Science question. Very new to engraving

[Roger Feeley]

I made a bunch of christmas ornaments using baltic birch plywood and I was surprised that there was so little scorching. There was some blackening of the wood where it cut the piece out but very little discoloration on the surface of the ornament.

My theory is that this is gasification where the laser is so hot, it's not burning the wood but converting the organic molecules to their constituent atoms. Probably a combination of Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen. Then the blower disburses the gas before it has a chance to combust and scorch. The reason I see scorching on the sides is because the gas is confined and can combust.

Am I close?

[Mike Null]

Roger

Your theory is probably pretty good but I find light wood like birch, maple and others do not brown well. The laser does burn materials in the process of engraving and cutting. A good reason to stay close to your machine; especially when cutting.