Scanheads for Laser Material Processing

Elephant 3-Axis Scan Head

Elephant 3-Axis Scan Head

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Sold by: Novanta Photonics Ships from: United States
Specifications
Input Aperture: 16 mm
Wavelength: 355 nm (UV), 527 nm (green), 532 nm (green), 1054 nm (IR), 1064 nm (IR), 10.6 um (IR), Other (see Data Sheet)
Max Scan Rate: Not Specified
Focal Length: 80 mm
Work Area X: Not Specified
VERSIA 2-Axis Hybrid Scan Head

VERSIA 2-Axis Hybrid Scan Head

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Sold by: Novanta Photonics Ships from: United States
Specifications
Input Aperture: 14 mm
Wavelength: 351 nm (UV), 355 nm (UV), 527 nm (green), 532 nm (green), 1030 - 1080 nm, 9.4 - 10.6 μm, Other (see Data Sheet)
Max Scan Rate: Not Specified
Focal Length: Not Specified
Work Area X: Not Specified
Fiber Tiger 3-Axis Scan Head

Fiber Tiger 3-Axis Scan Head

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Sold by: Novanta Photonics Ships from: United States
Specifications
Input Aperture: 36 mm
Wavelength: 532 nm (green), 800 nm (near IR), 810 nm (near IR), 1054 nm (IR), 1064 nm (IR), 1070 nm (IR), Other (see Data Sheet)
Max Scan Rate: 12.4 m/s
Focal Length: Not Specified
Work Area X: 240 mm
MOVIA 2-Axis Compact Scan Head

MOVIA 2-Axis Compact Scan Head

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Sold by: Novanta Photonics Ships from: United States
Specifications
Input Aperture: 10 mm
Wavelength: 351 nm (UV), 355 nm (UV), 532 nm (green), 1030 - 1080 nm, 9.4 - 10.6 μm, Other Broadband, Other (see Data Sheet)
Max Scan Rate: 3 m/s
Focal Length: Not Specified
Work Area X: Not Specified

Did You Know?

A Laser Scan Head (also known as “Galvo Scanhead”, “Laser Scanning Head” or simply “Scanhead”) is an integral part of many laser marking, laser engraving and laser cutting machines. Simply put, it’s a beam delivery system that is coupled to the laser output and steers the beam along the X and Y directions in the working field. A typical Laser Scanhead is comprised of two Galvo scanners that provide the laser beam steering around two independent axes and an F-theta lens that focuses the deflected beam onto the work area. Most galvo scanning heads come equipped also with servo amplifiers, and communication electronics that enable precise control of the laser beam position on the working plane. To ensure good focusing across the entire work field F-Theta lenses are chosen that offer both large aperture and minimal aberration at off-axis incidence angles. Besides Laser Engraving and Cutting Machines, laser scanning systems also find applications in 3D printers, rapid prototyping, ophthalmological laser machines, confocal microscopy, laser projectors, barcode scanners and more.

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Laser Scanhead is an integral part of many laser processing machines and the primary component responsible for projecting the focused output of laser radiation on the work field. They are often used in laser markers, laser engravers and laser cutters.

What Are Scanheads?

Scanheads are electro-optical subsystems that steer a focused laser beam across a work surface using galvanometer-driven mirrors and precision optics. In laser material processing, scanheads enable high-speed, programmable beam positioning for marking, engraving, micro-machining, drilling, and selective surface treatment.

Typical scanheads integrate galvanometer scanners, F-theta or telecentric lenses, input beam conditioning, position feedback electronics, and optional internal control interfaces. They are used with continuous-wave and pulsed laser sources across UV, visible, and IR bands, depending on mirror coatings and optics design.

Typical Specifications of Scanheads

When evaluating scanheads on FindLight, engineers typically compare:

  • Aperture size: Common clear apertures range from ~7 mm to 30 mm+, impacting compatible beam diameter, spot size, and maximum power handling.
  • Wavelength range: Variants optimized for 355 nm, 532 nm, 1064 nm, 10.6 µm, or broadband; coatings and F-theta lens materials must match the laser source.
  • Field of view / marking field: Defined at a given focal length (e.g., 100×100 mm, 300×300 mm); determines maximum work area without mechanical motion.
  • Scan speed and dynamics: Specified in m/s, cps, or small-angle step response; higher speeds enable high-throughput marking and processing.
  • Spot size and distortion: Influenced by optics design and aperture; critical for micro-feature resolution and uniformity across the field.
  • Cooling and power handling: Air- or water-cooled scanheads with specified maximum average and peak laser power.
  • Interfaces: Common control interfaces include XY2-100, SL2-100, or proprietary digital links for integration with laser controllers and software.

Use Cases and Selection Guidance

Scanheads on FindLight support applications such as laser marking and coding on metals and polymers, PCB and semiconductor micro-machining, additive manufacturing, surface texturing, and precision drilling.

For procurement and R&D, compare scanheads by matching wavelength, aperture, and field of view to your laser source and required feature size. Assess scan speed versus positioning accuracy, check thermal management for your duty cycle, and verify mechanical interfaces to existing motion stages or workstations.

On FindLight you can review detailed datasheets for multiple scanheads side by side, then request quotes directly from manufacturers and distributors. No registration is required to contact suppliers, enabling rapid technical clarification and pricing for prototype or production deployments.