Laser light has been long known as

Laser light has been long known as a capable tool for cutting wood and wood materials. In 1963, Bryan (1963) showed that wood may be cut with a continuous laser beam of sufficiently high energy. He pierced holes of 0.8 mm with depths ranging from 0.8 to 1.6 mm. In 1971, McMillin and Harry (1971) laser-cut a southern pine workpiece with a thickness of 25.4 mm. An interesting aspect to consider during the cutting process is the cutting kerf, or kerf width, which is defined as the width of material removed by the laser beam. Laser cutting achieves kerf widths down to 381 lm, far lower than those reached using conventional saws.