March 3, 2023

Best wood to laser cut

Which wood is best for laser cutting? Well, you are not alone. Laser cutting has grown tremendously in popularity over the years, and choosing the right wood is critical to getting the desired results.

In short, the best wood to laser cut is plywood. Plywood is a versatile material with various thicknesses, grades, and finishes. It is made of several layers of wood veneers glued together, which makes it more durable and stable than natural wood. With its smooth surface and uniform thickness, plywood offers a consistent burn and a clean finish, making it ideal for laser cutting.

But why settle for plywood when there are many other options? If you are curious about other types of wood and the properties that make them suitable for laser cutting, read on. We have consulted with industry experts to give you all the information you need to decide on the best wood for your next laser cutting project.

Laser cutting is a precise and efficient way to cut wood for multiple applications. Amongst the wood types, choose one that suits your needs. If you need to learn to pick the best wood to laser cut, this article will take you through the process.ย 

Factors to consider when selecting wood for laser cutting

When selecting wood for laser cutting, consider the thickness and density of the wood, the type of laser cutter, and the desired finish of the cut edges. Below is a detailed explanation that will help you through before purchasing one.ย 

Cut edges

Look at the edge quality; the laser machine gives you a smooth, consistent, high-quality edge. The application requirements require a quality edge. A laser can finish a nest of parts in no time.

Thickness

Thicker wood requires higher power or more passes. Consider having a blower since multiple passes may need to be fixed. The laser machineโ€™s power, speed, and settings vary depending on the thickness and the type of wood you are cutting or engraving.ย 

The wattage of your laser and the environment can affect settings, and that is why you should do a materials test on a piece of scrap wood or in an unused corner of your project material.

Density

The density of materials can impact laser cutting efficiency and quality. For wood, density is critical in determining its suitability for laser cutting. Wood density is the amount of mass in a given volume of wood. Denser woods such as ebony, rosewood, and oak require more laser energy and passes to cut through effectively.

High-density woods also generate more heat, which can cause burning or warping and negatively affect the finished productโ€™s quality. Laser cutting settings should be adjusted based on the wood density to prevent over-cutting, under-cutting, or charring of the material.

In contrast, less dense woods such as balsa and basswood require less power and fewer passes to cut through. These woods are ideal for laser cutting because they are softer and more pliable, generating less heat during the process, which reduces the risk of burning or warping. Therefore, the appropriate wood density must be considered for efficient and quality laser cutting.

Engraving

Softer woods produce less contrast in engraving.

Oiliness

Laser cutting oily woods like teak can be challenging, often leaving a messy and stained finish. This is because the natural oils in wood vaporize during the laser cutting process and deposit on the materialโ€™s surface, creating a dark and sticky residue that is difficult to clean and ruins the woodโ€™s appearance.

Moreover, oily wood can cause problems with laser cutting accuracy. The dark residue can absorb the laser beam, making it hard to focus and reducing cutting efficiency. This can result in undercuts, overcuts, and inconsistent cuts, negatively affecting the finished productโ€™s quality.

To avoid these issues, appropriate laser cutting settings and techniques should be used when working with oily woods. For example, using lower laser power or more passes can prevent the wood from overheating and creating excess vaporization. Itโ€™s also crucial to thoroughly clean the wood surface before and after laser cutting to remove any residue that could impact the finished productโ€™s quality.

Price

Higher-quality woods are likely to have steeper prices.ย 

Laser Type

Fibre lasers provide slower, poorer-quality cutting and require more passes (Espritautomation.com). There are many types of laser cutters with different specifications. Review features before purchasing because only some units are universal. One might be for woodwork, while the other engrave plastics and acrylics. The machine has to be suitable for your needs. CO2 and fibre lasers produce cut quality.

Types of wood suitable for laser cutting

Types of wood suitable for laser cutting include hardwoods such as maple, oak, and cherry and softer woods such as balsa and basswood. Below is a list of laser-cut woods that you can use.

Cherryย 

properties. When first cut, cherry wood has a light pink hue, which darkens over time into a rich reddish-brown colour. This wood is known for its distinctive grain pattern, which makes it a great choice for decorative and artistic laser-cutting projects.

Cherry wood is moderately dense, making it easy to work with and laser cut. Its density is approximately 580 kg/mยณ, making it a popular choice for furniture and cabinetry. It is also known for its stability and durability, which makes it a great material for laser cutting.

