Abstract: A method of joining a razor blade to a blade support to form a razor blade assembly, the method including: directing a laser beam having an adjustable power output at an upper surface of the razor blade; and while advancing the laser beam along the razor blade: a) applying the laser beam at a first power output to the razor blade; b) reducing the first power output of the laser beam to a second power output; and c) applying the laser beam at the second power output to the razor to form a weld area joining the razor blade to the blade support. The weld area may be elongated and may include (i) a ratio of depth:width that is greater than about 2:1, and/or (ii) a ratio of length:width that is greater than about 5:1.

Abstract: A razor blade assembly including: a razor blade; a blade support; and one or more weld areas joining the razor blade to the blade support, each weld area having a length and a width, in which the width is about 0.05 mm to about 0.15 mm. Also provided is a razor blade assembly including: a razor blade; a blade support; and one or more weld areas joining the razor blade to the blade support, each weld area including a depth and a width, in which the depth is about 0.10 mm to about 0.20 mm.

Abstract: A method of joining a razor blade to a blade support to form a razor blade assembly, the method including: directing a laser beam having an adjustable power output at an upper surface of the razor blade; and while advancing the laser beam along the razor blade: a) applying the laser beam at a first power output to the razor blade; b) reducing the first power output of the laser beam to a second power output; and c) applying the laser beam at the second power output to the razor to form a weld area joining the razor blade to the blade support. The weld area may be elongated and may include (i) a ratio of depth:width that is greater than about 2:1, and/or (ii) a ratio of length:width that is greater than about 5:1.

Abstract: A printing system includes a base, a print head assembly, a print bed, and a shielding panel. The print head assembly is slidably coupled with the base and is slidable along a longitudinal path. The print head assembly includes a print head that is configured to selectively dispense a printing medium therefrom. The print bed is slidably coupled with the base and is slidable along a lateral path between a retracted and extended position. The print bed includes a lower tray that includes an outer edge. The shielding panel includes an upper surface. The shielding panel overlies at least a portion of the outer edge of the lower tray. The upper surface of the shielding panel is formed of a light absorbent material that has a hemispherical reflectance of between about 0% and about 5% for a light spectrum range of between about 220 nm and about 400 nm.