<p>Laser scanning apparatus includes a machine frame (2), a first supporting member (4) for supporting a working medium, and a second supporting member (6) for supporting at least the delivery end of a laser beam delivery system. One of the supporting members, preferably the latter one, is a movable carriage mounted in cantilever fashion from one side of the machine frame for effecting relative movement between the working medium and the laser beam delivery system to cause the laser beam to scan the working medium. <IMAGE></p>