When laser cutting cherry wood, it is essential to use appropriate settings and techniques to achieve the desired results. The woodโ€™s unique properties mean it can char or burn easily, especially at higher power settings. Therefore, it is recommended to use lower laser power settings to prevent charring and burning of the wood surface.

Alder

Alder wood is a popular wood species for laser cutting and engraving. Its reddish-brown colour and unique grain pattern make it a great choice for decorative and artistic laser-cutting projects. Like cherry wood, alder wood darkens over time and resembles cherry wood.

Alder wood is a softwood, making it easy to work with and laser cut. It is one of the best woods for laser engraving due to its fine and consistent grain pattern. When laser cut, alder wood provides a clean and precise cut with dark burns, making it a great choice for intricate designs.

The wood has a low to moderate density, with an average specific gravity of 0.42. The grain density of alder wood is about 28 lbs/ft3, lower than that of other hardwoods like oak or walnut. This makes alder wood a great option for laser cutting and engraving, as it is less dense and softer than other woods, making it easier to cut and engrave.

It is important to note that alder wood has a relatively high moisture content, which can impact its laser cutting performance. It is recommended to acclimatize the wood to the laser cutting environment before starting the cutting process. This helps to prevent any warping, charring, or other issues that can impact the quality of the finished product.

Hard Maple

Hard maple wood is a popular wood species for laser cutting and engraving due to its unique colour and properties. This wood is known for its off-white, tan, or yellowish hue, which makes it a great choice for laser engraving projects.

Unlike cherry wood, hard maple wood has a higher density, which makes it harder to work with. Its density is approximately 705 kg/mยณ, significantly higher than cherry woodโ€™s. This increased density means that hard maple wood may require more power and passes from the laser to cut through effectively.

However, hard maple woodโ€™s density makes it an ideal choice for furniture and other high-stress applications. The wood is also known for its excellent durability and finishes well, which makes it a popular material for laser engraving.

When laser cutting hard maple wood, it is essential to use appropriate settings and techniques to achieve the desired results. Hard maple wood can be challenging to cut due to its high density, so it is recommended to use lower laser power settings and make multiple passes to ensure a clean cut. Additionally, the wood can release sap during the laser cutting, creating a sticky residue that can negatively affect the finished productโ€™s quality.

Basswood

Due to its unique properties, Basswood is a popular wood species for laser cutting and engraving. This softwood is known for its lightweight nature, making it easy to work with and laser cut. Basswoodโ€™s low density makes it ideal for decorative and artistic laser-cutting projects. Its density is approximately 419 kg/mยณ, which is significantly lower than that of harder woods like hard maple.

The woodโ€™s low density makes it a great option for fast and efficient laser engraving. Basswood is also known for its fine and consistent grain pattern, making it a popular choice for intricate designs.

When laser cutting basswood, it is essential to use appropriate settings and techniques to achieve the desired results. Due to its soft nature, basswood can be challenging to cut with high laser power settings. Lower laser power settings are recommended to prevent over-cutting or charring of the wood surface.

The grain density of basswood is about 26 lbs/ft3, making it less dense than other hardwoods like oak or walnut. This makes basswood an ideal option for laser cutting and engraving, as it is less dense and softer than other woods, making it easier to work with.

Balsa

Balsa wood is a popular wood species for laser cutting and engraving, thanks to its unique properties. This softwood is known for its lightweight nature, making it easy to work with and laser cut. Balsa wood has a coarse texture, but it is relatively easy to engrave with a laser machine due to its softness.

The heartwood of balsa wood has a reddish-brown hue, while the sapwood is off-white. The wood can stain and finish well, making it popular for decorative and artistic laser-cutting projects. However, balsa wood is susceptible to nicks and dents due to its softness, so it is important to handle it with care.

Balsa wood is a buoyant wood with a specific gravity of only about 0.16. This makes it one of the lightest woods available, making it an ideal choice for applications where weight is a concern. The woodโ€™s lightweight nature also makes it easy to cut and engrave with a laser machine.

When laser cutting balsa wood, it is essential to use appropriate settings and techniques to achieve the desired results. Due to its soft nature, balsa wood can be challenging to cut with high laser power settings. Lower laser power settings are recommended to prevent over-cutting or charring of the wood surface.

Cedar

Thanks to its unique properties, Cedarwood is a popular wood species for laser cutting and engraving. This wood has a distinctive sweet aroma and a reddish-brown colour, making it a great choice for decorative and artistic laser-cutting projects.

