MERSEN optoSiC® optics have the highest combination of thermal and mechanical stability of any material which can be optically polished for the most demanding applications in 3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing and Laser Material Processing.
Superior Optics for Accuracy and Speed in 3D Printing
In the rapidly evolving world of additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing, precision, speed, and reliability are non-negotiable. At optoSiC, we specialize in SiC optics designed to elevate laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processes, enabling faster production, superior accuracy, and unmatched durability. Our innovative laser galvo scanning mirrors made from silicon carbide (SiC) are engineered for high-end laser applications, helping manufacturers push the boundaries of what’s possible in 3D metal printing. Discover how our SiC mirrors can transform your additive manufacturing workflow—from rapid prototyping to large-scale production.
In the competitive realm of laser additive manufacturing and 3D printing, silicon carbide (SiC) stands out as the ultimate material for high-performance optics. Leading innovators rely on their exceptional stiffness, thermal stability, and lightweight design. By integrating our XY galvo systems you unlock unparalleled speed and accuracy for intricate designs, complex geometries, and scalable production.
Whether focusing on selective laser melting (SLM), selective laser sintering (SLS), or other laser-based 3D printing methods, our optics enable seamless trajectory generation, multi-head configurations, and real-time laser control to maximize throughput.
SiC allows for the creation of ultra-lightweight galvo mirrors that maintain structural integrity even at extreme scanning speeds. This means no deformation during high-velocity operations, enabling 3D printing systems to run faster without sacrificing precision.
With outstanding thermal conductivity and a low coefficient of thermal expansion, our SiC optics efficiently dissipate heat and minimize thermally induced distortions. This ensures consistent performance in demanding LPBF environments, reducing downtime and improving part quality.
Our custom-developed coatings are tailored for the additive manufacturing market, delivering unparalleled durability and precision. Achieve reliable, high-quality prints even in complex, high-power laser processes involving UV to IR wavelengths.
Our revolutionary backside rib design, modeled after natural tree and leaf structures, combines lightweight construction with extreme rigidity—perfect for fast steering mirrors in 3D printing applications.
In laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and additive manufacturing, optoSiC scan systems provide robust support for machine builders. The following sections outline key goals for LPBF machine builders and guide you in selecting the optimal optoSiC solutions to enhance 3D printing efficiency, precision, and scalability.
Achieve high-quality outputs in 3D metal printing to minimize downtime, powered by reliable SiC scanning mirrors that ensure consistent performance through superior thermal management and stability in additive manufacturing.
Increase throughput in multi-head laser machines via simultaneous processing and high image field overlap. Advanced galvo systems integrated with optoSiC mirrors ensure seamless coordination and superior overlap efficiency in laser additive manufacturing and 3D printing.
Support large construction fields for faster builds in 3D printing. Leverage optics up to 100mm aperture and flat-field correction configurations for high-speed, distortion-free scanning in additive manufacturing.
Ensure precise laser positioning for complex geometries in additive manufacturing. Advanced beam steering via XY galvo systems delivers micrometer-level control and uniform laser density for superior 3D printing results.
Deliver consistent, drift-free results for precision-demanding tasks in additive manufacturing. Leverage optoSiC mirrors with exceptional stiffness and low thermal expansion to minimize drift in galvo scanning systems for 3D printing.
Achieve significant cost savings in laser additive manufacturing (LAM) by producing components with minimal material usage and no need for complex tooling. This approach eliminates waste, reduces resource demands, and streamlines production, making 3D printing more economical for prototypes and custom parts across industries.
In the rapidly evolving world of 3D printing and additive manufacturing, precision and speed are key factors. Introducing optoSiC—a trusted leader in XY galvo systems, delivering reliable, precise, and high-speed solutions tailored for manufacturers across industries.
An XY galvo system features two galvanometer scanners that precisely control a laser beam’s position along the X and Y axes. Equipped with optoSiC SiC mirrors, these systems deliver ultra-fast, accurate movements—ideal for high-precision applications. In 3D printing and additive manufacturing, they direct the laser onto materials, enabling effortless creation of intricate designs.
With optoSiC optics, these systems move laser beams at high velocities, supporting rapid prototyping and efficient production of complex geometries unattainable through traditional methods.
Scanners achieve micrometer-level accuracy, ensuring exact layer placement for detailed, high-quality prints.
The intuitive software allows easy laser beam control and design tailoring to specific optics needs, combining reliability, speed, and flexibility for maximum efficiency.
In one application, our mirrors enabled the precise printing of advanced propulsion parts with intricate internal structures. By maintaining constant scanning speeds and uniform laser density, the process achieved a 23% throughput increase compared to traditional methods—without compromising on detail or strength.
Another success involved fabricating large-format, filigree structures using multi-head laser systems. Our optics ensured minimal drift and high accuracy, allowing for seamless overlap in scan fields and superior laser spot placement, resulting in repeatable, high-quality outputs.
Our SiC mirrors have powered groundbreaking advancements in laser additive manufacturing, supporting the production of critical components for high-stakes industries.
In Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), SiC mirrors play a crucial role in directing high-power lasers to precisely fuse metal powders layer by layer. optoSiC‘s silicon carbide optics ensure deformation-free scanning at extreme speeds, superior thermal management to minimize distortions, and uniform laser density for high-strength, complex metal parts in additive manufacturing.
Stereolithography (SLA) utilizes SiC mirrors in galvo systems to steer UV lasers for curing photopolymer resins with micrometer accuracy. The lightweight and stiff design of optoSiC mirrors enables rapid beam positioning without thermal expansion issues, resulting in detailed, high-resolution prototypes ideal for 3D printing in medical and design applications.
For Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), SiC mirrors facilitate efficient powder fusion of plastics and ceramics by providing high-speed, stable beam steering. optoSiC‘s advanced coatings and ribbed structure maintain precision during sintering processes, reducing non-productive time and enabling intricate geometries in industrial 3D printing.
Pioneering research from Cambridge Technology, published in the Proceedings of SPIE (Volume 10095, 2017), solidifies the critical role of galvanometer laser beam scanning systems in laser additive manufacturing (LAM) technologies, including Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Selective Laser Melting (SLM).
The study addresses the challenge of non-uniform laser power density caused by galvanometer acceleration and deceleration during hatching and outlining patterns. By introducing advanced digital scanning techniques—such as laser power modulation based on scanning speed and constant scanning speed with precise laser on/off coordination—the research ensures uniform laser density with minimal process adjustments.
This innovation, compatible with high-performance optics like our optoSiC® SiC mirrors, achieves stellar results, boosting throughput by 23% on typical LAM jobs compared to traditional methods, making it transformative for high-precision, high-speed 3D printing applications.
Authors: Luo, Xi; Li, Jin; Lucas, Mark
Managing Director