Cutting plywood on a Laser

Help, advise and examples created by the Universal Laser Systems (ULS) VersaLaser laser cutting / marking machine supplied by Denford

Moderators: Martin, Steve, Mr Magoo

Post Reply
User avatar
Steve
CNC Guru
CNC Guru
Posts: 1432
Joined: Tue 21 Feb , 2006 16:15 pm
Location: Denford UK

Cutting plywood on a Laser

Post by Steve » Mon 16 Nov , 2009 9:59 am

Customer Writes:

I would just like to enquire weather it is possible to cut 3mm ply on the laser cutter?

User avatar
Steve
CNC Guru
CNC Guru
Posts: 1432
Joined: Tue 21 Feb , 2006 16:15 pm
Location: Denford UK

Re: Cutting plywood on a Laser

Post by Steve » Mon 16 Nov , 2009 9:59 am

The laser will cut through ply though there are many grades available.

You can buy “Laser Ply” which is ideal.

The problem with cutting ply is the material is full of Knots and glue and it is not always possible to know where they are. As a result the material may cut through in some areas and not others.

If the power is increased to a point where it cuts through everywhere then some areas may be burnt.

The ideal solution is to buy Laser Ply which should cut at a constant setting.

Ply is quite hard to cut so you should use hardwood and push the slider up to plus 50%.

If this does not cut through then try running as Acrylic (which cuts slower than wood).

User avatar
Steve
CNC Guru
CNC Guru
Posts: 1432
Joined: Tue 21 Feb , 2006 16:15 pm
Location: Denford UK

Re: Cutting plywood on a Laser

Post by Steve » Mon 16 Nov , 2009 10:05 am


Post Reply