Material:Kraftplex

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Kraftplex

Kraftplex closeup.jpg
Synonyms: "Holzblech"
Suggested Tools: laser cutter
Contains: wood fibers
Similar (More or Less): MDF, HDF;
soft sheet metal

Kraftplex is a glue-free engineered wood ideal for laser cutting.

Since it consists of 100 % wood fibers, it produces less smoke while lasering and is certified safe to use in toys and other projects for children (DIN EN 71-3). According to the manufacturer, it can replace aluminum sheet metal (same density) and plastics (same electric isolation) in certain use cases.

Types

There are three types of Kraftplex which may be hard to distinguish at first. If you can not compare them side-by-side, the exact thickness may tell you what you are holding in your hands:

  • Kraftplex ST ("stiff")
    • 1 / 1.5 / 3 mm thickness
    • rough screen print surface
  • Kraftplex FO ("formable")
    • 2 mm thickness
    • smooth screen print surface
    • can be bent like sheet metal
  • Kraftplex CL ("curve/light")
    • 0.5 / 0.8 mm thickness
    • the most flexible type
    • can be cut with shop scissors (but why would you if there is a laser??)

Sourcing