Laser cutting wood: Maximum precision and creativity with BRM Lasers

Wood laser cutting or one of the traditional woodworking techniques – which will you choose? The way you work with wood makes a world of difference. Wood is one of the most versatile and widely used materials in the world of design, manufacturing and art. Whether you’re working on furniture, architectural models, decorations or advertising signs. Wood laser cutting is the modern, efficient and precise solution that allows you to effortlessly create the most beautiful designs. No sawdust, no splinters, no endless sanding – simply upload your design and the machine does the rest.

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With a BRM wood laser cutting machine, you work faster and more accurately, without the limitations of traditional woodworking techniques. Curious about how wood laser cutting works, what benefits it offers and which types of wood you can have laser cut? Read on and discover everything you need to know about wood laser cutting with BRM Lasers!

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What is wood laser cutting and how does it work?

Wood laser cutting is a contactless cutting and engraving process in which a powerful laser beam cuts through or burns into the wood. Unlike sawing or milling, laser cutting wood is fully computer-controlled and involves no physical contact with the material. This is because the laser beam is so hot that when it comes into contact with the material, it vaporises it. This results in razor-sharp cut lines, no splinters and minimal post-processing.

5 steps to your desired end result

1. Create your design
   Start by designing your project in graphics software such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW or AutoCAD. Create a vector file (.DXF, .AI or .SVG) with the exact lines and shapes you wish to cut or engrave. The wood laser cutting machine converts these vector lines into code, the computer language that controls the CNC wood laser cutter.

2. Importing the design
   Upload your vector file (e.g. .DXF, .AI or .SVG) into the wood laser cutter’s software.

3. Position the wood
   Place the wood on the worktable and set the correct cutting and/or engraving settings based on the material.

4. Start the wood laser cutter
   At the touch of a button, the wood laser cutter begins cutting or engraving. The laser beam moves along the X and Y axes. The extraction system ensures that smoke and dust are removed immediately. This ensures a safe and clean workplace.

5. Admire the end result
   Remove your perfectly cut or engraved wooden workpiece from the wood laser machine! Because the laser vaporises the material rather than shattering it, post-processing is usually not required.

The benefits of laser cutting wood with BRM Lasers

Why choose a wood laser cutting machine over sawing or milling? The benefits of laser cutting wood make the choice easy:

1. Maximum precision
   A computer-controlled wood laser cutter cuts with millimetre precision. This is ideal for complex designs and detailed engravings.

2. Clean and smooth cut lines
   Because the laser vaporises the wood rather than physically cutting it, there are no rough or frayed edges. In most cases, no additional finishing is required, saving you time and money.

3. Fast and efficient
   As a BRM wood laser cutter operates contact-free, you do not need to use clamps or templates. This saves time and prevents damage to the material. This means that laser cutting wood is faster than most traditional woodworking techniques. This increases your productivity, for both bespoke work and mass production.

4. Processing various types of wood
   With a BRM wood laser cutting machine, you can process virtually all types of wood, such as plywood, MDF, solid wood and even cork and bamboo.

5. Sustainable and material-efficient
   Because you cut with computer-controlled precision, you get the most out of your material and produce less waste. A clean workplace and no mess. Furthermore, a BRM wood laser cutter operates without tools prone to wear. This ensures a long service life and low maintenance costs, allowing you to benefit from the wood laser cutter for years to come.

6. Safe and user-friendly
   BRM wood laser cutters feature an enclosed housing and an integrated extraction system, allowing you to work safely and dust-free.

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Wood laser cutting or engraving?

A BRM wood laser cutter can both cut and engrave wood. With our wood laser cutters, you therefore have the ability to realise any design, from subtle engravings to large-scale cutting projects.

• Laser cutting: for cutting out complex shapes and patterns with maximum precision. ‍
• Laser engraving: for personalising wood with text, logos, patterns or photos.

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What types of wood can you laser cut?

