Lasers can be used to cut wood, and this has been widely validated in terms of process feasibility and practical applications. Laser wood cutting is essentially based on the thermal interaction between a high-energy-density laser beam and the wood material, causing thermal decomposition, carbonization, and vaporization, thereby achieving material separation and cutting.
1. Basic Principle of Laser Wood Cutting
After being focused, the laser beam forms a high-energy-density spot on the wood surface. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in the wood rapidly decompose and undergo vaporization reactions under high temperature. During the cutting process, auxiliary gas is usually applied to remove carbonized residues and stabilize the kerf. Laser cutting is a non-contact processing method and does not involve mechanical tool wear.
2. Laser Types Suitable for Wood Cutting
CO₂ Lasers
CO₂ lasers have a wavelength of 10.6 μm. Wood exhibits a high absorption rate at this wavelength, making CO₂ lasers the most widely used laser type for wood cutting. They are suitable for solid wood, plywood, MDF, and wood-based composite materials. Cutting efficiency is high, and edge formation is stable.
Fiber Lasers
Fiber lasers have a wavelength of approximately 1.06 μm. Wood has a relatively low absorption rate at this wavelength, so fiber lasers are generally not the first choice for wood cutting. They are mainly used for thin wood sheets or marking applications under low power or special process conditions. Cutting quality and stability are inferior to those of CO₂ lasers.
3. Process Characteristics of Laser Wood Cutting
Narrow kerf and high processing accuracy, suitable for complex contours and fine patterns.
A certain degree of carbonization occurs at the cutting edge; darkening of color is a normal result of thermal processing.
The heat-affected zone is relatively concentrated, with no significant mechanical stress deformation.
Cutting speed is strongly influenced by wood thickness, density, moisture content, and laser power.
4. Main Factors Affecting Cutting Performance
Wood type: Differences in density and fiber structure require individual parameter matching.
Moisture content: High moisture content reduces cutting efficiency and increases the risk of carbonization and charring.
Laser power and focal position: Insufficient power may result in incomplete cutting, while improper focus affects kerf quality.
Auxiliary gas pressure: Insufficient pressure can cause residue accumulation and disrupt cutting continuity.
5. Application Scenarios
Laser wood cutting is widely used in handicraft manufacturing, furniture decorative components, model making, architectural decorative elements, and the advertising signage industry. Its advantages include high processing flexibility and excellent pattern reproduction, making it suitable for small-batch and customized production.
6. Limitations
Laser cutting is not suitable for solid wood with excessive thickness, as cutting efficiency decreases significantly with increasing thickness. In addition, some plywood or multilayer boards contain complex adhesive components, which may generate a large amount of smoke during cutting, resulting in higher requirements for exhaust and fume extraction systems.
Lasers can be used to cut wood and have a mature process foundation in precision processing applications. Selecting the appropriate laser type and matching suitable process parameters are key to achieving stable cutting quality.