The power of the laser module is a key parameter when choosing a machine for cutting plywood. But this is not the only factor that must be taken into account before purchasing a machine to solve specific problems.
Read our instructions for selecting CNC laser machines for cutting plywood.
What kind of laser is needed for cutting plywood?
The choice of a laser for cutting plywood directly depends on the tasks to be solved using the device.
To a first approximation, we can assume that the required power of the optical installation is directly dependent on the thickness of the plywood sheets being processed. In practice, there are other conditions that influence the selection of certain cutting machine parameters. For example, in a company that uses large circular saws to cut large sheets of plywood, a low-power laser machine may be the best option for cutting small sheets.
Laser machines for cutting plywood have a number of advantages that distinguish them from machines for mechanical processing:
- High cutting precision;
- Ability to create objects of complex shapes;
- Ease of use;
- No noise or sawdust in the process.
All of the above advantages are possible due to the fact that in laser machines the working “tool” is a thin beam of light with high power. The beam burns through the plywood board, leaving a thin and narrow cut, like a surgical scalpel. Thanks to numerical program control, the machine is able to draw an ornament of any complexity. Therefore, the most suitable tool for creating decorative plywood elements is a CNC laser machine.
The disadvantages include the cost of the laser machine. This drawback only applies to powerful devices with a large working surface. The price of basic models is comparable to milling machines of a similar area. If you have sufficient competence, you can assemble a laser machine of any power with your own hands. The work will take a lot of time, but the financial savings will be significant.
Depending on the power and functionality, machines are divided into types. Since nowadays even budget models are equipped with CNC, we will not consider manually controlled machines as an option.
Source: top3dshop.ru
By purpose:
- A cutting and engraving machine is a low-power device designed for engraving on plywood and cutting thin sheets;
- The industrial machine is a universal machine that is suitable for cutting plywood sheets of any thickness.
By laser head power:
- Up to 50 W - low-power devices;
- From 50 to 90 W - universal devices;
- From 100 W - industrial-grade devices.
There is a common relationship between the power of the laser machine and the size of the work area. Higher power means larger surface area to be processed. Exceptions happen very rarely.
How to draw toppers?
In fact, the process of “rendering”, that is, creating toppers, is quite simple. The most difficult thing you will face is finding the fonts that are used for this. But fortunately, everything was thought up for us a long time ago, and at the moment the most common fonts for creating toppers are thick Lobster and Nautilus, as well as the MonAmor family of openwork fonts. Further steps include the steps of selecting the optimal size and position on the body of the topper, and then merging them. However, many videos have already been made on this topic, and we will not repeat ourselves, but will do something better...
What is a laser head for cutting plywood
Source: all3dp.com
A laser head for cutting plywood is an optical element of the machine, consisting of a radiation source (laser) and a focusing lens that directs the beam onto the surface being processed.
There are mainly two types of lasers used in plywood cutting machines:
- CO2 (carbon dioxide) - the source of radiation is a tube filled with gas. Such installations can have great power, but they have relatively large dimensions.
- Diodes - with a semiconductor laser - usually (but not always) have lower power, but very compact dimensions. Due to their compactness and ease of use, they are often used on small machines.
Video with laser engraving machines
Widescreen WP 1610
Postcard on the TOR 6090 machine
TOR 1080 Ultra CO2 machine Laser engraving
What is a laser module for cutting plywood
A laser module is a unit that consists of a laser head and other elements necessary for operation: an optical system, a power supply, a cooling system and control electronics. The implementation of a specific module circuit depends on the power and type of emitter, as well as on the purpose of the machine.
According to the purpose of the machine, laser modules are divided into:
- Collimated - to create a grating or circle with a laser beam;
- Focused - for consistent line formation.
Source: all3dp.com
In practice, as a rule, all laser modules for cutting plywood focus radiation at one point. Firstly, such a system is much cheaper and easier to maintain. Secondly, this way a CNC machine can form any lines. Therefore, focused modules allow you to cut out not only rectangles and circles, but also objects of arbitrary shape.
Laser modules are also divided into types, depending on the length of the light wave emitted by the emitter. In the case of plywood cutting machines, both diode and CO2 lasers belong to devices operating in the infrared range.
