RSM Modelling for Laser Cutting of Shore Wood to Replace Traditional Manufacturing Method

Abstract

A study on the dimensional tolerance for CO2 laser wood cutting is focused on the Meranti (Shorea) wood with the thickness of 19 mm. The results on kerf width for two surfaces which are top surface (Kt) and bottom surface (Kb) are investigated. It is interested to find out the optimum cutting parameters to achieve the smallest variance on top and bottom kerf to improve dimensional quality. Laser power, cutting speed, and gas pressure had been selected as investigate parameters and the cut kerf had been analysed. The investigations revealed that laser power and cutting speed are the significant parameters not only in producing a good surface finish, but also in yielding much narrower kerf with to ensure there will be no dimensional errors of the shore wood products. Besides quality, the laser processing approach has overcome most of the challenges faced by conventional production method.