Laser Cutting - World Map Puzzle

Introduction

Let’s craft a laser cutting map puzzle about the world! It is a wonderful product with both educational value and fun for home, school and personal use.

This wooden laser cutting map puzzle about the world is mainly an educational toy for children and students, and also a learning tool to help science enthusiasts of all ages show and talk about geography around the world.

Read this post and have a pleasant and educational laser cutting time!

Machine Used

Thunder Bolt 30W

See more details about this machine→

Material Needed

5mm Plywood

Settings

Engraving
Speed:300mm/s
Power:20%
DPI:300
Stroking
Speed:100mm/s
Max Power:20%
Min Power:5%
Cutting
Speed:10mm/s
Max Power:80%
Min Power:10%

Before your work begins

Step 1: Flatten Your Plywood

Plywood boards are very flexible. If the material is uneven, it will negatively affect laser cutting. Ensure the plywood is flat before starting; if it isn’t, you’ll need to flatten it.

There are several ways to level plywood. Using magnets or pins is the most common method for flattening during laser cutting.

Tips:

There are three common types of pins: T-shaped, L-shaped, and F-shaped. A special use for F-shaped pins is clamping up the plywood to prevent burn marks.
Be mindful of the height of the magnets and pins. If they are too tall, the sensor might hit them and become damaged during processing.

3 common types of pins

F-shaped pin usage

Sensor hits a too high pin

Step 2: Open the World Map Puzzle File

Import the puzzle design in LightBurn and check if your plywood size is large enough.

For laser cutting map puzzle design with a lot of elements, ensure there are no misalignments or unnecessary overlaps in the file. Double-check everything, and decide if you want to add or subtract elements according to your preferences.

Step 3: Check the Laser Map Puzzle Settings

Ensure that the parameters are set correctly to achieve the ideal laser cutting map puzzle.

Verify that bi-directional scanning is enabled or disabled. We enable bi-directional scanning to save time.

For the engraving layer, set a generic DPI of 300. For the stroking and laser cutting layers, pay extra attention to the minimum power setting.

If the min power is too low, it will cause the stroking corners will be too shallow and the cutting corners will not cut through; if the min power is too high, it will cause the stroking to cut through the corners and the laser cutting will be bad at the corners.

Engraving

Stroking

Laser Cutting

Step 4: Focus on the plywood

Without focusing, your outcomes may fall short of expectations. So before starting, make sure you’ve rightly focused.

For focusing, you have two options: Auto Focus, which is simple—just press the AF button on the Thunder Bolt screen. If you prefer manual focus, adjust the z-axis height to ensure the focal stick touches the plywood surface.

Auto focus

Manual focus

Step 5: Frame the World Map Design and Start Laser Cutting

When you click “Frame”, the red light will display the laser cutting area. This is a safe process, and the frame will align with the plywood.

Once aligned, simply press “Start” to begin the plywood laser cutting with the Thunder Bolt!

Step 6: Monitor the Laser Cutting Process

To avoid any issues, carefully monitor the laser cutting, especially when unusual conditions like alarms arise.

Considering the laser cutting energy, for safety reasons, we advise against staring directly at the etching process, even with the laser door closed.

Step 7: Complete the World Map Puzzle Cutting

When the laser cutting map puzzle is completed, it’s time to get it out! No special treatment required, just take it out and lightly wipe the dust off the surface.

Cutting basswood boards can produce a lot of grease stains, especially in mass production. To maintain the laser engraver, it’s important to clean the lens and the autofocus sensor after using.

TIPs:We have provided a basic example. You can add color to the puzzle to make it more interesting.

Come and Try!

Imagine the kids playing with the world map puzzle while feeling the fun of exploring the world. Every detail of the puzzle is carefully designed to show the outline and geographic features of each continent, stimulating children’s curiosity and interest in learning.

Suitable for people of all ages, playing with laser puzzle can be a fun activity that promotes parent-child interaction and teamwork, whether at family gatherings or in the classroom. The laser world map puzzles not only enrich your knowledge, they are also unique and meaningful decorations.