What Can You Cut with a Galvo Laser Scan Head?

Galvanometer (galvo) laser scan heads are renowned for their incredible speed and precision, making them a go-to technology for precision laser material processing applications like marking and engraving. A galvo laser scan head is an extremely effective tool for cutting a wide variety of materials, especially when the application requires intricate patterns, high detail and rapid processing of thin materials.

While large-format cutting of thick metal plates is typically handled by gantry systems that move the entire cutting head, a galvo excels at quickly and accurately tracing complex paths within its field of view. This makes it the ideal solution for a unique set of cutting challenges across the medical device, electronics and textile industries.

What is the laser machining process?

The laser machining process is a broad category of manufacturing techniques that use a focused laser beam to selectively remove material from a workpiece. It is a thermal process where the intense energy of the laser melts and vaporizes the material in its path. There are several types of laser beam machining, including drilling, scribing, engraving and, most prominently, cutting.

The key to all of these processes is the precise control of the laser energy and its position. A motion system is used to guide the beam along a programmed path, allowing for the creation of features with micron-level accuracy. The non-contact nature of the process eliminates tool wear and mechanical stress, making it a superior method for high-precision fabrication.

What is the process of laser cutting?

The process of laser cutting involves using a focused laser beam to sever a material along a designated path. The workflow consists of a few key steps:

1. Energy Absorption: The laser beam is focused to a tiny spot on the material's surface, concentrating its energy to create an extremely high power density.

2. Melting and Vaporization: This intense energy rapidly heats the material to its melting and boiling points, creating a narrow channel of molten and vaporized material called a kerf.

3. Material Ejection: A jet of assist gas (like oxygen or nitrogen) is directed into the kerf, forcefully blowing the molten material out of the cut zone.

4. Controlled Motion: A motion system, such as a galvo scanner, moves the laser spot along a pre-programmed vector path to create the desired shape.

The uses of laser cutting are vast, ranging from cutting sheet metal for automotive parts to fabricating micro-scale components for electronics.

How does a galvo scanner work?

A galvo scanner works by using two small, fast-moving mirrors to direct the laser beam. Each mirror is attached to a high-speed motor called a galvanometer. One mirror steers the beam in the X direction, and the other steers it in the Y direction.

A sophisticated controller sends signals to these motors, causing the mirrors to pivot to precise angles. This angular motion directs the laser beam to any point within the scanner’s field of view. The entire system operates in a closed loop, with high-resolution encoders providing real-time position feedback to the controller. This allows the galvo scanner laser system to trace complex patterns with exceptional speed and accuracy, making it ideal for dynamic cutting operations.

Can you cut with a galvo laser?

Yes, a galvo laser is an excellent tool for cutting, particularly for materials and applications where speed, precision, and intricate detail are paramount. One of the primary answers to the question of what are the advantages of laser cutting with a galvo system is its agility. The low-inertia mirrors can change direction almost instantly, allowing them to cut complex shapes far more quickly than a traditional gantry system.

A galvo laser scan head can effectively cut a wide range of materials, including:

• Thin Metals: Cutting intricate patterns in thin metal foils and sheets, such as stainless steel, nitinol or titanium is a key application. This is crucial for producing medical devices like cardiovascular stents.

• Polymers and Plastics: Galvos are used to rapidly cut flexible circuits (made of polyimide), gaskets, films and other polymer-based materials.

• Textiles and Leather: The high speed of a galvo scanner is perfect for cutting complex patterns in fabrics and leather for the apparel and automotive industries.

• Brittle Materials (Scribing): While not cutting all the way through, galvos are used to scribe fine, precise lines on materials like glass, ceramic and silicon wafers. This creates a line of weakness for a clean, controlled break.

Reach out to Aerotech to learn how galvo laser scan heads can enhance your cutting capabilities with unmatched speed and precision.