Best CO2 laser settings for cutting 3mm plywood
Plywood is the least repeatable common CO₂ material — glue lines and voids vary batch to batch, so these are deliberately conservative starting points. Expect to re-test when you change suppliers or even batches.
Recommended starting-point parameters
| Power | 70–90% |
|---|---|
| Speed | 6–12 mm/s (≈360–720 mm/min) |
| Passes | 1 (add a second only if it doesn't fully sever) |
| Air assist | High (reduces charring and flare-ups) |
| Focus | On surface |
Dialing it in
- ›Glue-line voids cause inconsistent cuts — strong air assist and a slightly slower speed help.
- ›Batch-to-batch plywood swings are large; never trust a number across a supplier change without a quick test.
The material-test workflow
The fastest way to a reliable cut is not a perfect chart — it's a tight test loop that you only run once per machine/material combination, then never repeat:
- 1Start from this baseline. Load the starting-point numbers above as the center of your test.
- 2Run a small array. Cut a grid that sweeps speed (and power, if cutting) ±20% around the baseline — typically 9–16 small squares.
- 3Judge the edge. Look for dross, burn-back, kerf width, and squareness. Pick the square that meets your part's requirement, not the prettiest one.
- 4Log it once. Save the winning parameters against this exact machine + material so the next job starts from your proven number — not a generic chart.
Stop re-running the same test square
CutLog gives you a starting point calibrated to your wattage and lens, then remembers every cut you log — so your machine builds its own proven library. Free to start.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my plywood cuts inconsistent on the laser?▾
Plywood glue lines, voids, and moisture vary significantly between sheets and suppliers. Use strong air assist, a conservative speed, and re-run a small test square whenever you change material batches.
Related settings
Last reviewed 2026-06-28. Values are conservative starting points generalized across brands and published cutting charts; always verify on your own machine.