Laser Heads

Diverging Beam Configuration

In this setup, the laser exits a connectorized fiber as a diverging beam. The beam is passed through a collimating lens, which transforms the diverging light into near-parallel (collimated) light.

A 90-degree reflector, known as a dichroic, then redirects the laser beam downward through a focusing lens to the workpiece.

This configuration allows control over beam shaping and focusing before energy reaches the part.

Collimated Beam Configuration

If the laser is terminated with a fixed collimator, the collimating lens in the focus head is not required.

• If the beam diameter from the fixed collimation is suitable for the application, no additional optics are needed.
• If the beam diameter requires modification, a beam expander can be added to adjust the beam size before focusing.

This configuration simplifies the optical path when the beam characteristics are already appropriate for the welding process.

Optical Components in a Laser Head

Laser heads may incorporate the following optical elements:

• Collimating lens
• Dichroic reflector (90-degree reflector)
• Focusing lens
• Beam expander (if beam diameter modification is required)

Each optical component influences how the laser energy is delivered to the workpiece.

Galvo Scan Heads

Galvo scan heads are laser head systems used to provide fast and accurate point-to-point beam positioning in laser welding applications. Instead of moving the part or the entire welding head mechanically, galvo scan heads redirect the laser beam using internal scanning mirrors.

Scan heads are commonly used to extend or complement traditional motion systems such as XY tables or robotic platforms, increasing positioning speed and overall process efficiency.

How Galvo Scan Heads Operate

A galvo scan head uses high-speed galvanometer-driven mirrors to direct the laser beam across the work surface. This allows the laser to move between weld locations without requiring mechanical repositioning of the part.

Because only the beam moves — not the tooling or fixture — positioning times are significantly reduced.

A typical 1-inch move can take only a few milliseconds to:

• Advance to the next weld position
• Settle
• Be ready for welding

This rapid repositioning capability supports reduced cycle times in multi-weld applications.

Benefits of Galvo Scan Heads

Galvo scan heads provide several advantages in laser welding systems:

• High-speed beam positioning
• Reduced point-to-point move time
• Increased production throughput
• Improved efficiency in multi-location weld applications
• Extension of traditional XY table or robotic motion systems

They are especially suited to high-volume manufacturing environments where multiple welds must be completed quickly and accurately.

Typical Applications

Galvo scan heads are ideal for:

• Parts with multiple weld locations
• High-volume production welding
• Applications where minimizing cycle time is critical
• Systems combining robotics and laser beam steering