Life Sciences
Enabling Precision in Diagnostic, Analytical, and Microfluidic Glass Components
From lab-on-glass chips to biosensors and analytical optics, our laser micromachining platforms enable precise, non-contact structuring of glass components used in life science instrumentation and diagnostics.
Glass as a Functional Substrate in Life Sciences
Glass is an essential material and widely used in life sciences for its chemical resistance, optical clarity, and biocompatibility. Applications such as microfluidic devices, diagnostic cartridges, lab-on-chip platforms, and cell culture chambers require ultra-precise microstructuring, drilling, and channel formation – often on thin borosilicate or fused silica substrates.
Conventional mechanical techniques introduce microcracks, contamination, and yield losses. Our laser-based micromachining platforms enable cleanroom-compatible, contactless, and high-throughput processing for both R&D and volume production environments.
Key Technical Features for Life Sciences Glass Processing:
Drilling & Feature Machining in Diagnostic Glass
Applications:
- Micron-scale holes for reagent inlets, vents, or sample loading zones
- Creation of channels, chambers, ports, and microstructures in glass
- Applied in disposable diagnostic cassettes, slide-based assays, or biosensor platforms like lab-on-chip systems, DNA analysis, and point-of-care testing
4JET Technology Fit:
- USP micromachining for precision-controlled microstructures with clean, crack-free edges
4JET Solution:
- Contactless, debris-free processing with tight dimensional tolerances for cleanroom production
4JET Platforms:
Glass Substrate Cutting & Dicing for Diagnostics
Applications:
- Singulation of diagnostic slide arrays and biosensor wafers
- Dicing of borosilicate or fused silica substrates for lab-on-chip devices
- Used in high-throughput diagnostics or bioMEMS platforms
4JET Technology Fit:
- Bessel beam laser cutting for chip-free edges, low particle generation, and high edge strength
4JET Solution:
- Clean, stress-free, and reliable wafer singulation – ideal for downstream bonding and assembly
4JET Platforms:
Drilling of Access Ports and Vias
Applications:
- Ventilation holes, reagent inlets, and sample ports
- Alignment with pre-defined microfluidic paths or sensing areas
4JET Technology Fit:
- Ultrashort pulse laser drilling for high-aspect-ratio, taper-free microfeatures
4JET Solution:
- Sub-millimeter holes with high repeatability – free of heat-affected zones or cracks
4JET Platforms:
Surface Treatment for Optical and Biofunctional Zones
Applications:
- Wettability patterning, bonding zone definition, or fluorescence zones
- Selective coating removal for optical detection or functionalization
4JET Technology Fit:
- Layer-selective ablation and high-resolution laser texturing on coated or chemically treated glass – enabling precise control of geometry and surface wetting behavior
4JET Solution:
- Precise surface engineering without affecting underlying layers – ideal for sensor integration
Cutting and Shaping of Glass Substrates
Applications:
- Shaping thin glass carriers for test kits or diagnostic cartridges
- Format trimming for disposable or sterilizable labware
4JET Technology Fit:
- Bessel beam cutting for thin, coated, or patterned glass
4JET Solution:
- Micro-crack-free edges with no need for post-polishing – suitable for disposable or sterilizable glass formats
4JET Platforms:
Microfluidic Channel Structuring
Applications:
- Creation of flow paths, capillaries, or mixers in lab-on-glass chips
- Ideal for POCT, sequencing, or immunoassay applications
4JET Technology Fit:
- Direct-write grayscale or binary ablation of surface channels
4JET Solution:
- Custom fluidic geometries with high resolution and reproducibility
Why 4JET?
Cleanroom-ready micromachining platforms for lab-on-glass and diagnostics
Proven technology used in biosensors, DNA chips, and fluidic testing devices
Sub-10 µm accuracy with minimal heat, particles, or deformation
Flexible platform architecture from R&D to inline production
Innovating with Glass in Life Sciences?
Let’s explore how our laser platforms can support your microfluidic, diagnostic, or bioanalytical application.
Enabling Capabilities Across All Life Science Applications
Precision, sterility, and repeatability are key to laser applications in life sciences. We provide high-end system capabilities that empower manufacturers of lab-on-chip devices, biosensors, diagnostic consumables, and analytical substrates – from R&D to full-scale production.
Core4 Software Platform Global Services & SupportAutomation Integration
Core4 Software Platform
Every 4JET life sciences solution runs on Core4 – our modular software backbone that ensures process security, flexibility, and traceability.
- Intuitive user interface for quick process setup, even in regulated environments
- Modular library for laser control, automation, and vision tools
- AI-powered inspection for microfluidic features and critical dimensions
- Full traceability and process logging for compliance and GMP integration
Global Services & Support
Trusted technical support and service — wherever you manufacture.
- Remote service and real-time troubleshooting
- On-site commissioning, process training, and preventative maintenance
- Available in EMEA, Asia, and North America through our global services team
Automation Integration
From prototyping platforms to inline production – automation-ready:
- Robotic handling of delicate substrates (e.g. ultra-thin glass or polymer foils)
- Cleanroom-compatible motion systems and integration with dispensing/testing units
- MES-ready interfaces for regulatory process control
Innovating with Glass in Life Sciences?
Let’s explore how our laser platforms can support your microfluidic, diagnostic, or bioanalytical application.
