Galvo Head - The Core Component of High-Precision Laser Systems

A galvo head is one of the most critical components in modern laser processing systems. It controls the position of a laser beam on a two-dimensional plane with extremely high speed and accuracy, enabling applications in marking, engraving, cutting, welding, and even 3D printing. Unlike traditional mechanical platforms that move the entire workpiece, a galvo head achieves scanning simply by rotating two small mirrors, making it compact, reliable, and much faster.

How a Galvo Head Works

At the heart of every galvo scan head are two galvanometer-driven mirrors. One mirror deflects the beam along the X-axis, while the other controls the Y-axis. When the X-axis mirror rotates, the reflection angle of the laser changes horizontally, while the Y-axis mirror adjusts the vertical position. By combining both, the galvo head directs the laser beam to any point within the working field. For example, if a system needs to draw a circle, the controller synchronizes the mirrors so the beam follows an exact circular path on the material surface.

Key Advantages of Galvo Scanner Heads

The main advantage of galvo scanner heads is their speed and precision. Because they rely on lightweight mirrors rather than mechanical stages, scanning can be performed at thousands of millimeters per second with micron-level accuracy. This makes them ideal for applications requiring intricate detail, such as serial number marking, fine engraving, or micro-welding. To achieve a consistent flat-field marking effect, galvo scanner heads are generally used together with a scan lens（F-theta lens）, which ensures uniform spot size and accurate positioning across the entire working area. Their compact design also reduces wear and tear, minimizes heat distortion, and supports different types of lasers, including fiber, CO₂, UV, and green lasers.

Applications of Galvo Heads

Thanks to these features, galvo heads are used in many industries. In laser marking and engraving, they enable rapid processing of logos, barcodes, and decorative designs. In welding and cutting, they ensure precise beam placement and better seam quality. In additive manufacturing, they deliver accurate layer-by-layer scanning for high-resolution 3D structures. Even in medical imaging and scientific research, their ability to achieve fast and accurate scanning plays a key role in innovation.

Choosing the Right Galvo Head

When selecting a galvo head, several factors should be considered. The mirror size determines how much laser power the system can handle and influences scanning speed. The available scan angle affects the size and accuracy of the working area. Compatibility with laser wavelength is essential to avoid optical damage. Cooling methods—air or water—must also be matched to the system’s power and duty cycle. Balancing speed, precision, and durability ensures stable performance across industrial and research environments.

The galvo head is the foundation of modern laser scanning systems, combining compact design with unmatched speed and accuracy. As laser applications continue to expand, the demand for high-quality galvo heads will only grow, making them indispensable for advanced manufacturing and scientific exploration.