Laser machining of southern pine

Abstract

When cutting with an air-jet-assisted carbon-dioxide laser of 240 watts output power, maximum feed speed at the point of full penetration of the beam decreased with increasing workpiece thickness in both wet and dry samples; the trend was curvilinear. Feed speeds averaged 99.1 and 14.6 inches per minute for samples 0.25 and 1.00 inch thick, respectively. Somewhat slower feed speeds were required for wet than for dry wood. In wet wood, maximum feed speed was unrelated to specific gravity. In dry wood, slightly slower speeds were required when wood density was high than when it was low. The laser cut along and across the grain with equal speed. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the laser-cut surfaces, while blackened, were far smoother than sawn surfaces. There was little damage to wood structure, but some carbon deposits were evident on cell walls and in lumen cavities.

Citation

McMillin, C. W.; Harry, J. E. 1971. Laser machining of southern pine. Forest Products Journal 21(10):35-37