Laser machining system and method for machining three-dimensional objects from a plurality of directions

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems (), devices and methods for machining a work-piece from a plurality of directions using a single laser beam and galvanometer scan head (). In some embodiments, such a system includes, for example, a scanning galvanometer head ('scan-head') (), having one or more mirrors () for directing a laser beam in at least one plane. Preferably, in some embodiments, the scan-head includes two mirrors for deflecting the laser beam in the at least one plane (e.g., an X-Y plane). A plurality of second mirrors (A,B,C) is arranged after the scan-head () to direct the laser onto a predetermined portion of the exterior of the object to be machined. In some preferred embodiments, there are three such second mirrors (A,B,C) each to direct the laser over a 120 degree area of the object. In some embodiments, a single, large-field focusing lens is also included to focus the laser output from the scan-head, while in other embodiments, each second mirror includes a corresponding focusing lens (A,B,C). One or more of the beams effecting machining of the work-piece may be unfolded.