Thin webs: from 1 mm, in any thickness
1 mm wide webs and separations remain intact, even in the thickest sheets. This allows you to cut intricate grids, window divisions for models, and closely spaced cut-outs.
FSC mix 70%
Products lasered from this material receive FSC® certified.
This means that this material comes from sustainably managed forests. By choosing FSC® certified wood, we ensure that people, animals and nature are better protected and the climate is less burdened.
Snijlab is FSC® certified (C117418).
Only products marked as such are FSC certified.
MDF laser cutting
Rigid, flat wood fibreboard for prototypes, moulds, and models. Dark brown cut edge, easy to paint.
- homogeneous and flat, does not warp
- webs down to 1 mm, even in 9 mm
- sharp, dark engravings
- absorbs a lot of moisture, not for outdoor use
- smoke residue on the underside
- not very wear-resistant
Price indication · brown · 3 mm FSC Mix 70% · excl. btw
From€14,57één klein onderdeel op de kleinste plaat, levertijd 4 werkdagen
- Higher quantity
- Price per piece gets cheaper quickly: setup and material costs are shared.
- Larger design
- You pay for the smallest standard format your parts fit on. Tot 1200 × 600 mm.
- Delivery time
- Express · 2 wd · 4 wd · 13 wd, up to approx. 75% difference.
Exacte prijs zie je direct na upload.
MDF
From
Offer price€14,57
per assignment
€17,63
incl. btw
In print runs as low as €0.05 per part!
Specifications
Material
| Structure | Pressed wood fibreboard, homogeneous |
|---|---|
| Max. dimensions | 1200 × 600 mm |
| Density | 880 kg/m³ |
| E-modulus | 2700 N/mm² |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Gluing | Yes, with wood glue |
| Painting | Yes, after primer |
Laser cutting
| Kerf | 0.15 mm |
|---|---|
| Thickness tolerance | ± 0.1 mm |
| Min. width | 1.0 mm |
| Cut edge | Dark brown, not charred; light smoke residue on the underside |
| Protective film | Optional |
| Adhesive film underside | Optional |
Resistance
| UV | Poor |
|---|---|
| Moisture absorption | High (24-hr thickness swelling: max. 30–35 %) |
| Waterproof | No |
| Outdoor use | Not suitable |
About MDF
About MDF
MDF is a pressed wood fibreboard: homogeneous, flat and rigid. Engineers and designers use laser cutting from MDF for prototypes, moulds, jigs, enclosures and models, where dimensional stability is more important than aesthetics.
When to choose MDF?
Choose MDF if you need a flat, predictable board that you can glue, sand or paint after cutting. The board has no grain and no layers, is equally strong in all directions and does not warp. If you're looking for a lighter board with a wood look or more strength per gram, check out birch plywood. For visible applications without finishing, black MDF is an option. MDF absorbs a lot of moisture and is not suitable for outdoor use or damp environments.
MDF laser cutting: what to expect
The cut edge turns dark brown, but does not char or leave residue. The top surface remains clean; on the underside, light smoke residue appears along the cut. You can prevent this by selecting protective film when ordering, or you can remove it by sanding. Engravings become dark and sharp, so MDF is also suitable for inscriptions and textured model surfaces. The design tips specify the limits for bridges, fits, and engravings.
Origin and composition
The 3 to 9 mm boards are MEDITE PREMIER MDF with FSC-mix 70% and comply with the E1 standard for formaldehyde. The 1 and 2 mm thicknesses are not FSC-certified.
Design tips for MDF
Factor in kerf for fitting parts
The laser removes a narrow strip of material. For tab-and-slot joints, box joints, and model parts that require a precise fit, compensate for this kerf in your design. The value for each thickness is listed in the specifications.
Texture Engraving for Architectural Models
Use line engravings to add texture to surfaces: brickwork, herringbone, tiling. Detail facades and paving without extra parts.
Combine cutting and engraving for floor plans
Combine cutting, area engraving and line engraving in one design to show elevation changes and zones in floor plans and site models. In 1 and 3 mm MDF, engravings appear extra dark, enhancing the contrast.
Text and flat engravings: crispest in 1 mm
Text and flat engravings are sharp and smooth in MDF. For the crispest result, use 1 mm MDF, ideal for inscriptions and legends in models.
Cut quality
Made from MDF
Compare with other materials
Wood laser cutting A →| Property |  MDF
|
 Black MDF
|
 Coated MDF
|
 Birch plywood
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stiffness (E-modulus) | 2700 MPa | |||
| Density | 880 kg/m³ | 1060 kg/m³ | 860 kg/m³ | 850 kg/m³ |
| