Wood engraving by Q-switched diode-pumped frequency-doubled Nd:YAG green laser

Laser deep engraving is one of the most promising technologies to be used in wood carver operations. In this method, a laser beam is used to ablate a solid wood bulk, following predetermined patterns. The sculpture is obtained by repeating this process on each Successive thin layer. Obviously, in order to achieve larger material removal rates, the process needs a controllable variation of the depth to carve a 3D (three dimensional) profiles. The degree of precision of the shape, the removal rate and the Surface quality during the engraving process strictly depend on the materials properties, the laser source characteristics and the process parameters. The aim of this work is to investigate the influence of the process parameters oil the material removal rates by engraving panels made of different types of wood using a Q-switched diode-pumped Nd:YAG green laser working with a wavelength lambda = 532 nm. The examined parameters were: the mean power that depends on the pulse frequency, the beam speed and the number of laser scansions, also called repetitions. The working parameters and the engraved depth were related and an energy-based model was proposed in order to predict the latter. Experimental results showed that the Q-switched diode-pumped frequency-doubled Nd:YAG green laser can be Successfully used to machine different types of wood, obtaining decorative drawing and 3D engraved geometries Without burning. However, an accurate selection of the wood types and the process parameters is necessary in order to obtain deep engraving without carbonization and a homogeneous carving. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved,