A galvo head, often referred to as a galvanometer scanning head, is a critical component in laser systems that allows precise and rapid control over the direction of a laser beam. It consists mainly of two or more galvanometer-driven mirrors, optical components, and sometimes lenses, all housed in a compact unit. This assembly enables the laser beam to be deflected across the X and Y axes with high speed and accuracy, making it an indispensable part of modern laser marking, engraving, cutting, welding, and even medical and cosmetic procedures.
At the core of the galvo head are the galvanometers—electromechanical devices that rotate the mirrors in response to electrical input signals. These signals are generated by software that interprets vector-based patterns or designs. As the mirrors tilt, they redirect the laser beam to specific coordinates on the target surface. Because the mirrors are lightweight and move only small distances, the system can achieve extremely fast scanning speeds — often reaching several thousand millimeters per second.
The role of the galvo head is especially important in laser applications that demand both speed and precision. In industries like electronics manufacturing, where serial numbers or barcodes need to be marked on components quickly, galvo heads can process hundreds or even thousands of items per hour without sacrificing quality. Similarly, in the jewelry industry, galvo heads enable intricate designs to be engraved with micron-level detail, ensuring both beauty and durability.
Another critical aspect of galvo heads is their ability to work with various types of lasers, such as fiber, CO2, and UV lasers. This versatility allows galvo heads to process a broad range of materials — from metals like aluminum and stainless steel to non-metals such as plastics, wood, and glass. By pairing the right laser source with a quality galvo head, manufacturers can customize their systems for optimal performance across different applications.
The galvo head is also closely integrated with optical components like the f-theta lens, which helps focus the laser beam onto a flat field while maintaining consistent spot size across the scanning area. This ensures that the quality of the laser mark or cut remains uniform, even at the edges of the working area.
Despite their many advantages, galvo heads have some limitations. The effective scanning area is generally restricted to the size dictated by the optics and the deflection angles of the mirrors. For large-format work, hybrid systems that combine galvo heads with motion stages are often used.
In summary, the galvo head is the “steering wheel” of modern laser systems, guiding the beam with incredible speed and precision. It has revolutionized the way industries process materials, enabling high-volume production, fine detail work, and versatility in application. As laser technology continues to evolve, galvo heads are becoming even more compact, faster, and smarter, cementing their place as a vital component in advanced laser processing systems.