Casting Study: Microscan Systems – VS 310 Scanner

Designers of an ultra-compact scanner needed to reduce the internal envelope. The optics bracket was one component that was reduced in size but increased in functionality. The goal was to design a single mounting bracket that would accommodate a laser module, a rotating polygon mirror, and a pair of mirrors positioned 90 degrees to each other. A die cast zinc optics bracket accomplished this and consolidated four to five parts (depending on the model), as well as several functions. The bracket is produced to +/- 0.005 in. tolerances with +/-0.002 in. in the critical areas of the laser mount and mirror bracket. All holes are cast with zero draft. The zinc bracket also functions as a heat sink, diverting heat away from the laser. By combining functions and parts into one component, assembly time was reduced 50 percent.