Laser Cutting Laminate boards

[matt.j.sb]

I was wondering if its safe to laser cut  laminate floor boards like http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Renaissance-Oak-Laminate-Flooring/p/138681.

They are mostly MDF with a thin layer of laminate on the top and a layer of resin on the base. I have a few left over and if they can be cut i'll bring them down to the space. If not i'll finad another project fro them.

Cheers

Matt

[Aaron Ibbotson]

I don't see any reason why you couldn't laser cut them. But the only problem is that 10mm is to thick for our laser cutter. With our 40W machine you could do up to 5mm with multiple passes. 10mm is a push for any laser

- AJ

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[Andy Kirby]

How thick are they mat ??

We should be able to cut 3mm reasonably easily but more than that will take a couple of passes.

The usual limitation on particle and ply boards is what was used as the glue/binder.

Laser grade stuff emits less smoke and tar, to mucky up the lenses etc and the smoke is less toxic.

If we want to do some unusual stuff like these i think we will need to make sure we have air assist sorted out first and the extract goes straight outside.

Other than the above only way to know really is to try it.


Kirbs

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[Matt Simmonds-Buckley]

Unfortunately I just measured them and they are too thick. They are 7mm thick so won't work. Its a shame as they do have a nice finish. I will bring an off cut down to the space so if anyone wants to try testing the limits of the cutter they can use it as a test piece.

[Martin Raynsford]

 10mm is a push for any laser

You just need more power, I've done 12mm ply on my 80W machine :)

http://msraynsford.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/12mm-ply-wood.html 

Not very helpful for you Matt but I have been considering trying that stuff for a while and just never got round to it.

Martin

[Matt Simmonds-Buckley]

Hi Martin, 

Thanks for the info, If you want I can leave a few offcuts in the space for you to test out on your machine. I'd love to hear how it well it cuts if you ever do try cutting it.

Cheers

Matt 

[Andy Kirby]

Mat, although martin is always welcome in our space he is usually at nottyhack I think.

So not terribly local. If you were going to send a sample or two it would have to be post/carrier methinks.

Kirbs

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