A developer of manufacturing equipment that uses a water jet to guide a laser says it will open a second U.S.-based micromachining center (MMC) in Boston. (The first is in San Francisco). Laser MicroJet technology from Swiss-based Synova, (synova.ch) overcomes the drawbacks of conventional lasers and other cutting technologies because it does not damage heat-sensitive materials.

The company says it sees growth potential and customer interest in its medical applications such as cutting metal coronary stents and surgical blades. It could also be used to cut and groove photovoltaic silicon and germanium solar cells. The Boston MMC will demonstrate, test, and develop applications for these markets.