Direct-operated dynamics in three axes

Aerotech, provider of high-performance motion control and positioning systems, is launching the AGV3D, a new 3D beam deflection system for laser micro-machining.

The thermally stable three-axis laser scanner is said to be particularly suitable for high-precision manufacturing of complex components for the medical, microelectronics and automotive sectors, including additive manufacturing. “User-friendly functions simplify integration into a machine, system or subsystem,” the company adds.

3D laser scan heads are particularly suitable for applications where flat-field objectives (f-? lenses) cannot be used or the contour of the workpiece requires focus tracking in the z-direction. Most 3D scanners available on the market to date employ a third rotary galvo motor with a tangential arm for tracking the focusing optics. However, these designs can become thermally unstable.

This limits the dynamics and precision in continuous operation, which is becoming increasingly important in many markets and applications.

Rapid, with high precision

"With our AGV3D, we offer a rapid, flexible and high-precision laser scanning solution, featuring direct operation of dynamic linear tracking of the focusing optics with high-resolution feedback," explains Simon Smith, European director at Aerotech.

Positioning errors can be significantly minimised, due to the high rigidity and accuracy of the linear module. "As the only scanner on the market with a DFM (Dynamic Focusing Module) based on a linear focusing axis with a powerful direct drive, the AGV3D provides superior dynamic performance with smooth motion, as well as high-resolution positional feedback for accurate and repeatable focusing," he adds.

Versatility and efficiency

With integrated water and air cooling, the new scanner also achieves maximum thermal stability. Temperature gradients within the AGV3D are avoided, reducing errors caused by thermal drift. This results in consistent performance over the entire processing cycle, with high laser processing accuracy.

The AGV3D quickly and conveniently keeps the laser focus constant over the entire working volume, further states Aerotech. “Unlike designs that require tedious manual DFM adjustments when changing the usable working volume, the AGV3D offers two simple user-selectable configuration settings covering fields of view from 100x100 mm to 1000x1000 mm and above.”

Aperture choice

Thanks to the AGV3D's large field of view, smaller, more efficient, movement mechanisms can be used for positioning the workpiece. Depending on the process requirements, the three-axis scanner is available with different apertures for different beam diameters. 

The use of the AGV3D is described as particularly relevant in applications where parts with variations in height or thickness are processed or in multi-layer, additive processes. If, in addition to a constant focus diameter, the angle of incidence must be as close to vertical as possible, the AGV3D can also be operated with telecentric lenses.

Aerotech confrms it can supply the AGV3D as a fully-configured scanning system, including flat field optics.