SCANLAB's innovation redefines the industry standard for galvanometer scan head control. SCANLAB introduces iDRIVE^®, a fully digital control concept emerging from the closed loop between the galvanometer’s digital driver and the PC control board RTC^® 5.

The RTC^® 5 communicates with the intelliSCAN^® via a revolutionary scan head communication protocol. Among other features iDRIVE^® offers simultaneous real-time monitoring of multiple galvanometer parameters and operational status. This capability is indispensable for processes requiring monitoring and traceability on-site or by a remote control center.

With iDRIVE^®'s enhanced communications a programmer can simulate the scanning process by comparing the actual scanned position with the programmed position for a given speed.

Process development time is significantly reduced as optimization of scan head settings occurs without manually inspecting the processed material. Another control feature of iDRIVE^® is proportional laser pulsing where speed feedback from the galvanometer is used to modulate the laser, ensuring consistent energy deposition and eliminating burn-in effects.

Multiple tunings are stored on the intelliSCAN^® electronics. These are derived from mathematical models and are selectable for each vector. Optimized tunings specific to process requirements enable faster and more precise positioning. The scan head's digital control consumes significantly less power resulting in better temperature stability during highly dynamic operation.

At present iDRIVE^® technology is available for scan heads with apertures ranging from 7 mm to 30 mm.

SCANLAB Press Release April 16, 2007