MDF

[blackpug]

Hi. New to laser cutting. Can I use 6mm mdf from B&Q or do I have to use a certain type of mdf? Thanks in advance.

[Daven]

It depends on where B&Q got it and what type it is - laser quality MDF is best as it has no Formaldehyde present. MDF can be made from particles of softwood, hardwood or a mixture of the two.

Boards marked E1 contain Formaldehyde but at low quantities. Medite produce a Formaldehyde free, softwood fibre board which is what I suspect is sold as Laser quality MDF.

In short yes you can cut it but it may not be good for your health and is does not cut as cleanly as laser quality MDF.

Best
Dave

[blackpug]

Thanks for the info Dave.

[llamalasers]

I would buy MDF that is specifically marketed for laser cutting.

It's cheap as fook online so you'd be a fool not to.

[JamesW]

Hi Blackpug,

My view: don't touch B&Q MDF, only buy Medite! And ask for "sanded" not "unsanded". (They may both be specified as "3mm" - but sanded is 3.0 mm, whereas unsanded is "about" 3.2 mm. If you have to buy another brand, (eg: Medite don't do 2mm) then try Finsa. It's not quite as nice a cut quality, but it's still very acceptable.

Many types of MDF cut really poorly, leaving black residue. Even the types marketed as "Laserable"! As far as I can see, for many suppliers, "laserable" just means "cut into small sheets"!

All the best,

James