Laser Cutting Wood for Laser Engraver Machines

As mainstream 3D printing is in full swing, another advanced equipment is gaining popularity, which hobbyists and design professionals would love to explore next: laser cutting wood. The said organic material, as we know, is incomparable in quality where it is a time-enduring crafting and decor material. This makes a laser cutting machine for wood a fitting addition to your 3D modeling.              

But before getting that latest laser cutting machine in the market, it is best to understand more about this relatively new technology. Since laser cutting wood has been quite around for some time, there are a lot of laser cutting and engraving machines in the market to choose from. This article will delve more into home or portable laser-cutting machines, also known as desktop laser cutters. 

Know more about laser cutting wood in this article and explore the basics of what laser cutting wood is, the technology behind it, its application, the types of laser cutting machines, and the benefits and limitations of laser cutting wood. 

What is Laser Cutting Wood? 

From laser guns to laser beams, sci-fi movies have given us a good introduction to the concept of laser machines, basically, laser gadgets that burn light to the intended target. 

Laser cutting wood is the process of concentrating a light source that gives off high heat energy in a small point using a convex lens directed at a point on the wood surface. This concentrated heat can instantly "burn" the material, transforming it into vapors. This process is called sublimation, where a solid quickly changes into gas, skipping the liquid state. 

What are the Machines Used in Laser Cutting Wood? 

The general term used in cutting wood using a laser is called a laser cutting machine. A laser cutting machine for wood is specifically designed to cut the organic material using laser technology with components usually similar to 3D printing. 

Adjusting the parameters of the laser cutting wood gives it the ability to cut through a thinner width, making it possible not to cut through completely into the wood material. This is why most laser cutters can also engrave designs on a wooden surface. Thus, laser machines are introduced as laser cutting and engraving machines not only for wood but also for machines that can cut different types of materials. So, for instance, a laser machine such as Creality Falcon2 Laser has different laser engraving and cutting parameter settings for different materials. 

What are the Types of Laser Cutter Machines for Wood 

CO2 Laser Cutting Machines

Mostly used in industrial applications because of its powerful engraving and cutting capabilities, CO2 lasers or gas laser cutting machines can be expensive to operate. Nevertheless, professionals and companies can utilize this machine, and it is excellent for wood and other organic materials because the wavelength emitted is well-accepted by the wood. This means you can create even intricate designs on a wood surface. 

For details Common light sources for laser engraving machines you can learn here.

Fiber Laser Cutting Machines

These are more for metal cutting but can also be used on thinner wood materials. You can click What Is Fiber Laser Engraver - Everything You Need to Know.

Diode Laser Cutting Machines

"Small but powerful" diode laser cutting machines are considered efficient as they do not use lenses to direct light, but emit light from the semiconductor material. A good example is the Falcon2 22W Premium Combo, which uses the spot compression technology that allows the four powerful 6W laser diodes to be compressed and concentrated, creating 24-watt power. Since there are fewer components, you'll have fewer maintenance issues. However, take note that because of the lower wattage in general, the Diode laser cutting machine may not be able to cut other materials.

Falcon 40W Laser Engraver & Cutter

 

  Creality Falcon 40W: Mighty but Precise Pro-tech for Pro-work

【Powerful 40W Laser Output: 8 powerful 5W laser diodes】
【25000mm/min Cutting Speed: improve cutting ability & quality】
【Ultra-fine Carving & Cutting: Aluminum alloy anodized structure】
【Five Safety Protections: Safety and reliability】
【Convenient Offline Operation 】
【Control Software: LightBurn, LaserGRBL】

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Falcon2 22W Laser Engraver & Cutter

 

 Creality Falcon 22W: Innovations for All Great Ideas

【22W Cutting Power: Cuts 0.1mm Metal 】
【Fast and Productive: 25000mm/min for Faster Creation】
【Integrated Air Assist: A Cleaner Result & Protects the Laser Lens】
【Hassle-Free Assembly: Only 3 Steps for Beginners】
【Colorful Engraving: Add Colors to Your Works and Life】
【Extensive Compatibility：Various Systems & Software】 

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UV Laser Cutting Machines

This type of laser cutter machine utilizes ultraviolet light, which means less heat, and uses a chemical reaction to the surface material, also dubbed as "cold marking." The advantage of UV lasers is that they can cut a wide range of materials aside from wood. In addition, it is easier to combine it with automated systems. 

