Plywood laser cutting machine – rating of popular models, tips for choosing

Selection criteria

Special CNC units are universal and can work not only with wood, but also with:

• plexiglass;
• rubber;

• skin;
• polystyrene;

• plastic;
• ceramics.

A universal machine for laser cutting of plywood can cope with almost any raw material, with the exception of metal. And thanks to CNC, the device can accurately and quickly cut through even complex patterns.

First of all, decide on the volume of future work and what area of ​​plywood sheets are needed for cutting. For large sizes, select devices with an increased working field, and small-sized desktop modifications can handle small-scale work.

The cost of a plywood laser cutting machine will depend on the size of the tool.

But, if it is possible to pre-cut large plywood sheets into small sheets (using a circular saw or router), then consider purchasing medium- or small-format devices. These models are ideal for working at home.

Take into account the size (thickness) of the plywood used for work. CNC machines will leave charred cut edges when cutting thick sheets. If this spoils the overall design, then it is better to look at milling tools for working with massive layers of wood. And use lasers for engraving.

The thickness of the plywood sheets affects the choice of power of the CO2 tube emitter. For ease of selection, focus on the following indicators of the plywood layer:

• up to 5-6 mm: 50-60 W;
• up to 7-8 mm: 60-70 W;
• up to 9-10 mm: 80-90 W.

For the usual application of a design on plywood (engraving), you can take devices with a 50 W tube. But if your plans include a large amount of work and opening your own business, then purchase a machine with a stronger emitter.

Working field

Machines for laser cutting of plywood are also divided by type of working surface:

1. Tabletop (working area up to 60x40 cm). Ideal for setting up a home workshop. They do not take up much space, and good performance allows you to quickly produce large batches of products.
2. Medium format (working area up to 1.6x1 m). Such modifications are the most common and are suitable for both home workshops and large-scale industries.
3. Wide-format (working area up to 2x3 m). More often used for powerful workshops, large production facilities with continuous production of products.

Expert opinion

Torsunov Pavel Maksimovich

To set up a home workshop, focus on the parameters of the space that will be allocated for the installation of the laser machine.

To work with average plywood with a layer thickness of up to 3-4 mm, it makes no sense to spend money on large-format tables. For such purposes, it is enough to purchase desktop or medium format options.

Desktop

When choosing a laser machine model, consider the depth of lowering of the work table. There are modifications with the ability to lower and raise the working surface, and there are models with a fixed table installation.

The permissible thickness of the material being processed will depend on the depth of lowering of the work table.

If the device is intended for engraving or working with standard thin plywood (for making magnets or simple souvenirs), there is no point in spending money on an improved model. But, if engraving will be carried out on large-sized products or you plan to work with thick materials, then the ability to raise the table becomes a key point in the choice.

There are two types of adjustable tables:

1. Automated . It is better to take this model for working with materials of various thicknesses. Automatic raising and lowering is carried out using belts. The disadvantage of this option is the need to constantly adjust the belts, as they stretch during use.
2. Manual (chain drive) . It is better to choose this option (without straps) for a medium or wide format device. The lowering chain drive model minimizes table misalignment, resulting in better quality final work.

What type of work table adjustment does your plywood laser cutting machine have?

AutomatedManual

When choosing a machine for laser cutting of plywood, pay attention to the material from which the work table is made:

Video with laser engraving machines

Widescreen WP 1610

Postcard on the TOR 6090 machine
TOR 1080 Ultra CO2 machine Laser engraving

Useful tips

When equipping your home workshop with a plywood laser cutting machine, provide a good compressor for stable airflow (at least 1.5-2 atmospheres). The presence of a powerful compressor allows you to get a cleaner end when cutting. But for engraving work, on the contrary, a lower level of air pressure is required.

Expert opinion

Torsunov Pavel Maksimovich

A compressor is especially necessary when working with material with a layer thickness of 3-4 mm.

Consider the power of the laser tube. The higher these indicators, the thicker the sheets can be cut. On average, for every 10 kW of declared laser power, 1 mm of plywood sheet is cut. For example, with a tube power of 50 W, you can cut sheets 5 mm thick. But keep in mind that for a longer tube life, it is recommended to use no more than 80% of the power. Which means that when the machine operates with a laser power of 50 kW, it is possible to cut through up to 4 mm of material thickness.

To avoid charred edges, keep the power to speed ratio at an optimal level.

Keep in mind that there are knots on the plywood layer and these areas will not be able to be cut through completely with the standard parameters set.

Much attention is paid to the quality of the processed material itself:

• the higher the quality of the plywood sheets, the cleaner the final work will be, and the cutting process will be easier and more comfortable;
• when carrying out engraving work, additionally press the sheets with magnets (for these purposes it is better to use a metal table);
• To reduce the load on the device, if this is permissible, then it is better to cut large sheets into smaller pieces in advance.

Modern plywood laser cutting machines are simple and easy to use. They provide precise and efficient work with minimal waste and pay for themselves quickly. All models have instructions that are easy to study and understand. And knowing the basic nuances of choosing a device will allow you to do this without error.

Advantages of laser machines

Configuration and equipment

CNC machines are available in various configurations. Depends on the model. The kit includes the following parts (per piece):

Wood carving machine

If wood carving is done by hand, a lot of time and effort is spent. Progress does not stand still - special woodworking machines have been created that process products with high precision.

Depending on the type of product, different woodworking machines are used:

• Sawing equipment is used to give a certain shape to wood. Typically a circular saw or band saw is used.
• After cutting, you need to cut off the irregularities, which are processed with a plane or planer.
• You can cut holes in wood of different diameters using a drilling machine.
• By turning you can create products that are figures of rotation.
• A sanding machine gives finished wood items a neat appearance and smoothes out rough edges.

Why is it worth buying a laser machine from us?

1. Information support. We provide on-site training for employees.
2. Top class technical service. Spare parts are always available. In warehouses in St. Petersburg and Moscow. Express delivery. There is no need to wait months for delivery from China or customs.
3. The lowest and most reasonable prices. There are no intermediaries. No unexpected expenses. Delivery directly from the manufacturer. Everything is debugged.
4. Russian manufacturer. In addition to the Chinese manufacturer, we cooperate with factories from Russia.
5. Warranty obligations. The warranty period is from 1 to 3 years for all equipment.

Areas of application

• automotive and instrument making;
• when creating jewelry;
• in the advertising business;
• forestry (woodworking) and construction industries;
• In light industry (“light”);
• In the paper industry;
• In computer embroidery and packaging;
• In educational and economic activities;
• In the production of decor and textiles;
• in the production of stencils and other types of advertising.

The equipment automates production and reduces the number of defects per batch of parts. The machine allows you to replace several specialists in production.

Principle of operation

The machines are high speed. They have high precision of laser beam positioning.

The work process is based on the evaporation of material particles without physical impact. The material is cut continuously thanks to the increased throughput of DSP processing and the precision of the mechanical system .

The device is equipped with rail guides , which gives high speed of laser movement. All models are equipped with a CNC (computer numerical control) or CNC (computer numerical control) device.

The protection system complies with international safety standards. The equipment has protective covers, an emergency stop function, and a leakage protection system.