Cork (sheet/board)

Physical properties

Laser processing

Releases non-toxic fumes with the typical smell of burning natural wood and cork. Polyurethane binders used in agglomerated boards emit minimal fumes, making standard extraction sufficient.

CO₂: Exceptional and very fast laser cutting and engraving. Requires very low power (10–20W) to avoid deep edge burns. Surface engraving creates a strong dark-brown contrast with striking visual effect.

Diode: Excellent behaviour. Even low-power diodes (5–10W) cut thicknesses up to 3mm very quickly.

Fiber: Not applicable.

CNC / milling processing

Can be milled with great care: due to very low structural cohesion and high elasticity, cork crumbles or delaminates very easily. Use very sharp single-flute helical bits with rapid chip evacuation, high RPM and light passes.

Plotter and thermoforming

Excellent for thin thicknesses (≤2mm). Requires plotters fitted with deep blades specific for flexible materials and medium-tack mats, working with slow passes to avoid tearing.

Post-processing

Sanding: Very easy to dry-sand with fine abrasive paper (grit 240–320) to remove laser burn halos or smooth edges. Work gently.

Gluing: Can be glued with PVA wood glue or contact adhesive (neoprene) for flexible and durable bonds on wood or masonry substrates.

Over time: Chemically stable, rot-proof and elastic. Lasts excellently over time if not subjected to heavy mechanical wear.

Common defects

• Crumbling or tearing of cut edges during mechanical milling
• Dark scorch halos on perimeters if laser power is excessive and not air-assisted
• Excessive and non-uniform absorption of finishing oils

Safety

Combustible material in the presence of open flames. Monitor laser operations to avoid accidental ignition on the cutting bed.

Availability and formats

Commercial formats: rolls 1–3mm, sheets 3–10mm

Related materials

Sources

• ISO 3867 — Composition cork gaskets specifications
• Manuali d'uso per incisione laser su sughero naturale