Laser Photonics and CMS Laser Advance High-Volume Tablet Drilling for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Laser Photonics Corporation, a recognized leader in the development of industrial laser systems, continues to solidify its position in the pharmaceutical sector through advanced solutions for tablet processing. Together with its wholly owned subsidiary, Control Micro Systems, Inc. (“CMS Laser”), LPC is setting new benchmarks in laser tablet drilling technology—crucial for supporting scalable, precise, and efficient pharmaceutical production. This innovative collaboration enables pharmaceutical manufacturers to meet increasing market demands while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Headquartered in Winter Park, Florida, CMS Laser designs, engineers, and manufactures a suite of specialized laser systems for pharmaceutical applications. Among the standout offerings are the TD-140, TD-70, TD-10, and TD-R&D systems. These platforms are specifically engineered to support a wide range of pharmaceutical processes, from high-volume production of laser-drilled tablets to tablet surface marking and even R&D applications in drug formulation. Each system is constructed in CMS Laser’s state-of-the-art laser laboratory and machine shop, reflecting the company’s commitment to precision manufacturing, innovation, and regulatory compliance.
These tablet drilling systems are not only technologically advanced but also offer strategic advantages to pharmaceutical companies operating in a globally competitive landscape. John Armstrong, Executive Vice President of Laser Photonics Corporation, emphasized the significance of this technology:
CMS Laser holds a significant market position in the pharmaceutical industry, offering superior technologies for high-volume pill production. This lineup of tablet drilling, marking, and R&D systems is designed specifically to solve industry-specific challenges, enabling pharmaceutical leaders to deliver complex medications with confidence.”
Addressing Pharmaceutical Industry Needs Through Innovation
Pharmaceutical tablets, especially those that employ extended-release or time-release mechanisms, often require highly precise micro-perforations. Traditional mechanical methods are not only slower and less precise but can also compromise tablet integrity. Laser drilling, on the other hand, offers unparalleled precision and non-contact processing, enabling pharmaceutical companies to produce tablets with highly specific Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) release profiles.
The laser systems developed by CMS Laser, particularly the TD series, allow drug makers to control how medication is released in the body—supporting both patient safety and therapeutic efficacy. For instance, the TD-140 is engineered for high-volume production, suitable for manufacturers producing millions of tablets daily. The TD-70 and TD-10 are designed for mid- to small-scale operations, while the TD-R&D system serves formulation scientists working on the next generation of controlled-release medications.
Beyond production, CMS Laser’s systems play an increasingly important role in regulatory compliance, anti-counterfeiting measures, and product traceability. Let’s take a closer look at some of the major benefits that set these systems apart in a demanding and highly regulated industry:
Key Benefits of CMS Laser Tablet Processing Systems
1. Enhanced Drug Delivery Through Precision Engineering
The ability to create micro-scale perforations in tablets allows pharmaceutical companies to precisely regulate drug release. These laser-drilled apertures can be tailored to match the desired pharmacokinetic profile of a drug, supporting consistent absorption over time. This capability improves patient outcomes, minimizes side effects, and boosts compliance by enabling once-daily dosing for medications that might otherwise require multiple administrations.
2. Anti-Counterfeiting Protection
Counterfeit pharmaceuticals pose a significant threat to public health and brand integrity. CMS Laser’s marking systems offer a solution by enabling the application of unique identifiers, serial numbers, and barcodes directly onto the tablet surface. These markings are tamper-resistant and allow for downstream tracking, making it significantly harder for counterfeiters to replicate authentic drugs.
3. Compliance with FDA and International Regulations
All CMS Laser systems meet or exceed FDA requirements, including 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for electronic records and signatures. This ensures that companies using CMS Laser equipment can maintain the integrity and security of their manufacturing data, simplifying audits and regulatory inspections.
4. U.S.-Based Manufacturing with TAA and Buy American Act Alignment
All CMS Laser systems are designed, built, and supported from their facility in Florida, using components that comply with the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) and Buy American Act. For federal contractors and large pharmaceutical companies who prioritize local sourcing and compliance with procurement laws, this is a critical advantage.
5. Comprehensive Post-Sale Support
The relationship between CMS Laser and its customers doesn’t end at the point of sale. The company provides a full range of support services, including system installation, user training, maintenance, and technical troubleshooting. Their dedicated service team ensures that systems remain operational with minimal downtime—a crucial benefit in high-throughput environments.
6. Operational Efficiency and Scalability
Laser processing eliminates the need for consumables like drill bits and punching tools, significantly reducing downtime and operational costs. These systems are also modular and scalable, allowing pharmaceutical manufacturers to expand their production capacity without a complete overhaul of their existing infrastructure.
Built for a Changing Industry
The pharmaceutical industry is evolving rapidly. Personalized medicine, increasingly complex drug formulations, and stringent quality regulations are shaping the future of drug development and manufacturing. In this dynamic environment, having a partner like CMS Laser, backed by the resources and innovation pipeline of Laser Photonics Corporation, can give drug makers a strategic edge.
CMS Laser’s technology suite has already gained adoption among leading global pharmaceutical companies, supported by a growing base of repeat clients. These long-term relationships reflect trust in the systems’ performance, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
The laser systems also play a key role in LPC’s broader corporate strategy. As LPC diversifies its portfolio beyond industrial cleaning and metal processing into life sciences and precision manufacturing, the pharmaceutical segment offers stable demand and significant growth potential. This strategy not only strengthens LPC’s position in emerging markets but also enhances shareholder value through revenue diversification and long-term contract opportunities.
The Future of Laser Technology in Pharma
As pharmaceutical manufacturing embraces Industry 4.0 and digital transformation, laser-based solutions will continue to grow in relevance. The ability to integrate laser drilling and marking systems with data management tools, real-time monitoring, and automated inspection processes will make operations more efficient and compliant.
CMS Laser is also exploring the use of AI and machine learning to enhance laser calibration, quality control, and production analytics. These innovations promise to take pharmaceutical laser drilling to the next level, enabling smarter systems that adapt in real-time to material differences and production variables.
Laser Photonics Corporation and CMS Laser are at the forefront of a new era in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Their advanced tablet drilling and marking systems not only help pharmaceutical companies scale production but also address critical challenges related to drug delivery, traceability, compliance, and anti-counterfeiting.
As the industry continues to demand greater precision, safety, and speed, CMS Laser’s innovations offer a future-proof solution—designed, built, and supported in the United States, with global scalability in mind. By aligning cutting-edge technology with the evolving needs of pharmaceutical manufacturers, Laser Photonics and CMS Laser are shaping the standards for how medications are developed, produced, and delivered in the 21st century.
