5mm Plywood
This page lists 18 community-tested settings for 5mm Plywood. Wood is one of the most popular laser engraving materials. Results vary by species, thickness, and grain - always run a test first.
Top setting per machine
Works with these machines
18 settings
Supplies to have on hand
Materials and accessories that pair well with 5mm Plywood laser projects.
From the Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best laser settings for 5mm Plywood?
A top-rated community setting for 5mm Plywood on the Glowforge Pro is speed 160 mm/s, power 18%. There are 18 community-tested settings for 5mm Plywood across 9 machines on this page.
Can a diode laser engrave or cut 5mm Plywood?
Yes - there are 6 community settings for 5mm Plywood on diode lasers and 12 on CO₂ lasers. CO₂ lasers generally cut faster and cleaner, but modern high-wattage diode lasers handle most wood work well.
Do I need air assist for 5mm Plywood?
50% of the community settings for 5mm Plywood use air assist. Air assist is strongly recommended - it reduces charring and improves cut quality.
What speed and power to cut 5mm Plywood in one pass?
Settings vary by machine wattage. For a 20W diode laser, cutting 5mm Plywood typically requires high power (90–100%) at moderate speed (1500–3000 mm/min) with air assist. CO₂ lasers can cut 5mm material faster - 20–60 mm/s at 50–70% power is common. Check the settings table below for your specific machine.
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