LASER PLYWOOD

The peculiarities of plywood for laser cutting

Plywood is a composite material made of several sheets of wood glued together. It is used in many applications, including construction, furniture, and decoration. Plywood is also an ideal material for laser cutting and engraving.

 

The advantages of laser cutting plywood

Laser cutting plywood has many advantages, including:

• High precision : laser cutting allows for clean and precise cuts, even on complex shapes.
• A quality finish : laser cutting does not leave any burn marks (provided you have the right settings and well-maintained equipment), which allows you to obtain a quality finish.
• High cutting speed : Laser cutting is a fast process, which allows large quantities of parts to be produced in a short time.

Characteristics of plywood for laser cutting and engraving

Plywood for laser cutting and engraving must have certain specific characteristics, including:

• A regular grain direction : the direction of the wood fibers must be regular to avoid deformations during cutting.
• Well-selected wood : The core of the plywood (what is in the middle between the veneer sheets) must not contain any holes. The veneer (face) must be free of cracks and patches.
• Uniform thickness : The thickness of the wood sheets must be uniform to obtain a precise cut.
• A glue compatible with laser cutting : the glue used to assemble the wooden sheets must be compatible with laser cutting. (Exit phenolic glue)

We will favor a B/BB or A/AA quality for the most demanding. (CF: article on the quality of wood)

 

Different types of plywood for laser cutting

There are different types of plywood suitable for laser cutting, including:

• Softwood Plywood : Softwood plywood is the most commonly used type of plywood for laser cutting. It is made from sheets of softwood, such as poplar.
• Hardwood plywood : Hardwood plywood is stronger than softwood plywood. It is made from sheets of hardwood, such as birch or beech.
• Laminated plywood : Laminated plywood is made up of sheets of wood laminated with a protective coating. It is ideal for applications requiring a quality finish.

 

Tips for laser cutting and engraving plywood

• Choose the right type of plywood : The type of plywood you choose will depend on your needs and applications. If you need raw wood products, a very light plywood will be preferred. On the contrary, if the products will be painted or covered, a plywood with a less flattering and more economical appearance can be used.
• Use a suitable laser machine : the laser machine you use must be powerful enough to cut the plywood according to the thickness. (See: article on the different machines)
• Adjust the laser machine settings : The laser machine settings should be appropriate for the type of plywood you are using.
• Use a suitable support : the support you use must be stable and clean and prevent the plywood from moving during cutting and causing burns.
• Sand the faces beforehand : sanding before cutting or laser engraving will allow for cleaner work (fewer burrs) and give the wood a nice appearance.

With a little practice, you will be able to laser cut plywood accurately and efficiently.

Having trouble with your laser machine? Article: Why isn’t it cutting?