Flatbed vs Galvo-based Laser System

One of the most common questions Radian employee’s get asked at trade shows is “What makes a Radian system different from the rest”.

Simply put, Radian Laser Systems are high performance galvanometer (galvo) based laser systems that are specifically designed for marking and engraving. While they can also cut some materials, this is not their main purpose. In other words, they’re marking machines that also “cut”. This statement is in sharp contrast to traditional flatbed cutting machines, which also “mark”.

Flatbed Laser Systems

Flatbed laser systems are widely used in a variety of industries and applications to cut various types of flat materials. These systems are offered in a variety of sizes to accommodate a wide variety of marking materials and business needs.

These types of systems are sometimes referred to as “gantry type” systems because they incorporate a series of mirrors and lenses that are moved around the cutting field on a two-axis (X / Y) gantry.  The laser in these systems is in a fixed position and the gantry moves the optics in the X / Y axis above the surface of the object being cut or marked.  Due to the physical size and mass of the components being moved, these systems tend to be relatively slow.

Traditional flatbed lasers are good for cutting and marking at a fixed focus on flat surfaces.  You can achieve curved cutting or marking through a rotary attachment, but due to the fixed focus, the operation is typically quite slow.

Galvo-based Laser Systems

The traditional galvo system incorporates a fixed position laser that has its output energy projected through a set of motor-driven mirrors that are used to move “the beam” in an X / Y direction over the workpiece. Note that the galvo doesn’t move, but the beam is moved instead. Galvo-based systems are inherently faster as it is much easier (and faster) to move the small mass of a mirror mounted to motors as opposed to moving large mirrors, lenses, and even second-axis motors as is common with flatbed gantry-type systems.

Radian Laser Systems 3D technology further enhances the traditional Galvo-based system.  Radian specializes in cutting-edge 3D technology, which allows for marking over curves and doing true 3D relief engraving. This is achieved through the use of Radian’s Dynamic Focus Module, which is essentially a 3rd axis, “the z axis”, which can be controlled to automatically and dynamically change the laser beam’s focus as it moves over the irregular surface.  This technology drastically improves marking productivity speeds relative to a flatbed system.

To best take advantage of this speed, Radian has manufactured several automation add-ons such as disc rotaries and shuttle tables.  Most customers utilizing Radian’s 3D galvo-based systems with these automation tools are experiencing 5 to 10 times improvement in their marking speed, ultimately increasing the overall productivity of their workflow.

Due to their size and how they operate, galvo systems are highly flexible and can be mounted in a variety of enclosure types such as an open frame, fully enclosed, or incorporated into an existing production environment to suit the application at hand. Radian’s galvo systems are furthermore available in Fiber, CO2 or UV allowing for maximum flexibility to meet the client’s unique needs.

2D vs 3D Technology

2D and 3D laser systems function somewhat differently and are often used for different applications or purposes. Referring to something as a 2D laser would imply that it’s used for marking flat surfaces, while 3D allows for marking on non-flat (curved or otherwise) surfaces and for relief engraving.

Traditional 2D galvo solutions use something called an f-theta lens to perform field flattening, while 3D solutions typically use a dynamic focusing module to field flatten and also keep the beam in focus over non-flat surfaces. This is a very big advantage and requires specialized software, electronics, and opto-mechanical elements to achieve this capability.

In the case of marking non-flat / 3D, the software is provided with the specific dimensions of the part to be marked. The work piece is positioned under the galvo. The galvo is instructed by the controller to move the beam in an X/Y motion and at the same time, the dynamic focus module keeps the beam in focus based on the parameters provided to the software in conjunction with the part dimensions. This whole process is quite complex, but when done properly, can achieve some amazing results.

Traditional flatbed lasers can only mark on flat surfaces and require specialized fixtures, workpiece holders and rotational systems in order to mark in 3D (over curves). With Radian Systems you can mark curved surfaces without a rotary attachment using our galvo-based 3D technology.

Conclusion

Radian Laser Systems produces industry-leading 2D and 3D galvo-based systems that are engineered and built to increase productivity. We pride ourselves on being a productivity partner to each of our unique customer’s working environments. If you are looking to increase your productivity and gain functionality with your laser system, please reach out to us at radianlaser.com