Galvanometer Scanner System for NIST

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requires a galvanometer scanner system to enhance their Laser Processing and Metrology Testbed (LPDT). This system is crucial for enabling dual-laser operation and advanced thermal gradient control in metals-based additive manufacturing research. The LPDT integrates laser-based metal additive manufacturing with high-energy synchrotron X-ray facilities to study material behavior and laser system control strategies. The required galvanometer scanner system must meet specific technical minimums, including a galvo acceleration of at least 160,000 rad/s^2, a speed greater than 2000 mm/s, a digital XY2-100 or SL2-100 equivalent control interface, positioning resolution of at least 20 bits, repeatability (RMS) less than 0.4 mrad, a digital position encoder, and a maximum allowed average laser power of 1000 W. Additionally, the system must include a dynamic focusing unit for laser focus adjustment along the z-axis, F-theta lenses for planar image plane focusing, a camera adapter for coaxial imaging, and a PC interface board with software. NIST intends to negotiate a sole source purchase order with ScanLab America Inc. for this equipment due to the proprietary nature of their existing scanner and the need for identical hardware to ensure deterministic synchronization and preserve calibration. ScanLab America Inc. is the only identified manufacturer capable of supplying a scanner fully compatible with the existing LPDT system, with no authorized resellers or acceptable alternatives.