Today, we're diving into the wonders of the galvanometer laser and how it's advantages in laser engraving. If you've been seeking high-speed precision and versatility, this guide is tailor-made for you!

What is Galvo Laser and How it Work?

A galvo laser employs two precision mirror galvanometers to direct the laser beam at any angle within the marking window. The two mirrors scan along the X and Y axes, detecting and deflecting the laser beams to the intended marking surface. The result is permanent and intricate mark on the material's surface.

Speed and Precision: The Galvo Advantage

Galvo lasers boast remarkable speed and accuracy, making them ideal for various applications like laser marking, engraving, and stage lighting control. Their standout features include:

High-Precision Engraving: Galvo lasers create incredibly intricate patterns and fonts, setting them apart in precision tasks.

When engraving on wood, an intricate vector image that takes nearly an hour on an other laser machine can be done in just a minute with the help of a galvo laser engraver.

Mass Production: The impressive speed and stability allow galvo lasers to handle massive tasks with ease and efficiency, and the improved accuracy and precision of the galvo marking system reduce the chance for parts rejection due to poor quality markings being applied.

Non-Metallic Material Processing: Glass, plastic, ceramics, and more—galvo lasers is good at engraving on materials hard to engrave with other types of lasers.

Galvo vs. Conventional XY Axis Laser (Diode laser & CO2 laser)

 Technology and Laser Source:

• Conventional: diode laser or CO2 laser moving along the X and Y axes like an inkjet printer. A typical diode laser can only engrave the surface that is in contact with the single compressed and focused laser dot.
• Galvo: Employs mirror-based scanning, providing a larger marking area and faster execution.

Wavelength:

• Conventional: Diode lasers cover various wavelengths, some common examples include 808 nm, 980 nm, and 1470 nm; CO2 lasers emit 10.6 micrometers (mid-infrared).
• Galvo: Depends on the laser source, but commonly uses 1064 nm (infrared laser) and 532 nm wavelengths.

Power and Cutting Capability:

• Conventional: Diode lasers have diverse power levels; CO2 lasers offer higher power for industrial cutting.
• Galvo: Typically lower to medium power levels, suitable for marking, engraving, and texturing.

Cost

• Conventional: the entry-level costs for a diode or CO2 laser can be just a few hundred dollars.
• Galvo laser machine: More expensive due to the inclusion of a precision mirroring system. Additionally, the larger the marking area, the more expensive the machine due to the complexity of the mirror adjusting system needed to cover a larger surface area.

Types of Laser Machine Can be Applied to Galvo

• Fiber Laser
• CO2 Laser
• Blue Diode Laser
• Diode-Pumped Solid-State Laser ( such as 1064nm Infrared Laser)

They are capable of processing different materials due to their characteristics. Fiber galvo lasers are efficient at marking metals, as are 1064 nm IR lasers. 1064 IR lasers are also excellent in engraving plastics. Diode lasers are typically used in engraving wood, leather, stone, and more materials.

The xTool F1 Galvo System

The xTool F1 Galvo System combines a 10-watt, 455 nm diode laser and a 2-watt 1064 nm IR laser. It's a true powerhouse, offering incredible speed and precision while covering various materials.

Speed: xTool F1 can reach up to 4000 millimeters per second, showcasing the blazing fast capabilities unique to galvo lasers.

Accuracy: Achieving an engraving accuracy of 0.003 mm, the xTool F1 surpasses other precision diode laser engravers by 108%. It's a game-changer for high-quality results.

Automatic Focus Adjustment: Simply input your material thickness to XCS software and the xTool F1 performs a seamless adjustment. Having to manually focus other types of lasers takes valuable operation time and can sometimes be a frustrating and inaccurate process.

The galvo lens is underneath the machine, granting ease of use and flexibility for engraving larger items. The working area is 100*100mm (about 4 inches square), slightly limited by the galvo system, but still provides ample space for working.

In a nutshell, galvo lasers are the ultimate solution for makers seeking precision, speed, and versatility.

Click here to see all the amazing projects created by F1!

Until next time, happy engraving, and stay tuned for more laser-making insights!