Each of us knows what plywood is. Being a layered material consisting of sheets of peeled veneer, firmly glued together, plywood is characterized by strength and dimensional stability. Therefore, it is widely used in the production of furniture and various interior decoration items.
In order to give a sheet of plywood the desired shape, and in some cases these are designer patterns or ornaments, plywood is laser cut. Being the newest of the modern methods of cutting sheet and plate materials, laser cutting makes it possible to bring to life and execute the most complex design and design ideas from plywood.
It should be noted that laser cutting plywood is not as simple as it seems at first glance. The composite structure of the material, the heterogeneity of the thickness of the layers of veneer and resin, the multidirectionality of the fibers and air bubbles - all this requires certain skills.
For a long time, laser equipment was quite expensive, so craftsmen were forced to invent their own devices for these purposes. As a result, on such devices, many amateurs make quite high-quality laser cutting of plywood with their own hands.
Principle of cutting plywood with a laser
Plywood cutting requires a manual or electric machine. Laser cutting of plywood is determined by the point effect of the beam on the surface, i.e., it is performed in a non-contact way and eliminates the occurrence of waste.
Homemade laser
You can design a laser for cutting plywood yourself using a matchbox with a DWD drive. Such a device provides a sharp surge in temperature at the point of contact of the beam with the treated surface, which leads to burning wood with a thickness of 0.01-0.02 mm. Such processing of plywood is relevant for engraving and cutting small items. But it has its own peculiarity - it leaves dark edges in the place of cutting.
Do-it-yourself plywood laser cutting
Do-it-yourself laser cutting of plywood is performed using a gas tube (nitrogen + helium + carbon monoxide), with a power of 20 W from the main source that creates radiation. An electrical discharge is applied to it, which causes the appearance of monochrome radiation directed to the surface to be treated using a system of mirrors. You should also take care of the correct elements for power transformation.
For comfortable and proper operation, the handset should be equipped with a powerful cooling system. This is necessary because during operation, its shell is very hot. To prevent overheating, the tube is “dressed” in a second shell, through which, whencoolant constantly circulates during operation. Such a cooling system can be made using a 80-100 l liquid tank and a water pump. Freon is the most commonly used coolant. You should also take care of a high-quality transformer for good radiation and an exhaust hood to remove combustion products.
Professional laser cut plywood
But of course, homemade plywood laser processing designs are not suitable for one or more small jobs. In this case, it is much easier to contact a company that performs professional laser cutting of plywood. The price of this work is determined by the thickness of the material, the length of the cut and practically does not depend on the complexity and form of processing.
It is also necessary to take into account the fact that laser cutting of plywood is best suited to the material of the FC brand. In it, plywood layers are glued together with urea resin. The fact is that it is less heat-resistant than phenolic or bakelite varnish and, accordingly, lends itself better to laser processing. Those. much less laser beam is required to break its polymeric bond and disintegrate the molecule. This, in turn, greatly improves cutting performance.
Therefore, if you need to cut plywood with a laser, and you are not an expert in this field, consult with professionals in advance about the material and cutting pattern. Undoubtedly, having done everything according to their recommendations, you will definitely get a product that will attractattention and delight the eye with the impeccability of its form.
