CNC laser cutting machine for plywood + VIDEO review

The power of the laser module is a key parameter when choosing a machine for cutting plywood. But this is not the only factor that must be taken into account before purchasing a machine to solve specific problems.

Read our instructions for selecting CNC laser machines for cutting plywood.

What kind of laser is needed for cutting plywood?

The choice of a laser for cutting plywood directly depends on the tasks to be solved using the device.

To a first approximation, we can assume that the required power of the optical installation is directly dependent on the thickness of the plywood sheets being processed. In practice, there are other conditions that influence the selection of certain cutting machine parameters. For example, in a company that uses large circular saws to cut large sheets of plywood, a low-power laser machine may be the best option for cutting small sheets.

Laser machines for cutting plywood have a number of advantages that distinguish them from machines for mechanical processing:

• High cutting precision;
• Ability to create objects of complex shapes;
• Ease of use;
• No noise or sawdust in the process.

All of the above advantages are possible due to the fact that in laser machines the working “tool” is a thin beam of light with high power. The beam burns through the plywood board, leaving a thin and narrow cut, like a surgical scalpel. Thanks to numerical program control, the machine is able to draw an ornament of any complexity. Therefore, the most suitable tool for creating decorative plywood elements is a CNC laser machine.

The disadvantages include the cost of the laser machine. This drawback only applies to powerful devices with a large working surface. The price of basic models is comparable to milling machines of a similar area. If you have sufficient competence, you can assemble a laser machine of any power with your own hands. The work will take a lot of time, but the financial savings will be significant.

Depending on the power and functionality, machines are divided into types. Since nowadays even budget models are equipped with CNC, we will not consider manually controlled machines as an option.

Source: top3dshop.ru

By purpose:

• A cutting and engraving machine is a low-power device designed for engraving on plywood and cutting thin sheets;
• The industrial machine is a universal machine that is suitable for cutting plywood sheets of any thickness.

By laser head power:

• Up to 50 W - low-power devices;
• From 50 to 90 W - universal devices;
• From 100 W - industrial-grade devices.

There is a common relationship between the power of the laser machine and the size of the work area. Higher power means larger surface area to be processed. Exceptions happen very rarely.

Rating of laser engravers

When compiling the review, equipment of varying power and performance was studied. The features of the work, the availability of services and applications, and the quality of engraving on various materials were analyzed. User reviews and opinions of printing professionals were taken into account. The main attention was paid to the following characteristics:

• Power – the performance of the equipment depends on this parameter;
• Processing material – affects the piercing depth;
• Accuracy – the higher, the more complex the displayed pattern;
• Cooling system – increases the time of non-stop operation;
• Control - from the keyboard or using the application;
• The size of the working field affects the productivity and dimensions of the workpiece.

Inconsistency with the declared power indicators, rapid failure, constant overheating, lack of accuracy - machines with such defects were excluded from our rating.

What is a laser head for cutting plywood

Source: all3dp.com

A laser head for cutting plywood is an optical element of the machine, consisting of a radiation source (laser) and a focusing lens that directs the beam onto the surface being processed.

There are mainly two types of lasers used in plywood cutting machines:

• CO2 (carbon dioxide) - the source of radiation is a tube filled with gas. Such installations can have great power, but they have relatively large dimensions.
• Diodes - with a semiconductor laser - usually (but not always) have lower power, but very compact dimensions. Due to their compactness and ease of use, they are often used on small machines.

The best laser engravers for metal

The high heat capacity of the material being processed and the reflective ability of its surface impose their own requirements on a CNC laser engraver for metal. The equipment is equipped with fiber energy generators, which have increased power ratings. An alternative solution is to use carbon dioxide, in which the metal is burned.

Artis 1325

The industrial fiber laser engraver is designed for high-precision metal cutting. Equipped with an American-made ytterbium emitter, which provides increased efficiency. It works effectively in an oxygen environment, when high cutting speed is required, and produces good results when cutting without scale in inert gases. The edges are perfect with minimal taper. Allows you to create metal elements with strict corner geometry.

