Laser machining wood composites

Abstract

This practical, nonstatistical experiment using commercial equipment demonstrated that nominal 3/4-inch compositep anelsf or furniture consisting of a particleboard core,h igh density melamine crossbands, and walnut veneer face plies can be cut with a carbon dioxide/airjet-assisted laser to produce surfaces with minimal nonparallelism and char compared to previous attempts. The best cuts were obtained by focusing the beam at the panel surface, using 400 to 500 watts of laser output power, and cutting at 20 in./min. A jet-assist pressure of air at 60 psig, a jet nozzle diameter of 0.050 inch, and a beam focal length of 7.5 inches yielded better cuts than other conditions tested.

Citation

Barnekov, Vladimir; Huber, Henry A.; McMillin, Charles W. 1989. Laser machining wood composites. Forest Products Journal 39(10):76-78