Laser engraver using tilt and swing control system

Hi guys,

I want to build a Laser engraver that works using a sort of galvo system instead of the traditionally used linear actuators. Galvo systems are used in laser scanners to position the the laser point at high speeds (30.000 points per second) and high accuracy. Galvo systems start at 90$ on aliexpress but I find this a little to expensive for a proof of concept project. Additionally, the high speed characteristic of the galvo systems is not required for a laser engraver.

I would like to build a system which works similarly to a laser scanner but will be cheaper due to the compromise in the high speed characteristics. After some research of my own if come to 2 possible solutions (correct me if there are more/better ones). The first is to use stepper motors and the second is to use servo motors. I’m not sure which one will be the better and how good the result will then be. Gear boxes could be used to increase accuracy of the solution.

What are your opinions on the setup/project?

Have not seen Galvo systems used in hobby robotics in the last 10 years. RC servo motors are never used for tools like laser engravers, CNC machines, 3D printers etc. Some ideas for inexpensive laser engravers:

robotshop.com/en/makeblock-l … r-kit.html
robotshop.com/en/makeblock-p … raver.html
robotshop.com/en/linksprite- … chine.html

So this is the device i saw and would like to build myself. This is where my inspiration came from :stuck_out_tongue:

We’ve also seen that as well. Looks like they have it working and we hope they are successful. In the meantime, the ones in the links provided are larger and around the same price. Can’t really comment about the inner workings of the Cubiio though.