The woodโ€™s grain density is about 33 lbs/ft3, making it denser than other softwoods like balsa wood. This increased density means cedarwood may require more laser power and passes to cut through effectively.

When laser cutting cedarwood, the wood gives a dark red-black colour. At a speed of approximately 24 inches per minute (24 ipm), a 0.25-inch thick cedar wood cut can be achieved with a laser machine.

Poplar

Thanks to its unique properties, poplar wood is a popular wood species for laser cutting and engraving. This wood is available in various colours, from white to blackish-brown, making it a versatile choice for various laser-cutting projects.

When laser cutting poplar wood, the wood gives blackish burns, creating a unique and distinctive look. The woodโ€™s grain density is approximately 29 lbs/ft3, making it a relatively dense wood compared to other softwoods like balsa.

Poplar wood utilises around 80% of the laserโ€™s output power. It may require more laser power to cut through effectively than other woods.

Birchwoodย 

Birchwood is a popular wood species for laser cutting and engraving thanks to its unique properties. This wood has a reddish-brown colour and a distinctive grain pattern, with a density of approximately 46 lbs/ft3. This makes it denser than many other softwoods, like balsa wood.

The wood is dark brown when cutting birchwood, making it a popular choice for decorative and artistic laser-cutting projects. However, due to its density, it may require more laser power and passes to cut through effectively.

Advantages and disadvantages of different types of wood for laser cutting

Different types of wood have varying advantages and disadvantages when it comes to laser cutting.ย 

Birchย 

Birchwood, for example, is readily available and easy to find, making it a popular choice for various laser-cutting projects.

Pineย 

Pine is another popular choice for laser cutting, thanks to its ease of use. This wood is lightweight and easy to cut, making it a great option for hobbyists and professionals.

Cedarย 

Cedarwood is a softwood that has a straight grain and a pleasant smell. It is a popular laser-cutting choice due to its unique properties and distinctive appearance.

Furย 

Fur is a more affordable option for laser cutting, although it may look dull. However, it can look great when painted and can be cost-effective for various laser-cutting projects.

Redwoodย 

Redwood is moisture-resistant, making it a popular choice for outdoor laser-cutting projects. Its unique properties make it a great option for decorative and artistic laser-cutting projects.

Ashย 

Ashwood is a beautiful wood that finishes well but can be challenging to find. This makes it a less popular choice for laser cutting, although its unique properties make it a great option for various laser-cutting projects.

Cherryย 

Cherrywood is another popular choice for furniture and laser cutting. It is readily available and easy to find, making it a cost-effective choice for various laser-cutting projects.

Mahoganyย 

Mahogany is a beautiful wood that works great with lasers, although it can be hard to find. Its unique properties make it popular for decorative and artistic laser-cutting projects.

Oakย 

Oak has a beautiful grain and is easy to work with, making it a popular laser-cut choice. Its unique properties make it a great option for a range of laser-cutting projects.

Walnutย 

Walnut works well with lasers but can be scarce, making it less affordable than other woods. However, its unique properties make it a great option for various decorative and artistic laser-cutting projects.

Cork

Cork wood is an elastic and fire-resistant type of wood, making it a unique and versatile option for various laser-cutting projects. Its unique properties make it a popular choice for decorative and artistic laser-cutting projects and a range of industrial applications.

Tips for preparing wood for laser cutting

  • Sand and smooth the wood.
  • Attach the wood to a cutting board or jig.
  • If you are going to engrave your wood, be aware that the smoke of the engraving can stain the edges of the engraved surface.
  • Your laser should have some settings for cutting or engraving different materials and thicknesses. Load these settings into your computer or laser and save them as presets. Give them a name that you can easily use to find them.
  • Your laser should have some suggested settings for cutting or engraving different materials and different thicknesses. You should also be able to load these settings into your computer or laser and save them as presets. Be sure to name them something that makes sense so you can easily find them.
  • Run a test cut before the final project.ย 
  • Control the order of cuts to control different cuts on separate layers.
  • Have multiple parts and designs in one file to keep things organized.
  • Create guides.

Conclusion

In summation, wood to laser cut comes in hardwood and softwood. Avoid any materials containing halogens like fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine, epoxy, or phenolic resins. Go with your preferences when selecting wood for laser cutting, and follow proper preparation and handling techniques to ensure better results. The wood has to be secure and choose the best finish. By now, you should have made your pick.ย 

David D. Hughes

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