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Digital Manufacturing
  • Digital Manufacturing Homepage - Royal Danish Academy
  • Laser cutting
    • Laser Cutting Introduction
    • Software and parameters
    • BODOR Laser Guide
    • NOVA Laser Guide
  • 3D Printing
    • 3D Printing Introduction
    • FDM Printing (Most common)
    • SLA Resin Printing
    • SLS Powder Printing
  • CNC Routing
    • Introduction - CNC Fabrication
    • Preparing Your Material
    • CNC Technical Specifications
    • About Tools & Prices
    • 📖CNC Workflow Guide
      • 🚀Start here
      • ✍️Designing in Fusion
      • ✍️2D Drawing Import
      • ✍️3D Drawing Import
      • 1️⃣Single Object Setup
      • 2️⃣Multiple Objects Setup
      • 🛠️Tool Paths
      • 📂Post Processor
      • 🤖Machine Preperation
      • 👩‍💻Kinetic NC
  • Inspiration
  • 3D Modelling in Fusion (Beginner)
  • Adding Weight to 3D Prints
  • Snap-Together 3D Prints
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On this page
  • Introduction
  • Materials At KADK
  • Working Area Size
  • File format
  • Wood: HDF, MDF and Plywood
  • Paper and Cardboard
  • Plastic Materials - ALL PLASTICS ARE PROHIBITED!
  • Best Use Cases
  1. Laser cutting

Laser Cutting Introduction

This page is an overview of how the lasers work at KADK

PreviousDigital Manufacturing Homepage - Royal Danish AcademyNextSoftware and parameters

Last updated 6 months ago

Introduction

CO2 laser cutting uses a high-powered laser beam focused onto the material, melting or vaporizing it to cut through. This method allows precise cutting of various materials. Laser cutting is a highly precise and versatile tool, allowing for the rapid and automated cutting, engraving. This technology is ideal for creating detailed models, prototypes, and custom components.

Materials At KADK

We offer HDF, MDF and plywood in thicknesses from 2 to 6 mm thicknesses at the Wood Workshop G, in sizes compatible with the laser cutter. Check the woodworkshop if they have your size in stock before designing for a certain thickness.

Working Area Size

The laser's maximum working area is 900 x 1000 mm.

File format

At KADK, the software we use supports .dxf or .ai files. If possible, export your file from Illustrator or other software versions prior to 2010—the Legacy setting in Illustrator should work well.

Wood: HDF, MDF and Plywood

Perfect for detailed model making, intricate engravings, and custom furniture components.

We recommend up to 4 mm HDF and Plywood, and up to 6 mm MDF.

Paper and Cardboard

Suitable for rapid prototyping and making lightweight, low-cost models.

Plastic Materials - ALL PLASTICS ARE PROHIBITED!

Burning plastics can release toxic gases, so their use is strictly prohibited at KADK. If you're unsure whether a material contains plastic, please consult an employee in the metal workshop (Building G on campus). You’re welcome to cut plastics in the wood workshops or laser cut a template in HDF or MDF to use for cutting the plastic.

Best Use Cases

  • Model Making: CO2 laser cutting allows for precise cutting of intricate shapes and details in various materials, ideal for creating accurate architectural models and scale replicas.

  • Prototyping: It is perfect for quickly producing detailed prototypes, allowing for efficient testing and iteration of design concepts. You can easlily make a template on the laser, that you can cut by hand.

  • Custom Components: Laser cutting is used to create custom-designed elements such as intricate facades, detailed ornamentation, and unique joinery parts.

  • Signage and Graphics: The technology excels in cutting and engraving materials for creating custom signs, graphic elements, and intricate patterns.

  • Furniture Design: Laser cutting enables the fabrication of detailed furniture components, allowing students to explore complex design ideas and innovative patterns.

  • Engraving: Ideal for adding detailed textures, patterns, and text to various materials, enhancing the aesthetic and functional aspects of design projects.

HDF and MDF refer to high/medium density fiberboard, composed of fine wood fibers and glue, pressed together into sheets.
Plywood