Mechanical constraints and design considerations for polygon scanners

Abstract

We study the mechanical aspects of the design of optical scanners. From the most used types of scanners, we focus on those with rotating mirrors, of special importance in nowadays high end applications. A designing scheme is developed for these complex optomechatronic systems. Their kinematic aspects, i.e. scanning function (generated considering the rotating mirror as a cam and the laser beam as its follower) and scanning velocity (of the laser spot) are approached. The main mechanical issues involved are pointed out, i.e. manufacturing methods, materials and tolerances, in relationship with kinetostatic and dynamic aspects, i.e. structural integrity and facets deformation of the device.We perform, with regard to some of the main parameters of the polygon, a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for the evaluation of these aspects, for three types of the most used polygonal mirror scanners. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010.