Aside from the laser types and machine types to categorize laser cutting machines for wood, you'll also have to choose whether to get an open type (enclosed) or a closed type. 

Enclosed Laser Cutters

A fully enclosed laser cutter housing offers safety for users and prevents fumes from escaping the laser cutting area. However, you can purchase a separate protective cover for your open laser cutter as long as the enclosure fits your open laser cutter. For instance, Creality has the 700mm x 720mm x 400 mm Protective Cover for Laser Engraver. This comes with a built-in smoke ventilation system that exhausts smoke and dust away. 

Open Laser Cutters

Offers customization and versatility as certain open laser cutters can be upgraded or modified to fit specific needs. Open laser cutters also allow better monitoring during laser cutting. Though it doesn't have built-in smoke ventilation, you can still laser cut in an area with open windows to prevent inhalation of fumes.  

The Best Laser Cutting Machine for Wood

The best laser wood-cutting machine really depends on your usage and budget: 

Diode Lasers

Best for hobbyists who are looking for a budget-friendly laser-cutting machine for wood. Diode lasers range from $200 to $10,000 or more, so you have a wide range of price points. 

Gas Lasers or CO2 Lasers

Best for professional use and can be used for large or thick format wood materials such as MDF. The price points are five to 10 times more expensive. Starting from $1000 to $50,000. 

Get the Ultimate Guide for Creality Laser Cutting Machines here. 

What Products Can I Do with Laser Cutting Wood? 

From bass wood to walnut wood, you can use a wide range of wood materials with your laser cutting machine. This versatility allows you to widen your creative possibilities along with 3D printing ideas. 

Property Signages

An engraved or solidly cut material such as a house number or street name is likely to last compared to printed versions as UV light can easily fade off the ink. Moreover, it gives that durability and time-enduring appeal while likely to be vandalized. 

Restaurant Signages

If you're looking for that rustic appearance with a professional look, laser-cut wood signage for your place of business is a great option. It's customizable and can be designed to match your company's trademark look. 

Ornaments

A fun way to explore your laser-cutting wood machine is by creating ornaments. There's something satisfying in creating your own ornaments or décor pieces. These could be inspired by a favorite cartoon or movie character or theme. 

Lighting Fixtures

Create stunning lighting fixtures that are worthy of display with sculptural and unique designs made to be mixed and matched to your existing home or office interior. 

Wall Art

Along with its cutting capabilities, laser cutters for wood can also have engraving capabilities. You can explore this feature, creating unique and personalized wall art. 

Customized Giveaways

Whether for business or hobby, customized giveaways have a lot of potential in laser cutters as you can engrave or cut letters of a name, symbol, trademark, or any image. This makes it perfect for creating souvenir items such as ref magnets, wood jewel boxes, tags, etc., 

Educational Materials

Wood is known for its tactile quality that's familiar and satisfying. You can create toys and educational materials for your young ones, and you know that these lasers cut wooden toys are safe to play with. 

Wood for Laser Cutting   

Basswood

You've probably seen or heard of this type of wood material if you've been crafting or delving into laser cutting. So, why is it a popular option for laser cutting? Basswood or Tilia americana is known for its excellent workability and fine and smooth finish with light coloring. Another great quality of basswood is that it has a consistent graining pattern. 

Balsa

Another fast-growing wood species is balsa; like basswood, it has a light coloring, is almost pale, is lightweight, and can be used as core material for engineered wood. Balsa is a popular DIY crating material and can be easily laser-cut. 

Walnut

For a darker and denser wood material, you can go with walnut. The walnut wood sheets will feature mostly straight graining with occasional patterns such as burl and crotchwood figuring. 

MDF or Medium Density Fiber Wood

The composite wood is readily available and can accept paint better than most wood surfaces. Because of its uniform density, it can be easily cut by laser, and you'll have a consistent cutting thickness. When laser cut, though, MDF's edge can darken and have a burnt look. That is why if you want to reduce or avoid the burned edges, you should get a laser cutting machine for wood material that has an air blower. 

Birch Plywood

When opting for plywood as a material for your laser cutting or engraving, you may choose birch plywood as it has consistent graining, which means fewer voids and fine graining. The uniform density and smooth surface also help a cleaner cut from your laser machine. Plus, it is also usually sourced sustainably, like balsa and basswood.