Intro to Galvo: Lasers 101

Galvo lasers are a type of laser system that use a pair of galvanometer scanners to rapidly steer a laser beam across a target surface. These lasers are known for their high speed and precision, making them ideal for a wide range of applications such as cutting, marking, engraving, and drilling.

Today, we will take a closer look at what a galvo laser is, how it works, and some of its key advantages and disadvantages.

What is a galvo laser?

A galvo laser is a type of laser system that consists of a laser source, a pair of galvanometer scanners, and a focusing lens. The laser beam is emitted from the laser source and is directed onto the first galvanometer scanner, which is responsible for controlling the beam’s horizontal movement. The second scanner is responsible for controlling the beam’s vertical movement. The laser beam is then focused onto the target surface using a focusing lens.

How does a galvo laser work?

The operation of a galvo laser can be broken down into four main steps:

1. Scanning: The laser beam is directed onto the first galvanometer scanner, which controls the beam’s horizontal movement. The scanner rapidly moves the beam back and forth in a horizontal direction.
2. Refocusing: As the beam moves across the target surface, it may need to be refocused to maintain a consistent spot size. This is achieved using a focusing lens, which adjusts the focal length of the beam.
3. Vertical scanning: The laser beam is then directed onto the second galvanometer scanner, which controls the beam’s vertical movement. The scanner rapidly moves the beam up and down in a vertical direction.
4. Output: As the laser beam is scanned across the target surface, it produces the desired output, such as cutting, marking, engraving, or drilling.

Advantages and disadvantages of galvo lasers

Galvo lasers offer several advantages over other types of laser systems, including:

• High speed: Galvo lasers are capable of scanning at high speeds, which allows them to produce output quickly and efficiently.
• High precision: Galvo lasers are capable of producing output with high precision, which makes them ideal for applications that require accuracy and repeatability.
• Flexibility: Galvo lasers are capable of producing a wide range of outputs, such as cutting, marking, engraving, and drilling.

However, there are also some disadvantages to using galvo lasers, including:

• Limited working area: The scanning range of galvo lasers is limited, which can restrict their use for applications that require a larger working area.
• Reduced power output: Galvo lasers may have reduced power output compared to other types of laser systems, which can limit their ability to produce certain types of output.
• High cost: Galvo lasers can be expensive to purchase and operate compared to other types of laser systems.

Summing Up

Galvo lasers are a type of laser system that use a pair of galvanometer scanners to rapidly steer a laser beam across a target surface. These lasers are known for their high speed and precision, making them ideal for a wide range of applications such as cutting, marking, engraving, and drilling.

While galvo lasers offer several advantages over other types of laser systems, there are also some disadvantages to using them. These include their limited working area, reduced power output, and high cost. Overall, galvo lasers are a versatile tool for many industrial, scientific, and medical applications, and their high speed and precision make them a popular choice for many users.