The frontline of medical industry – Nikkan Kogyo – November 1, 2018
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The frontline of medical industry, from Wallonia, Belgium -II
World-Class Laser Processing Technology
Talents of LASEA and University of Liege
Dr. Francoise Remacle of the University of Liege, who is specialised in molecular computer research, is investigating applications in the field of biology based on quantum technology. By using a method for scientifically describing the state of free electrons of molecules, she analyses biological systems. Applications of this technology could lead to a new scanning method based on the difference of energy states between healthy cells and cancer cells and can potentially result in a low-cost energy saving scanner.
In the medical field, precise and safe processed products are often in demand such as aural and ophthalmic implants. LASEA, located just next to University of Liege, is known as a high-level laser processing company for the life science industry. It offers a wide range of solutions for customers ranging from small laboratories to large industrial companies.
Marking Technology
The feature of their technology consists of picosecond laser technology. Its precision reaches a maximum of 1/5million meter. The company is very good at laser marking applicable for traceability as well as implant products. With this technology semi-transparent images are imprinted and “QR code” is embedded inside glass vessels. Because the images are imprinted inside the glass, the surface is not damaged. To imprint syringes, it takes only 50 milliseconds. Mr. Axel Kupisiewicz, president of LASEA, emphasises, “This technology is the only one in the world.”
Bio Mimetics
President Kupisiewicz has experience with surface treatment for satellites in a space development centre before the establishment of the LASEA in 1999. The company is doing business with Japanese companies such as AGC and Nippon Sheet Glass Company. It is very good at surface treatment and bio mimetics is an application of its technologies. By laser-processing the surface of materials, they gain a water repellent and light absorbing qualities. In 2018, the company foresees a growth of 25~30% compared with the previous year. The company will also move to a new building where it can have three times more space for production. The president says, “our new business will be something related to AI.”
The company will introduce the new software on January 2019 which estimates the quality of products before producing them. In addition, they also plan to build a system that uses AI to automatically adjust parameters. The president is also motivated with the expansion of the market. He continues, “Our next task is the Asian markets such as Korea and Japan.”
(article covered by Shuji YOSHIDA, Nikkan Kogoyo Shinbun)