Device selection
When choosing a laser CNC, the following indicators must be taken into account:
- Precision parameter. It determines the quality of production of texture elements.
- Power. This indicator determines the performance of the device. Machines with high power are capable of processing a large number of parts in a short period of time.
- Functionality. When purchasing a machine, it is important to find out whether the machine is suitable for engraving or milling plywood.
- Material. The working mechanisms and corner parts of the machine must be made of stainless steel.
When purchasing a laser device, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer's brand. As of 2022, the most popular devices among buyers are the following brands: Kokie, Mazak, Trumpf, ESAB and Bystronic. They are distinguished by their high service life and versatility. Laser installations are also assembled in Russia. The leading Russian manufacturer is the research and production center “Lasers and Equipment”, located in the Moscow region.
Description of laser for cutting plywood
Source: all3dp.com
The operating principle of a laser plywood cutting machine is easy to understand: a laser emitter creates a beam of light of a given wavelength, and the beam power is sufficient to burn through the fibers of a wood board. The higher the power, the deeper the beam penetrates into the plywood, and the thicker the sheet that can be cut in one pass. The power range varies, starting from several watts.
Areas of application
- automotive and instrument making;
- when creating jewelry;
- in the advertising business;
- forestry (woodworking) and construction industries;
- In light industry (“light”);
- In the paper industry;
- In computer embroidery and packaging;
- In educational and economic activities;
- In the production of decor and textiles;
- in the production of stencils and other types of advertising.
The equipment automates production and reduces the number of defects per batch of parts. The machine allows you to replace several specialists in production.
What laser power is needed to cut plywood?
Source: all3dp.com
Typically, laser machines with the following emitter power are used for cutting plywood:
- Up to 50 W - for cutting sheets up to 6 mm thick;
- 60 - 80 W - for cutting sheets up to 8 mm thick;
- More than 80 W - for cutting sheets up to 10 mm thick.
The power of the emitter is always indicated in the device specifications, along with the power consumption of the device as a whole. For example, the LaserSolid 640 Lite laser power is 50 W, the device power is 450 W.
However, there are laser modules with much lower power. Let's consider the capabilities of such elements.
Laser 2.1 W
Source: beamqus.com
The purpose of the 2.1 W diode laser is to cut cardboard and plywood up to 1 mm thick. More often, modules of this power are installed in engravers.
3.5W cutting laser
The 3.5 W laser module for cutting plywood is also used primarily for engraving. As an exception, it can be used for cutting plywood. But to process a sheet even 3 mm thick it will take about 20 passes.
5.6 W short throw laser
Source: samoa.desertcart.com
There are few differences between this device and the one discussed above. For example, cutting 3 mm thick plywood will require 4 passes. It's faster, but still very slow.
Laser 8 W
The 8-watt laser module is more efficient at cutting plywood sheets. A device equipped with such an emitter can cut a sheet 2 mm thick in one pass.
10W cutting laser
Source: alexnld.com
Increased power to 10W provides the potential to cut 3mm thick plywood in one pass. However, such equipment is still found mainly in homemade cutting machines and laser engravers.
Laser 15 W
Fifteen-watt diode lasers can be used to cut plywood up to 10 mm thick, but this will require going over the same line several times. Such devices are suitable for amateur-level machines. Due to their low power, they have low heat generation and energy consumption. Accordingly, compact cooling systems will be required for trouble-free operation.
For professional cutting of plywood sheets, we recommend using machines equipped with laser modules with a power of 40 W or more.
Why is it worth buying a laser machine from us?
- Information support. We provide on-site training for employees.
- Top class technical service. Spare parts are always available. In warehouses in St. Petersburg and Moscow. Express delivery. There is no need to wait months for delivery from China or customs.
- The lowest and most reasonable prices. There are no intermediaries. No unexpected expenses. Delivery directly from the manufacturer. Everything is debugged.
- Russian manufacturer. In addition to the Chinese manufacturer, we cooperate with factories from Russia.
- Warranty obligations. The warranty period is from 1 to 3 years for all equipment.
