What Are 40 Watt Laser Cut Settings for Wood?

Is a 40 watt laser cutting setting enough for wood, or is it too much? This blog takes an in-depth look at the settings for a 40w laser cutting wood.

40 Watt Laser Cutter for Wood

Laser cutting machines have revolutionized woodworking, offering clean, precise crafting and expanding creative possibilities. One of the most commonly used machines for DIY projects is the 40-watt laser cutter, which has become a standard in the industry. This power setting is perfect for various wood types, but achieving the best results requires adjusting the right balance of power, speed, and focus.

• Power controls how intense the laser is.
• Speed determines how quickly the laser moves.
• Focus dictates how close the laser is to the wood surface.
• The type and thickness of the wood will affect these settings.

When working with a 40-watt laser cutter, knowing the correct settings for different wood types is essential for achieving the best results. Below are the recommended settings for common wood types.

Wood Types & Recommended Settings

1. MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)
   • Power: 90-100%
   • Cutting Speed: 8-15 mm/s
   • Engraving Speed: 150-250 mm/s
   • Passes: 1-2 (for 3mm thickness)
   • Focus: Ensure accurate focus for smooth cuts and engravings.
2. Hardwood
   • Power: 100%
   • Cutting Speed: 5-10 mm/s
   • Engraving Speed: 100-150 mm/s
   • Passes: 2 (for thicker pieces, 4-6mm thickness)
   • Tip: Avoid deep cuts in a single pass to prevent burning. Ensure proper focus.
3. Softwood
   • Power: 10-90%
   • Cutting Speed: 10-20 mm/s
   • Engraving Speed: 150-200 mm/s
   • Passes: 1 (for 3mm thickness)
   • Tip: Focus carefully to prevent over-burning, as softwood is more prone to burning.
4. Wood Veneer
   • Power: 50-70%
   • Cutting Speed: 15-25 mm/s
   • Engraving Speed: 200-300 mm/s
   • Passes: 1
   • Tip: Ensure good focus for precise cuts and engravings, as wood veneer is thin and delicate.
5. Plywood
   • Power: 80-100%
   • Cutting Speed: 10-20 mm/s
   • Engraving Speed: 150-200 mm/s
   • Passes: 1-2 (for 3mm thickness)
   • Tip: Focus directly on the surface for cleaner cuts. More passes may be needed for thicker plywood.

For the best results, we recommend using the Ortur LM3 laser cutter, which offers accuracy and safety. It has a next-generation laser module and an air assist system, which helps remove debris and prevent burning, especially on softwood and other delicate materials.

Conclusion

In summary, we’ve covered the optimal 40-watt laser cut settings for five common wood types, ensuring you get the best results for MDF, hardwood, softwood, wood veneer, and plywood. However, the laser cutter itself plays a significant role in achieving flawless outcomes. Even with the correct settings, a reliable laser cutter is essential.

The Ortur LM3 stands out due to its ultra-accurate laser module, which maintains the correct focus lengths to prevent burning and incorrect cuts. Additionally, the OEM software optimized for Ortur’s hardware ensures you get the best performance, resulting in consistent and high-quality cuts across various wood types.