Working with laser materials
Learn about working with laser materials. Learn how to get the most from your laser cutter, how to work with specific materials, how to work some materials by hand, about the properties of materials, and much more.
Learn about working with laser materials. Learn how to get the most from your laser cutter, how to work with specific materials, how to work some materials by hand, about the properties of materials, and much more.
What is Fluted Polypropylene (AKA Corrugated Plastic/Correx)
Fluted Polypropylene, also known as Corrugated Plastic & Correx, is a formidable material that you may be unfamiliar with. We intend to shed some light on it and show you why it is so useful. Get up to speed in less time than it takes to drink your coffee!
Kiss Cut Lettering with a Laser Cutter
'Kiss cutting' is a different laser technique that lightly engraves a surface, but the laser doesn't follow a raster pattern, it follows a cut line. 'Kiss cutting' is especially useful for engraving lettering. Find out more...
Creating Shades In Laser Engraving Using ‘Scan Gap’
Emma shows you how to get more from laser engraving with Scan Gap Engraving is a medium that relies heavily on contrast between the base material and engraved surface. I've been looking to find ways to use the settings artistically and so far, I have found the most artistic possibility with the “scan gap” function.
What Are Value Acrylic Sheets & What Can You Use Them For?
In today's world of daily rising raw materials prices, increased consumer prices are a reality that we are all now dealing with. If you manage a materials budget for a school, what do you do? Our Value range of cheap acrylic sheets might just be the answer. Find out if they are right for you.
What Is A Resistant Material?
When designing or building a project, making sure it is also robust enough is a key consideration. It may need to stand up to handling, collisions, the elements, and more. We're going to explore resistant properties and then take a look at a selection of materials to see what resistant properties they have.
What Is Cork And How Sustainable Is It?
Cork is the bark from Cork Oak trees, harvested from a living tree. Cork is such a versatile and environmentally friendly product that is a must for any maker environment/classroom. It's primary use is to produce wine corks, which are made from the best quality cork available. Cork is sustainable and 100% recyclable.
What Are Sustainable Materials?
Here at Kitronik, we are actively looking at how we can become more sustainable, both in terms of our own business and also in the products we sell. Materials are a key part of this. Let's explore sustainability and then some of our sustainable options.
What Is Laser MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)?
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) is an engineered wood-based product that is used extensively in the construction and furniture/cabinet making industries, as well as the DIY and Maker markets. Its popularity has followed a steady upward slope since first being mass-produced in the 80s. Learn more...
What is Greencast® Acrylic?
Greencast® is the most sustainable acrylic in the world, and, it's available from Kitronik and is a laser grade material. Learn about how it's made, its properties, and how it can worked and used...
What Is Laser Plywood (laserply)?
Laser plywoods (laserply) are some of our most popular materials and that popularity seems to be growing. It is a material of choice for both schools and makers alike, as you can achieve stunning results relatively easily. It is also a cost-effective material that is perfect for making high-quality items such as enclosures. Find out more...
What Is Bamboo - and Side Pressed & Plain Pressed Explained
Bamboo clearly has a lot going for it. It's green, it's durable, and it can make a great replacement for traditional hardwoods. Find out what makes bamboo great and learn about the differences between side pressed and plain pressed sheets.
How is Poplar Plywood Different to Birch Plywood
We compare Birch Plywood and Poplar Plywood (laserply) and explore the properties of each. Before you add to cart, check out which material is right for your needs. This guide takes into account; mechanical properties, aesthetics, sustainability, and also how each responds to laser cutting.
A Guide On Using Laser Materials
This guide on using laser materials covers both Perspex acrylic sheets and laser wood including MDF, laminated MDF and plywood, aiming to answer those questions.
8 Things You Didn't Know About Perspex® Acrylic Sheets
As Perspex is one of the most popular materials for Design and Technology we thought it would be interesting to share some facts that many people might not know. We've picked 8 things that we think many people won't know about this highly versatile and widely used design material. How many did you know?
Plywood: The Production Process
A steps by step guide showing how the plywood manufacturing or production process makes a finished sheet of laser plywood starting with a tree. The guide shows stages from turning trees into veneers, which are graded, dried, glued together, pressed and trimmed to make a sheet of laser plywood (laserply).
How to cut Perspex
Learn how to cut Perspex using a saw or scribe in this Kitronik University tutorial, which is part of the working with materials course.
Plywood glue types and classifications
With different laser plywood (laserply) glue types and classifications available for plywood depending on it's end use, we put together this simple guide for all of our plywood.
Looking after your plywood
Whilst we take every reasonable precaution to store our laser plywood's (laserply) and other sheet materials flat, in some cases there will be unavoidable warping or twisting. Read on to find out the best way to look after it.
Working with Materials - Kitronik University
Have a question about our materials range? Not sure which materials can be used in which ways? This Kitronik University resource will help you whe...
A Guide to Plywood Grading
Plywood (laserply) is graded using a lettering system, this guide explains what quality of finish should be expected for each of the UK grades including photos. It also explains how two grades are used to give the same or different quality finishes on either side of a sheet of material.