Plywood (Laser Cutting)

Wood Materials for Laser Cutting #

At Hanze Makerspace, we offer a variety of wood materials specifically chosen for laser cutting processes. Below are the available options that will help you select the best material for your project needs.

MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) #

MDF is known for its smooth surface and uniform density, making it ideal for precise laser cutting. Its dense structure allows for clean edges and fine detailing in designs. MDF has a tendency to char at the edges during cutting. It also lacks the aesthetic appeal of natural wood grains.

Birch Plywood #

Birch plywood is strong with excellent layer bonding, minimizing warping. Its fine grain ensures a clean cut and visually appealing finish. Birch plywood may have variations in grain and color, potentially affecting the uniformity of your final product. It’s more prone to burning than some other woods at the edges.

Ash Plywood #

Ash plywood offers a distinct and attractive grain pattern, adding a unique visual texture to projects. The prominent grain of ash plywood can lead to inconsistent cutting rersults and may overpower finer design details. It also shares the general disadvantage of birch plywood of being prone to burning at the edges.

Tips for choosing the best material #

• Choose wood thickness and type based on the design and complexity of your project.
• Consider how the wood grain of the plywood will affect the appearance and consistency of your project if you do not paint it.

For any other questions and or assistance about these materials for your laser cutting projects, the Hanze Makerspace assistants are always available on location to help you choose the correct material.