Lumenous Device Technologies

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

That depends on the application. A typical range is 20microns (0.0008”) to 100microns (0.004”). If your part allows, plan on a kerf of about 33microns (0.0013”).

Typically, there is 100mm (4”) scrap from each length of tube. We do have methods of cutting shorter pieces if the application demands it.

There needs to be more metrology-wise truth-telling about tolerances in the precision manufacturing business. The strut width variation, as noted above, is typically +/- 5microns (0.0002”). But a true tolerance has to take into account measurement system error and operator error in addition to part variation. For this reason, we recommend setting a tolerance of +/- 15microns (0.0006”) for laser-cut parts and +/- 20microns (0.0008”) for laser-cut and electropolished parts.

Of course, error varies from design to design, so these are just general recommendations. Design engineers usually blanch at such “wide” tolerances on narrow features, but experience shows that most performance specifications can be met with tolerances in this general range. Moreover, manufacturing and quality assurance engineering demand taking all the sources of variation into account when setting tolerances.

Lumenous can help you craft a design verification study that justifies your tolerance-setting and gets all the viewpoints (design, manufacturing, and quality assurance) onboard.

Electropolishing is a multivariate process. We exert specific controls at every input to the process to maintain optimum consistency across the part and from part to part. Sometimes this question is really asking how precisely we target a polishing request. Generally, if you change the dimensional removal specification by 5 microns (0.0002”), you will detect a difference in the result.

That depends. In response to customer requirements, we have developed the capability of producing various surface and removal characteristics. Some parts require a lot of rounding, some require keeping close to the original cross-sectional shape. Some parts require macro-smoothening, while some require a micro-smoothening. We aim to give you the surface you are aiming for.

GoalIndicated Process
Burr-free partMechanical or chemical cleaning
RadiusingMicroabrasive blasting
Smoothening an intricate or fragile partElectropolishing
Surface chemistry modification (e.g., development of a passive oxide layer or reduction of nickel content in the surface) Electropolishing