Laser incision of wood for the modification of liquid impregnation

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

To increase the penetration and distribution of preservative chemicals, the incision of timber is a crucial process within the wood processing industry. As a result of this, there has recently been an increase in the level of interest in the development and application of incision technologies. This work demonstrates the use of Infra-red (IR) CO2 and ultra-violet (UV) Nd:YAG Laser systems for the laser-incision of Southern Yellow Pine and Redwood. By using optical microscopy, it was found that the incision depths ranged from 6 mm into the sample up to 15 mm into the sample. Hole diameters achieved ranged from 0.80 mm to 1.2 0mm. The qualitative effects of the laser-incision on the woods studied are also discussed, highlighting the best laser type for incised hole quality, incised hole profile definition, in addition to the speed and accuracy of processing. In addition to this, following the laser-incision study, the effects on liquid impregnation is studied and discussed highlighting how laser-incision technologies can be used to enhance the liquid impregnation of the woods studied.
Original languageEnglish
Pages55-67
Number of pages13
Publication statusPublished - 3 Jul 2019
EventTimber 2019 - IOM3, London, United Kingdom
Duration: 3 Jul 20194 Jul 2019

Conference

ConferenceTimber 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLondon
Period3/07/194/07/19
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