The major advantage of a wood laser machine is that these devices are capable of processing all kinds of wood. The powerful laser has no trouble whatsoever cutting hard or soft woods. In addition, it is possible to laser-cut engineered wood with a wood laser machine, but natural wood types are also no problem at all. So, if you own one of these wood cutting machines, you will be able to cut all these types of wood:

• Plywood: perfect for model making, furniture and decorations.
• MDF & HDF:ideal for clean and detailed laser cutting.
• Solid wood: birch, oak, maple for a robust look.
• Veneer: beautiful for inlay work and subtle details.
• Bamboo: durable and strong, perfect for laser processing.
• Cork: light, flexible and excellent for engraving.

Please note that different types of wood react differently to the laser.

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How much does laser cutting wood cost?

The cost of laser cutting wood depends on various factors, such as:

• The type of wood.
• The cutting depth and complexity.
• The number of operations per hour.
• Maintenance costs (on average €2 per hour).

The purchase price of a BRM wood laser cutting machine varies depending on the model and dimensions. Larger machines cost more, but also offer a larger working area. We’d be happy to help you make your choice.

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The benefits of laser cutting wood

It is possible to cut wood with a saw or router, so why would you choose a laser machine? The answer is simple. A laser machine allows you to work more precisely, more cleanly and faster. This is all down to the computer-controlled laser. It follows your pattern down to the millimetre, enabling it to create the most intricate shapes. This also means that every piece of wood is cut in exactly the same way, making mass production a breeze. You simply need to replace the piece of wood in the machine, after which the laser follows exactly the same pattern again.

What’s more, the wood does not physically touch the laser. It uses a powerful beam of light that cuts wood using intense heat. This means there is no friction, making flying splinters and dust a thing of the past. This makes laser cutting wood safer and therefore a better choice. The wood also does not need to be clamped in the laser cutting machine, preventing damage. This saves you a lot of time and effort when laser cutting wood, whilst the end result is exactly what you had in mind.

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The safety of laser cutting wood

Laser cutting wood is a technique that comes in handy for all sorts of businesses, but how safe is it to use these machines? BRM’s laser machines are designed so that you can use them in a hands-off manner for laser cutting wood. This means you run no risk of your hand coming into contact with the powerful laser. The vast majority of models feature a hood that encloses the workspace. Furthermore, the machines produce relatively little smoke when laser cutting wood. This is entirely due to the high temperature at which the laser operates. Any smoke that does arise is contained by the hood and extracted via the extraction system. This makes laser cutting wood a safe process.

When laser cutting wood, you also do not run the risk of injuring yourself on rough pieces of wood or splinters. This is because the laser creates a clean cut line that feels relatively smooth. There are also no flying splinters, as there is no friction between the wood and the laser. In short: laser cutting wood is a safe and clean process.

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Which industries benefit from laser cutting wood?

Countless businesses benefit from having their own wood laser cutting machine. In large factories, the technology is particularly useful for creating individual components that are subsequently assembled. In addition, sign makers regularly use wood laser cutting to produce unique and bespoke advertising signs. Other businesses that regularly laser-cut wood include architectural firms, furniture makers, toy manufacturers and artists.

Furthermore, there are also many schools that wish to introduce their pupils to the various methods of cutting wood. A wood laser machine is therefore indispensable in the classroom. In this way, students learn how to create their own designs, develop them digitally and then turn their designs into tangible objects. Using a wood laser machine is relatively simple and, moreover, safe. This is thanks to the cover that encloses the laser. As a result, even novice students are able to learn how to use a wood cutting machine.

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Applications of wood laser cutting

Laser cutting of wood is a technique that can be used in a variety of ways. For countless projects, it is important to create bespoke pieces of wood that are cut with millimetre precision. Laser cutting of wood enables you to create detailed designs that are also easy to personalise. This technique is therefore particularly useful for:

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• Industry and manufacturing – for the efficient cutting of wooden components.
• Furniture makers – for intricately cut components and veneer inlay work.
• Architects and designers – for scale models and interior design.
• Artists and craftspeople – for decorative panels and personalised artworks.
• Education – teaching students how to design and work with wood.
• Advertising & branding – from engraved chopping boards to bespoke promotional gifts.

