Research of computerized numerical control laser processing qualities of some wood species used ın the furniture industry

Abstract

In recent years, laser material processing technology has become quite widespread. The quality of laser processing of wood materials is very important in terms of not causing secondary processes in the production process. In this study, computerized numerical control laser cutting qualities of some wood species that are frequently used in industrial product manufacturing were investigated. In the study, 80 % irradiation and 10 mm/ sec laser cutting speed were applied to the test samples in a computerized numerical control laser machine with a 130 W carbon dioxide gas cylinder. In the case of laser cutting of 5 different wood species in the direction vertical to and parallel to the fibers, the average of the upper and lower kerf width, the difference in the width of the upper and lower kerf, the average of the width of the heat-affected zone, the width of the heat-affected zone were evaluated. In line with the findings, the effects of wood species differences on laser cutting quality in terms of material consumption, precision machining, and smoothness of cutting geometry were investigated. As a result, the highest quality cutting values were obtained from the laser cutting of the bamboo massif in terms of wood species, in the direction vertical to the fibers of the wood materials.