SCANNER APPLICATIONS
For Closed-Loop Galvanometers
We move small beams fast
ScannerMAX specializes in the production of galvanometer-based optical scanning systems for the 1-10mm aperture range. ScannerMAX galvos are ideal for moving small laser beams fast, with incredible accuracy and precision. We have a wide variety of systems to choose from, with several price/performance options available.
Below is a summary of popular applications where ScannerMAX galvos are being used, to offer clients substantial performance advantages as well as cost savings.
BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS
Biomedical applications include applications such as Confocal Microscopy, Optical Coherence Tomography, Ophthalmology and Dermatology. Like Laser Material Processing, these applications involve two galvanometer scanners used in an X-Y configuration, but unlike laser material processing, generally the laser beam is of a smaller size and lower power level.
In the case of both Confocal Microscopy and Optical Coherence Tomography, the X axis scanner is used to scan a fast, sawtooth-like pattern while the Y-axis scanner is used to sweep the line created by the X axis downward and upward across the tissue being examined. This is essentially a raster-scanning application, but with additional performance demands, since the X-axis scan often involves beam power calibration on each scan. This application is particularly demanding of the thermal performance of galvanometers because of the heat generated by continuous high currents applied to create the X-axis scanning motion.
In the case of Ophthalmology and Dermatology, these applications are less demanding in terms of both heat and resonances, because the motions are generally slower, smoother vector-oriented motions. Generally dermatology is not at all a high-performance application, but rather one that requires light weight.
3D PRINTING AND STEREO LITHOGRAPHY
3D printing, also know as additive manufacturing, is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using an additive processes. In most cases the processes used to create the three dimensional object include selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM) or stereo lithography (SLA).
Our Compact-506 optical scanning system is perfect for 3D printing applications. The performance given by the Compact-506 is on par with the most expensive made optical scanning systems currently on the market, but at nearly one-tenth the cost. In addition, our low coil resistance makes it so that increases in scanning speeds, do not come at the expense of additional heat being produced by the galvo. And our patented position sensor offers ten times the signal to noise ratio, providing higher quality motion especially when compared to other low-cost alternatives.
LASER MATERIAL PROCESSING
Laser material processing includes applications such as laser marking, engraving, cutting, scribing, trimming, drilling and welding. In these applications two galvanometer scanners are used in an X-Y configuration to direct a high-intensity laser beam to a target piece of material. In the case of laser marking and engraving, the material is often a plastic electronic part, such as an integrated circuit or connector. In the case of laser cutting and scribing, the material is often wood, metal or plastic, or even silicon such as integrated circuits or photovoltaic solar cells.
In the case of trimming, the target material may be a resistive material on a resistor, whose resistance is adjusted by removing material. In the case of drilling, the material can be metal or even FR4 glass epoxy circuit board material.
LASER PROJECTION
Laser projection applications include laser entertainment and Optical Layout Template (OLT) applications.
Laser light shows have existed for more than 35 years, and are popular at amusement parks, concert halls, festivals, sporting events, night clubs and various other special events. Laser light shows present some of the greatest demands to galvanometer scanners because of the wide range of patterns projected possible, that are displayed over a range of angles which are usually quite wide.
Optical Layout Templates involves using a laser projection system to project a template pattern which is generally originates as a CAD file. The projected pattern often serves as an aid for humans who use the template to assemble large plies of material such as roof trusses or multi-part aircraft wing structures. The projected template can also act as a guide as to where leather or cloth will be cut during a separate operation.
Often times both laser light show and OLT applications present both thermal and resonance demands to a galvanometer system. Our designs help to overcome these issues.
IMAGE CAPTURE
Image capture involves using galvanometer scanners to effectively position a camera on a target surface. This is unlike all of the other applications mentioned above. Instead of a stationary laser beam projecting light off of two galvanometer mirrors to reach a target spot, a stationary camera is placed into the path of the two galvanometer mirrors, which allows those mirrors to position the camera’s view anywhere on the target surface.
Imaging applications are generally not very demanding on a galvanometer, since this is most often a kind of “move and hold” application.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS
As you can see, there are a wide range of applications that are currently being served very well by galvanometer scanners. We believe that there are more applications that have yet to be discovered. Please contact us to discuss your requirements. We would be happy to explore how ScannerMAX galvanometer-based optical scanners can help with your existing and future applications.
