Q&A About Galvo Scanner Laser

The mass production of products such as smartphones, medical devices, and semiconductors requires high-speed and high-precision laser processing. The market's demand for smaller, faster, and cheaper products increases the complexity of processing and cost pressure. Therefore, there is a conflict between laser processing speed and processing quality.

Q: How to improve the output of precision processing using galvo scanner lasers?

A: In high-precision applications, the goal is to maximize output while ensuring processing quality, but this is no easy task. galvo scanner lasers move at extremely high speeds along specific paths and precisely control laser energy output along the scanning path. However, increasing the speed of the galvo scanner laser affects the positional accuracy of the laser spot, especially for complex motion paths.

Therefore, in order to improve dynamic performance while maintaining high precision, a comprehensive optimization of the system is usually required, including motion control software and hardware, mechanical components, and machine integration.

Using car racing as an analogy, all cars have different acceleration, deceleration, and turning capabilities, depending on their performance requirements. The requirements of a four-cylinder sedan are different from those of a Formula 1 car. But even a high-performance Formula 1 car must slow down to turn. In such cases, the slightest design change can produce significant performance advantages.

Q: What design factors of galvo scanner lasers affect performance?

A: The working distance from the galvo scanner laser to the workpiece affects the field of view, laser spot, and resolution. A wider field of view and longer focal length can process larger surfaces or multiple workpieces at once. Given a specific focusing lens, a trade-off needs to be made between "larger spot size" and "lower positional resolution." Laser power and repetition frequency must be synchronized with the spot movement curve. Systems optimized for all these factors will yield the widest field of view and maximize processing speed while ensuring processing quality.

Regarding the galvo scanner laser itself, motor design should minimize inertia and maximize stiffness, thereby improving processing speed and reducing jitter (the smallest incremental distance during laser beam movement). The galvo scanner laser should also have maximum stiffness, optimal field of view to focal length ratio, and minimal thermal load. This will allow users to maintain faster speeds, longer focal lengths, and smaller offset and trajectory errors while cutting.

Q: Tips and suggestions for designing a galvo scanner laser system?

A: First,  for a galvo company, determine what specific system performance is required for the application, such as how large the field of view needs to be to accommodate the workpiece? What level of accuracy is required for beam positioning? What is the target cost? Does the use of a particular set of components require more floor space and management costs? What conditions are needed to meet strict quality specifications?

Over- or under-performance of components increases unit costs and leads to more time required for equipment programming and maintenance. Additionally, no matter which galvo scanner laser is used, high-acceleration movements will cause some degree of positional error. To meet application needs, compromises must be made at the trajectory level or machine level. Advanced control strategies and excellent mechanical system design will minimize these compromises, so having confidence in components should be the primary goal when designing galvo scanner lasers.