What is the real effect of CO2 laser cutting solid wood? Can it cut solid wood with 18mm thickness? The answer is Yes. There are many kinds of solid wood. A few days ago, a customer sent us several pieces of mahogany for trail cutting. The effect of laser cutting is as follows.
That's great! The powerful laser beam which means a thorough laser cutting creates a clean and smooth cut edge. And the flexible wood laser cutting makes the customized-design pattern come true.
Attentions & Tips
Operation Guide about laser cutting thick wood
1. Turn up the air blower and you need to use air compressor with at least 1500W power
The advantage of using an air compressor to blow can make the laser slit becomes thinner because the strong airflow takes away the heat generated by the laser burning material, which reduces the melting of the material. So, like the wooden model toys on the market, customers who require thin cutting lines must use air compressors. At the same time, the air compressor can also reduce carbonization on the cutting edges. Laser cutting is heat-treatment, so wood carbonization occurs quite often. And strong airflow can reduce the severity of carbonization to a great degree.
2. For laser tube selection, you should choose a CO2 Laser tube with at least 130W or above laser power, even 300W when it’s necessary
For the focus lens of wood laser cutting, the general focal length is 50.8mm, 63.5mm or 76.2mm. You need to choose the lens based on the thickness of the material and its vertical requirements for the product. Long focal length cutting is better for thicker material.
3. The cutting speed varies on the type of solid wood and the thickness
For a 12mm thickness mahogany panel, with 130 watts laser tube, the cutting speed is suggested to be set at 5mm/s or so, power range is about 85-90% (actual processing to extend the service life of the laser tube, power percentage is best set below 80%). There are many kinds of solid wood, some extremely hard solid wood, such as ebony, 130 watts can only cut through 3mm thick ebony with a speed of 1mm/s. There is also some soft solid wood such as pine, 130W can easily cut 18mm thickness without pressure.
4. Avoid using blade
If you are using a knife stripe working table, take out a few blades if it’s possible, avoiding over burning caused by laser reflection from the blade surface.
Learn more about laser cutting wood and laser engraving wood
Post time: Oct-06-2022