Discover how to Master MDF Laser Cutting!
Welcome to another episode of “Material Minute”! In this post, we demonstrate how the Monport Onyx 50W CO2 laser engraver tackles 6.35 mm MDF cutting tests. By experimenting with various power and speed settings, we uncover the optimal combination for clean and efficient cuts. Whether you’re a laser enthusiast or a maker perfecting your craft, this guide will help you achieve professional results.
Scroll down to explore the settings, see the results, and gain insights to improve your own laser cutting projects!
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| Setting | Value |
| Material | 6.35 mm MDF |
| Power | 20% to 100% |
| Speed | 5 mm/s to 50 mm/s |
| DPI | 254 |
| Line Interval | 0.1 mm |
| Air Assist | 5 PSI |
| Frequency | 20 kHz |
| Passes | 1 |
Final results of cut test on 6.35 mm MDF.
Analysis & Observations on Cutting 6.35 mm MDF
Cleanest Cuts:
The optimal settings for achieving clean and precise cuts on 6.35 mm MDF were found at power levels between 80% and 100% and speeds ranging from 5–10 mm/s. These combinations successfully penetrated the material while maintaining relatively clean edges, making them ideal for projects requiring deeper cuts on thicker material.
Overburn & Excess Charring:
Higher power settings at slower speeds, particularly 100% power and 5 mm/s, resulted in significant overburn and heavily charred edges. These settings should be avoided for projects requiring fine detail or minimal cleanup.
Shallow Cuts:
At higher speeds, such as 15 mm/s or above, even with high power settings, the cuts failed to fully penetrate the 6.35 mm MDF. Lower power levels (20%-60%) across all speeds produced incomplete or shallow cuts, making them more suitable for light engraving rather than cutting.
Air Assist Impact:
Using air assist at 5 PSI significantly improved cut quality by reducing charring and clearing debris during the process, resulting in sharper edges and better consistency across the grid.
Line Interval and DPI:
The 0.1 mm line interval and 254 DPI settings provided excellent precision, ensuring uniform results while minimizing material wastage.
Based on our test, the most effective settings for clean cuts on 6.35 mm MDF are:
- Power: 80%–100%
- Speed: 5–10 mm/s
- DPI: 254
- Line Interval: 0.1 mm
- Air Assist: 5 PSI
- Frequency: 20 kHz
These settings deliver a balance between cutting depth and edge quality, ensuring the material is fully cut through while minimizing excess charring.
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