The precision cut has a width of 0.1 mm, heating is narrow-sectional - allows you to create parts of very complex shapes. Equipped with Swiss optical heads specially designed for powerful machines. The height of this unit and focusing are controlled automatically. The water cooling system ensures high work intensity.

Advantages:

• The emitter does not require maintenance and maintains its characteristics for 10 years;
• Quick replacement of head consumables;
• Backlash-free servomotors made in Japan;
• Easy integration into the production line;
• Automatic control of temperature in the working area.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Alfa 1390

For cutting and perforating steel workpieces in a small enterprise, you can buy an Alfa series metal laser engraver. This is professional equipment that operates on the principles of supplying active gas to the processing zone. The model is equipped with Reci emitters with a power of 150 W. The characteristics of the generator allow you to cut steel 4 mm thick. The equipment provides a smooth and even cut, absence of scale and thermal deformation.

The accuracy of the equipment reaches 2500 dpi, and the speed of movement of the emitter is 50 cm/s. This is ensured by installing YAKO three-phase stepper motors. The presence of a controller with non-volatile memory allows you to use CorelDraw without a control program. The belt drive bearings are made of tool steel, can withstand high loads, and are easily replaced during maintenance.

Advantages:

• Wide linear guides;
• Automatic lifting table;
• The mirror settings are not lost during operation;
• Efficient air pump;
• Precise positioning sensors.

Flaws:

• A rotating device for the cylinder is not included in the basic configuration.

The best laser printers

What is a laser module for cutting plywood

A laser module is a unit that consists of a laser head and other elements necessary for operation: an optical system, a power supply, a cooling system and control electronics. The implementation of a specific module circuit depends on the power and type of emitter, as well as on the purpose of the machine.

According to the purpose of the machine, laser modules are divided into:

• Collimated - to create a grating or circle with a laser beam;
• Focused - for consistent line formation.

Source: all3dp.com

In practice, as a rule, all laser modules for cutting plywood focus radiation at one point. Firstly, such a system is much cheaper and easier to maintain. Secondly, this way a CNC machine can form any lines. Therefore, focused modules allow you to cut out not only rectangles and circles, but also objects of arbitrary shape.

Laser modules are also divided into types, depending on the length of the light wave emitted by the emitter. In the case of plywood cutting machines, both diode and CO2 lasers belong to devices operating in the infrared range.

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.

Description of laser for cutting plywood

Source: all3dp.com

The operating principle of a laser plywood cutting machine is easy to understand: a laser emitter creates a beam of light of a given wavelength, and the beam power is sufficient to burn through the fibers of a wood board. The higher the power, the deeper the beam penetrates into the plywood, and the thicker the sheet that can be cut in one pass. The power range varies, starting from several watts.

The best laser engravers from Aliexpress

For your home, you can buy an inexpensive laser engraver from Aliexpress, which will allow you to master the technique of working with different materials. The equipment is equipped with low-power emitters and has a compact work table. With its help you can create souvenirs, cut plastic, plywood, make drawings on glass, leather, aluminum and steel. The Chinese marketplace website has a wide selection of gadgets; our experts settled on two basic desktop models.

TwoWin 3000mw laser engraver

The desktop laser engraver from China has a working field of 80x80 mm. The model is equipped with a 3000 MW laser, which is powerful enough to work with wood, leather, plastic and cardboard. It connects to a computer via a USB port, the software is free and easy to set up. The burning speed can be varied in the range from 0 to 100 cm per minute. Positioning accuracy reaches 10 microns.

It has a portal layout, which allows you to use the device when working with large flat surfaces. The software supports the most famous graphic formats. The main device control functions are located on the top panel. A screen is used to protect the eyes from radiation.

Advantages:

• Housing made of impact-resistant plastic;
• Laser service life – 10,000 hours;
• Easy replacement of the emitter;
• Great power.

Flaws:

• No safety glasses included.

Yofuly Cnc 3018 Pro Max

The CNC machine runs on professional GRBL software, this allows you to master the technology that is used in industrial enterprises. The equipment is designed to work with wood, soft metal, plastic, acrylic. The 300x180 mm table allows you to process large workpieces. It is equipped with a fiber laser, which provides high burning speed.

