A Guide to Balancing Speed and Precision with Laser Scanners

The book addresses the common problem of balancing speed and precision in laser processing, and provides practical guidelines for adjusting galvanometer scanners.By analyzing the working principles of galvanometers and explaining the techniques for setting parameters, the book helps users find the right balance between speed optimization and accuracy control, improving processing efficiency while ensuring product quality.

Why do speed and precision always seem to be "at odds"?

Many people who are just starting to work with laser scanning mirrors discover that when they try to increase processing speed, precision suffers. And when they try to increase precision, speed plummets.The reason for this is related to the physical properties of the mirrors: when moving at high speeds, the inertia of the mirror plates causes tiny vibrations. But for high-precision processing, stability is of the utmost importance.To resolve this contradiction, we must first understand the "temperaments" of the two.

Know your laser mirror.

The hardware ceiling.

Don't rush to adjust the parameters. First get a clear idea of the maximum scanning speed and positioning accuracy of the equipment.It's like a sports car. You can't drive it faster than its maximum speed. If the laser scanner exceeds the limits of the hardware, then it doesn't matter how good your tuning skills are.

Software parameters hold the key.

The parameters for acceleration, deceleration, and corner smoothing are crucial, but can be headache-inducing to work with.They are like the accelerator and brakes of a car. When they are adjusted well, the equipment can move fast and steady.

Four steps to real-time parameter adjustment.

First ensure accuracy, then speed up.

Beginners should start with the accuracy mode.They use standard test graphics (such as a grid) to process, gradually increasing the speed until they see the edges start to blur. The point where this happens is the "safe line" for the current parameters.

A clever solution to a corner.

When approaching a corner or a complex figure, the "deceleration distance" is appropriately increased.The laser beam is focused to a very small point and is directed by mirrors.

Don't be lazy about temperature control.

After two hours of continuous operation, check the temperature of the mirror.Heat causes the lens to expand slightly, so it is necessary either to reduce the speed of the laser by 10 % or to install a cooling device. Otherwise the precision of the lens will be lost.

These are the pitfalls to avoid.

He has seen people set the acceleration to the highest possible value, which causes the galvanometer to go haywire and draw random lines. He has also encountered people who, to save time, directly use parameters from other people, with the result that their work is completely wasted.Remember: The parameters must be recalculated for lasers of different materials and power.

Regular maintenance is the way to go.

Every month he gives the galvo mirror track a deep cleaning, and every quarter he calibrates the position sensor.Well-maintained equipment can keep its speed and accuracy stable by more than 30 %.

Sharing practical case studies.

Last year, when helping a certain metal processing plant optimize its production, I was able to raise the yield of stainless steel name plates from 72 % to 89 % by reducing the cutting speed by 20 % and increasing the corner smoothing value.This shows that sometimes it is necessary to sacrifice speed in order to increase overall efficiency.