Whether you work in education, as a manufacturer or a creative professional, a BRM wood laser cutter makes your work faster, more accurate and more versatile.

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How much does laser cutting wood cost?

Of course, the price tag plays a major role in any process. That’s why it’s good to know whether laser cutting wood comes at an affordable price. However, it’s not easy to determine exactly how much laser cutting wood costs, as this depends on all sorts of factors: how often do you use the machine, what types of wood do you want to laser cut with the device, and do you also use the machine for cutting other materials? The more hours a laser machine operates, the faster the individual components will wear out. These then need to be replaced, which is the biggest cost after the initial purchase of the machine. On average, you can expect maintenance costs of €2 per hour the machine is in use.

The price of the wood laser machine is fixed in advance, but also depends on the model you choose. BRM has various models, all of which have different dimensions. Generally speaking, the larger the laser machine, the higher the price. It is therefore possible to save on costs by opting for a slightly smaller model. Do bear in mind, however, that the work surface must be large enough for the type of wood you wish to laser-cut. Installation and delivery costs are not included in the price.

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Which laser cutting machine is best for you?

Before you buy a laser cutting machine, you first need to know what specifications you require. Depending on the materials you wish to cut and the required working area, you can choose from a number of different models.
If you’re not quite sure, pop in for a no-obligation demonstration. During this demonstration, we’ll help you choose the right laser cutting machine. This way, you’ll avoid paying too much and ensure you have the best machine for your projects.

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Laser cutting and engraving wood with laser machines

A laser machine helps you cut or engrave many materials quickly and effortlessly. Our wood laser machines are hybrid, so you get a laser cutting machine and a laser engraving machine in one. Whether you’re engraving metal or cutting leather, with a BRM laser machine your job will be a piece of cake. Our range includes laser machines in various models. They differ in terms of power, dimensions and price, amongst other things. The most popular machine is the Pro 1300; this is used by customers in various sectors and can be found in schools and architects’ offices, amongst other places. If you are looking for a machine with a larger working area, the Pro 1600 is the perfect model. We supply all machines including installation and training. This means you can get started with wood laser cutting straight away.

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A wood cutting machine from BRM

Are you looking for a high-quality laser machine capable of cutting all kinds of wood? Then BRM machines are the right choice for you. BRM has a wide range of wood laser machines, each with its own unique features. You can opt for a model with a closed hood, but open-bed models are also available. Furthermore, every BRM wood cutting machine has different dimensions. This means you will always be able to find a suitable model for your factory floor, workshop or classroom.

Do you have any questions about the possibilities of wood laser cutting? Or are you looking for advice on using a wood laser machine? Please feel free to get in touch with BRM. We are here to provide you with tailored advice on wood laser cutting!

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Which BRM wood laser cutting machine is right for you?

At BRM Lasers, we offer a range of models. Whether you have a small workshop or run a manufacturing business, we have the right laser cutting machine for you.

Our wood laser cutters

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BRM Pro  

The BRM Pro is our best-selling wood laser cutting machine. These models are available in various sizes, with working areas of up to 1000 x 1600 mm.

• Suitable for medium to large workshops.
• Dust-free guides and European safety components (Class 1).
• 2-year full warranty and excellent service.
• Versatile for wood laser cutting and engraving.

View the BRM Pro Series 

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BRM Ultra

Do you need a large working area? The BRM Ultra wood laser cutting machines are designed for large dimensions and industrial production.

• Working area up to 1500 x 3000 mm.
• Perfect for large-format applications.
• Suitable for batch cutting.

View the BRM Ultra models 

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BRM Slim Series

Are you looking for an entry-level laser cutter? Then the BRM Slim Series is a good choice.

• Can be expanded with options to suit your specific requirements and needs.
• Budget-friendly.
• User-friendly software, perfect for beginners.

More information about the BRM Slim Series

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Not sure which laser machine you need? Book a free demo and discover which wood laser cutter best suits your projects!