Laser cutting is far from a new method of artistic processing of wood, which since its inception has immediately gained immense popularity. In comparison with the similar process performed manually by a jigsaw, this method demonstrates a number of advantages, the main of which is the speed of work with its high accuracy provided by modern multifunctional equipment.
Also, laser cutting and engraving of plywood allows you to achieve a unique pattern that is distinguished by aesthetic appeal and beauty, while the cost of the services provided by a professional craftsman using expensive equipment is affordable for most customers. The minimum cut width here does not exceed 0.01 mm, which is almost impossible when processing wood with hand tools.
Laser cutting example of plywood:
Laser cutting technology implies the directed action of a laser beam on plywood, which allows you to form a cut of varying complexity and configuration. This method is non-contact and consists in increasing the temperature at the point of contact of the beam with the tree, after which the material is removed by evaporation.
The use of equipment, which in this case is a laser machine, guarantees obtaining perfectly smooth edges after processing, which is very important when cutting artistic elements and complex openwork patterns. There is completely no wood dust and shavings, which gives the carpenter a lot of inconvenience. In the process of cutting wood with a laser under the influence of high temperatures, the plywood cut-off points usually darken, which can be regarded as the advantages and disadvantages of the method, it all depends on the artist’s artistic vision. If necessary, this feature can be eliminated by supplying laser machines with a ventilation and blowing system that removes combustion products.
The principle of the laser beam
To obtain a laser beam, it is necessary to use a tube of gas and a mixture of helium, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. When voltage is applied, the monochrome radiation of directional action is activated using technological mirrors. Experienced craftsmen cut wood with devices whose power starts at 20 watts, but amateurs at home often use less powerful equipment. As mentioned earlier, the accuracy of laser cutting of wood is very high, and the given pattern is almost jewelry.
To achieve smooth and clear edges of the pattern according to the specified parameters without the application of manual labor, just install the appropriate program. The minimum size of the laser beam in combination with numerical programs allows the process of cutting plywood with a laser in a matter of minutes. Modern machines equipped with CNC require only a sketch from the master, while wood cutting itself is quick and easy in automatic mode.
Additional components
By the type of configuration, the equipment used for laser cutting of non-metals can be divided into units with and without numerical control programs. There are also additional devices that optimize cutting, processing and manufacturing of parts. Devices that extend the functionality of laser machines are:
- chillers that establish the process of cooling a glass laser tube through which a gas mixture is supplied. To ensure optimal temperature conditions, the tube is closed with a kind of shell through which coolant circulates, and the device itself consists of a water pump, water and freon;
- blowing systems that remove combustion products, so that the plywood in the places where it touches the beam does not darken, and the products take on an attractive appearance.
We draw your attention to the fact that laser cutting of MDF or any other wood material requires continuous cooling of the focusing lens, but such a system is not an additional option and is necessarily present on all types of machines without exception. The cost of professional chillers mentioned above is quite high and starts at $ 500.
Often, home craftsmen make a cooling system on their own, using a pump for pumping water. Thanks to this technique, laser cutting of veneer, plywood, MDF or particleboard will be available without unnecessary financial expenses. By the way, standard work on cutting non-metals may require more than a hundred liters of water. If possible, it is advisable to replace the water with a more suitable freon for such purposes, which will be much more effective.
Laser cutting process
High-quality production of decorative elements, where laser cutting of mdf is used or other wood materials are used, is impossible without modern equipment, to which a high quality requirement is imposed. The process itself cannot be called simple, because it requires attention and artistic talent when creating sketches. No less stringent requirements are put forward on the machined surfaces. Plywood should not contain any flaws in the form of cracks, chips and other flaws, otherwise the result may be disastrous, and the master will make his efforts in vain.
Laser cutting of veneers, as well as processing of any wood using a spot light beam, can be carried out both by manual and automated equipment. Despite the fact that in this case the surrounding area is not contaminated with chips and wood dust, some inconveniences are still present. The fact is that such production is associated with a heating process, because of which the cutting laser beam burns out the tree and, as a result, emits smoke. That is why it is impossible to allow caustic smoke to fill the room, be sure to provide an exhaust system. Laser cutting of plywood can also provoke inconsequential fires, and in order to avoid a fire, it is better to put a container of water in advance nearby, which will come to the rescue in case of an unforeseen circumstance.
Materials, products and prices
The laser cutting method is specially designed for processing plywood, and indeed any wood, in order to give it a decorative effect. For example, laser cutting MDF is able to turn an ordinary unsightly blank into a masterpiece of carpentry. In addition to the manufacture of interior elements, this technique allows you to process wood in the manufacture of souvenir and gift products. There are a huge number of products, the main material of which is inexpensive plywood, however, the high level of quality of laser processing modifies the primitive workpiece so much that it looks like a precious exclusive thing. The most popular items in this category of goods include all kinds of coasters, panels, frames for photos and paintings, caskets, vases, etc.
Having a laser machine in his arsenal, the master will be able to regularly afford the creation of unique original gizmos for sale or for personal use, but what about those who do not have special equipment or lack the necessary skills? The answer is obvious. Laser cutting can be done in hundreds of workshops that work according to customer's designs, it is enough to voice your wishes. Such a service is quite affordable, and on average its cost is 30 rubles per meter with a material thickness of 5 mm.
Table: Prices for laser cutting services provided
Thickness mm | Cutting length running meter | |||
100m | 500m | 1000m | > 1000m | |
Plywood | ||||
3 | 30,10 | 23.49 | 21,06 | 17,95 |
4 | 30,10 | 26,73 | 24,03 | 21,06 |
5 | 36,04 | 33,61 | 31,32 | 26,05 |
6 | 46,45 | 44,55 | 41,85 | 36,45 |
MDF | ||||
3 | 17,6 | 20,5 | 14,1 | 16 |
5 | 20,3 | 18 | 16,2 | 14,1 |
The price fluctuation in one direction or another is directly affected by the thickness of the wood, the moldings and the complexity of the pattern.