A CO_2 laser behaves much like a 2-1/2D milling machine intended for organic materials, with a very small, exceedingly sharp, and surprisingly versatile cutter. The marquetry test piece in Photo 1 shows the laser beam can recess a pocket for the veneer pieces, as well as cut through wood sheets with precision. In this column, I'll show how those operations work in different materials, then explain how to calibrate a limit on small feature sizes.
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