A laser cutting system, including a steering mirror assembly for directing
a laser beam through a predetermined cutting path along a workpiece or
substrate material. The steering mirror assembly includes a base, and a
mirror pivotally supported on the base by a flexure assembly which
confines pivotal movement of the mirror about a vertical Y-axis and/or
about a horizontal X-axis. A pair of electrical actuator assemblies
include movable bobbin assemblies connected to the mirror by control rod
flexures at locations on the mirror which are spaced 90.degree. apart
from one another. In operation, selective electrical energization of the
actuator assemblies controls movement of the bobbin assemblies to pivot
the mirror about the vertical Y-axis and/or about the horizontal X-axis
throughout a number of angular orientations to thereby direct the laser
beam through a predetermined cutting operation pattern along the
substrate surface to cut materials from the substrate. The flexure
arrangements which support the mirror on the base and which connect the
bobbin assemblies to the mirror facilitate substantially frictionless
movement of the bobbin assemblies and the mirror, which allows the mirror
to pivot at high operational speeds during the cutting sequence.