The standalone controller supports the processing process without a personal computer. The body is made of aluminum and impact-resistant plastic. Reliable stepper motors have variable speed control. The built-in ventilation system allows non-stop use for 45 minutes.

Advantages:

• It is possible to choose a more powerful laser;
• Good equipment;
• Clamps for fixing the workpiece on the work table;
• Supports the best graphic formats;
• Low price.

Flaws:

• There is no adjustment of laser characteristics.

What laser power is needed to cut plywood?

Source: all3dp.com

Typically, laser machines with the following emitter power are used for cutting plywood:

• Up to 50 W - for cutting sheets up to 6 mm thick;
• 60 - 80 W - for cutting sheets up to 8 mm thick;
• More than 80 W - for cutting sheets up to 10 mm thick.

The power of the emitter is always indicated in the device specifications, along with the power consumption of the device as a whole. For example, the LaserSolid 640 Lite laser power is 50 W, the device power is 450 W.

However, there are laser modules with much lower power. Let's consider the capabilities of such elements.

Laser 2.1 W

Source: beamqus.com

The purpose of the 2.1 W diode laser is to cut cardboard and plywood up to 1 mm thick. More often, modules of this power are installed in engravers.

3.5W cutting laser

The 3.5 W laser module for cutting plywood is also used primarily for engraving. As an exception, it can be used for cutting plywood. But to process a sheet even 3 mm thick it will take about 20 passes.

5.6 W short throw laser

Source: samoa.desertcart.com

There are few differences between this device and the one discussed above. For example, cutting 3 mm thick plywood will require 4 passes. It's faster, but still very slow.

Laser 8 W

The 8-watt laser module is more efficient at cutting plywood sheets. A device equipped with such an emitter can cut a sheet 2 mm thick in one pass.

10W cutting laser

Source: alexnld.com

Increased power to 10W provides the potential to cut 3mm thick plywood in one pass. However, such equipment is still found mainly in homemade cutting machines and laser engravers.

Laser 15 W

Fifteen-watt diode lasers can be used to cut plywood up to 10 mm thick, but this will require going over the same line several times. Such devices are suitable for amateur-level machines. Due to their low power, they have low heat generation and energy consumption. Accordingly, compact cooling systems will be required for trouble-free operation.

For professional cutting of plywood sheets, we recommend using machines equipped with laser modules with a power of 40 W or more.

The best laser wood engravers

When choosing a laser wood engraver for your home, the main attention is paid to the size of the working field. Wood blanks traditionally have large dimensions. There are no special requirements for equipment. It is better to buy a machine with several operating modes, this will allow you to create inscriptions and drawings of different colors - from light yellow to black. The machines can be used to make souvenirs, signs, portraits, and kitchen utensils.

Ortur Laser Master 2

The portal laser engraving machine works in tandem with a computer, to which it is connected via a USB port. The manufacturer offers free and paid software. The user can adjust brightness, white balance, contrast, speed, and select a raster or vector image. Two power modes - constant and variable. In the second case, you can select any parameter from 0 to 100% of the standard characteristics.

The work area of ​​40x40 cm allows you to work with large pieces of wood. The model has high positioning accuracy - up to 12.5 microns, which makes it possible to create complex patterns. The motherboard maintains optimal data transfer speed. The power is enough to work with wood, plywood, plastic and leather. There is a protective screen and individual glasses that will help maintain perfect vision. The profile frame made of aluminum ensures structural rigidity and increases service life.

Advantages:

• Protection of the active beam position;
• Fixed focus;
• Wide range of adjustment;
• Speed ​​up to 30 cm per minute;
• PWM mode support.

Flaws:

• Supplied semi-assembled - assembly takes 15-20 minutes.

The manufacturer offers a rotation module for the mini engraver for working with cone-shaped and cylindrical workpieces. Burning designs can be edited in all popular graphic editors.

