IPG Photonics Scanner Series - Overview; Introduction; Applications; Features

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1 Overview
1.1 Introduction
The IPG remote processing heads are powerful and flexible tools for applications that require high speed
scanning and accurate laser beam positioning.
Different from most scanner products currently offered in the market, IPG scanners combine a powerful
software suite, state-of-the-art electronic and mechanical hardware, and cutting-edge optical systems to
provide a complete package specifically tailored to meet the needs of any remote welding, cleaning, and
marking application.
IPG’s unique scanner control system sets IPG scanners apart from most other scanners on the market
today. The purpose of the IPG Scan Controller scheme is to synchronize laser emission and the motion of
the scanner galvos. This helps ensure the laser light is delivered to the right place, at the right time.
While this may sound simple, in actuality it is a very difficult task. In most systems, the position of the
mirror is assumed to be accurately reported by the scanner’s position sensor. Unfortunately, this is
almost never the case; as the motor and mirrors rotate at high accelerations, there is some difference
between the mirror’s position and the position sensor output. The only time the position sensor
provides a reliable position is when the mirror is at rest.
Traditional control schemes overcome the inaccuracy by relying on time delays after significant motions
(jumps and line scans). These delays allow the mirrors to settle and achieve apparent synchronization.
However, these delays also result in significant reduction of the system’s throughput. Time delays
throughout the whole job are determined by the worst-case part of the job, even when shorter delays
would suffice. This is incredibly detrimental to system performance.
IPG scanning systems provide an optimized performance, with adaptive scan control based on predictive
servo control. Using a mathematical model of the moving elements, the IPG Scan Controller accurately
predicts the mirrors’ actual position. This predictive information is sent back to the IPG software where
the scanner and laser commands dynamically adapt to the immediate situation and job requirements.
Another advantage of the IPG software, IPGScan, is that it relies on the real physics of the scanner,
meaning its control scheme is acceleration based. This states, in theory, any scan velocity can be
achieved, as long as there is enough time and scan angle to reach such velocity within the maximum
acceleration restrictions.
1.2 Applications
IPG remote processing heads are optimized for mid to high-power scanning applications such as remote
welding, cutting (thin foils), deep engraving, and surface treatment.
1.3 Features
 Laser power handling
 Completely sealed for long-term stability
 Plug-and-play architecture for IPG Photonics YLR, YLS, and YLP series lasers
 Pre-calibrated scan field
 Available with IPGScan Software