Cutting .25 in plywood

[Dubliner]

I have the opportunity to cut a lot of 1/4 in ply ( mid grade, not BB ) the ones I did on the CNC were not suitable as they has some fuzzies, I might be able to tune that out, however, I'd like to see if I can cut in on a 100 w Weike with minimal burning, Anybody have success with that thickness material and not scorch the hell out of it? Feed & Speeds? TIA Dubliner - Neville

[epilotdk]

I never managed to get good results with my 80W cutter on cheap grade 1/4" plywood. The problem was mainly the ply itself - mainly laminating glues don't respond well to laser cutting. There is a big difference between proper laser ply and "normal" ply. Several lighter cuts didn't improve things much. Lots of charring and it stinks badly after having been cut. The machine gets covered in stinky goo. Proper laser ply cuts very cleanly and easily.

[zax15uk]

As epilotdk said, it really depends on the adhesive. If the ply is interior grade the chances of a good result increase but without trying some you won't know for sure.

The wood component is easy to cut but once the beam hits the epoxy it begins to generate heat, depending on the epoxy thickness and type the results can be good or a charred mess.

Zax.

[Dubliner]

So do you think extra pressure in the air lline might help? I know compressed air seems to be warmer and wonder if a "Vortex" type attachment might decrease the temperature. Where & what size can you get laserable ply in Texas ( Zax ?)

[zax15uk]

I've bought some ply from hobby stores (aircraft grade) that worked well but regarding specific laserable ply I've only seen it online at a good price.

I don't do much ply due to the poor results and limitations of my machine.

Zax.

[echojdlaser]

Hello friend,

We have tested, 80W laser machine can cut approximate 10mm, maybe 150W can cut approximate 12-15mm.

About cutting 25mm, maybe it is a bit difficult. Maybe the CNC Router is a bit suitable, what do you think about it?

What kind of plywood you need cut? Standard PLYwhich is used for packing? Or other?

Echo

[zax15uk]

Echo my friend... Echo my friend,

The question was for 0.25inch = 1/4inch = 6.35mm.

Zax.

[Tweakie]

I can understand the confusion.
My Dad told me about Inches and I have a ruler here somewhere that has them on it

Tweakie.

[epilotdk]

Just keep in mind what I said earlier on - whether you can cut it or not doesn't depend solely on laser power. I used to have an 80W machine and once got a hold of some 1/4 plywood that required two passes at full power to cut. The charring was really bad and it reeked so much after cutting that it was un-usable. With the correct grade of wood the 80 watt tube will cut it like butter.

[Laserman FLE]

I have the opportunity to cut a lot of 1/4 in ply ( mid grade, not BB ) the ones I did on the CNC were not suitable as they has some fuzzies, I might be able to tune that out, however, I'd like to see if I can cut in on a 100 w Weike with minimal burning, Anybody have success with that thickness material and not scorch the hell out of it? Feed & Speeds? TIA Dubliner - Neville

WE cut up to 3/4" ply with our 100W cutting system.
I cut at .5" sec with 75psi or air (Nitrogen would be best to reduce charring)

I will put up youtube videos of .5" thick plywood cutting tomorrow and link it form here.

The issue with the Chinese and cheep machines is the spot size and air pressure.

Send us a drawing and we will send back videos of the cutting process with the machines we use and manufacture.

sales@focusedlightengaving.com

[zax15uk]

The issue with the Chinese and cheap machines is the spot size and air pressure.

The issue with US made systems is the price and parts cost

I just had to... Zax.

[keebler303]

The issue with US made systems is the price and parts cost

I just had to... Zax.

You get what you pay for. Our 100W American made laser will cut 1/4" cabinet grade ply at 1"/sec and 50% power (~65W) real nice. I don't think you need "laserable" ply, you just need good quality stuff thats not full of glue filled voids.

Also a 50W laser with good beam quality (like a synrad or coherent) will outcut a 100W chinese tube with poor beam quality.

Matt