Ruka 4040 Start

The model is designed for working on wood, plywood, plastic, acrylic, glass. Copes well with cutting materials. It is equipped with a laser tube with a power of 50 W; this parameter can be increased if desired. The machine is controlled using the Ruida board. For movement, a Nema 17 engine is installed, which is reliable and low noise. The motor provides an engraving speed of 40 cm per second, which is one of the best in its class.

Increased performance is ensured by a water cooling system equipped with a water flow sensor. The honeycomb working surface guarantees precise positioning of the workpiece. The accuracy reaches 15 microns, which allows you to print readable letters measuring 1x1 mm. The desktop is motorized and height adjustable.

Advantages:

• Lightweight, durable body;
• Wide selection of graphic formats;
• Free software;
• Increased service life of the generating tube to 3000 hours;
• Remote configuration by manufacturer representatives.

Flaws:

• Overcharge.

Zareff M2

Professional machine for solving commercial problems. This equipment is installed on a stable frame equipped with wheels for movement. The working field has dimensions of 600x400 mm, which allows it to be used for processing large workpieces. It is equipped with an 80 W generator, which easily cuts plywood and plastic. A water cooling system with a reliable pump, an exhaust hood with an installation system ensure the possibility of intensive work throughout the day. A piston compressor is used to blow the cut.

The machine has a convenient control panel and is connected to a computer via a USB cable. The work table has an electric drive; the user can choose a platform made of lamellas or with a honeycomb coating. Free software allows you to work with graphic files of various formats.

Advantages:

• The table rises by 250 mm;
• High performance;
• Consistent quality when working with any wood;
• Low price;
• Possibility of choosing a complete set.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

The best MFPs for home

Areas of application of plywood milling machines

Plywood milling machines equipped with CNC can cut blanks of any shape or size from a sheet of plywood. They can also cut holes on the blank or select material and apply engraving, according to a given control program.

In what area could this be useful? In all. Plywood is a popular material from which parts, spare parts, and structural elements can be made in various fields.

What can be done on a CNC machine:

• Furniture;
• Advertising structures;
• Interior items;
• Elements of external and internal design;
• Souvenirs;
• Decorations;
• Packaging products;
• Household items: signs, frames, tablets, stands, etc.

This is not a complete list of areas in which milling equipment can be used. It can be installed both in a large production facility and in a small workshop.

Which laser engraver is better?

The review presents different types of models, which laser engraver should you choose for your activity? You need to choose equipment taking into account the field of activity, the material being processed, and productivity. The VyborExperta.ru team recommends the following models:

• Ortur Laser Master 2 – for home workshops and small businesses;
• Zareff M2 – commercial wood processing;
• Artis 1325 – for cutting sheet metal;
• Yofuly Cnc 3018 Pro Max – for learning technology.

All the models presented in the review are worthy of the attention of amateurs and professionals, but only the most efficient and functional devices were awarded the title of the best machines in their classes.

Device selection

When choosing a laser CNC, the following indicators must be taken into account:

1. Precision parameter. It determines the quality of production of texture elements.
2. Power. This indicator determines the performance of the device. Machines with high power are capable of processing a large number of parts in a short period of time.
3. Functionality. When purchasing a machine, it is important to find out whether the machine is suitable for engraving or milling plywood.
4. Material. The working mechanisms and corner parts of the machine must be made of stainless steel.

When purchasing a laser device, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer's brand. As of 2022, the most popular devices among buyers are the following brands: Kokie, Mazak, Trumpf, ESAB and Bystronic. They are distinguished by their high service life and versatility. Laser installations are also assembled in Russia. The leading Russian manufacturer is the research and production center “Lasers and Equipment”, located in the Moscow region.

Capabilities of laser cutting machines

Using a laser machine you can perform the following operations:

1. Cutting out various blanks, models and stencils of arbitrary shape from plywood.
2. Burning simple designs onto the surface of wood.
3. Creating chamfers, slots, recesses, slits, grooves and other openings.
4. Cutting three-dimensional plywood products.

Thanks to the powerful emitter, this device can be used for processing wood of high hardness. The device has a closed body with a transparent lid and ventilation, which allows it to burn parts without charring the edge of the cut. The number of machine functions is determined by its cost, size and quality of components.