best possible result without preliminary testing.

Rapid focusing. The system’s automation minimizes the need for manual intervention; the operator is only responsible for making the final focus adjustment before starting the work cycle in complete safety.

Pattern Matching (PM) is an additional software functionality to CVS that allows automatic recognition of workpieces on the worktable and consequently precise and repeatable positioning and execution of machining operations (marking, engraving, cutting, etc.).

In industrial production, especially for large batches or small parts, manual positioning often represents a bottleneck that generates errors and waste. The Pattern Matching function automates the process, eliminating this problem.
What is Pattern Matching?
Pattern Matching is a technology based on artificial vision algorithms. Using a camera integrated coaxially with the laser path, the work area is scanned for a predefined pattern. Once the object is located, the system instantly calculates its position (X, Y) and its rotation angle.

How does the process work?
– Teaching: the operator shows the machine a sample piece or a specific portion of the geometry (a logo, a hole, a profile).
– Recognition: with each new cycle, the camera scans the area. Even if the part is positioned inaccurately or rotated, the software recognizes it in a few moments.
– Dynamic compensation: the system automatically moves and rotates the marking file to align it perfectly with the actual part.

The advantages for your production:
– Elimination of jigs: it is no longer necessary to build expensive mechanical clamping systems to ensure that the part is straight. The laser adapts to the position of the part, not vice versa.
– Drastic reduction in waste: thanks to the precision of optical recognition, marking will always be centered, even on extremely small components where a tenth of a millimeter makes all the difference.
– Cycle speed: ideal for integration into automatic lines or for marking pieces placed in bulk on the tray. The machine recognizes and performs the correct processing sequence without human intervention.
Integrated quality control: the system can be configured to automatically reject parts that do not match the pattern (e.g., defective or upside-down parts), acting as a first step in quality control.

Ideal applications
This function is indispensable in sectors where tolerance is minimal, such as electronics (marking of micro-components and PCBs), medical (marking or engraving of surgical instruments and implants), fashion and accessories (centering of logos on buttons, buckles, and small metal parts)

In summary: Pattern Matching is not just an accessory, but an investment that increases your company’s productivity, reducing operating costs and ensuring a higher quality standard. Would you like to integrate Pattern Matching into your next laser machine? Our technicians are available to perform feasibility tests on your samples and show you the increase in precision you can achieve.