Cutting Wood Materials by Laser.

Abstract

Laser technology is undergoing unbelievably rapid expansion. To evaluate the ability of the laser for cutting wood and wood products, a 250-watt industrial type continuous carbon dioxide laser was used. The wood materials included green and dry lumber, plywood, and particleboard. The cutting phenomena changed from a zone of clean instantaneous vaporization for the first 1/16-inch of depth to a charring condition for the balance of the thickness cut.