High Power Laser Beam Steering in 3D
SCANLAB is now shipping a new galvanometer-based scan module - the powerSCAN - for the fast and precise deflection of laser beams in the multiple-kW range. Beam diameters up to 70 mm are supported. With this large aperture beam steering system, remote welding of metals and cutting of paper or textiles become possible for working areas up to 1500 x 1500 mm2 (~ 60" x 60"), with previously unachievable focus diameters in the working plane.
The powerSCAN 70 is capable of positioning the laser spot in the working field within milliseconds. This is of benefit to on-the-fly applications as well as for systems in which laser duty cycle is an issue - such as remote welding.
The control electronics, as well as air- and water-cooling, are integrated in the scan module. Automatic self-calibration of the scanners is available as an option.
In combination with the varioSCAN - a dynamic focusing system - the laser spot can be adapted to the 3D contours of the work piece in real time. To optimize the system for specific applications, SCANLAB provides a wide range of optical configurations designed to help the varioSCAN 80 achieve various field sizes and focus diameters. The entire system can be controlled by SCANLAB's new RTC 3 PC interface board, which is easily integrated into existing customer setups.
The powerSCAN 70 is the new member of the powerSCAN series - which also includes the powerSCAN 33, a scan module for high power applications able to steer beams up to 33 mm in diameter. All powerSCAN heads can be equipped with mirrors for various laser wavelengths.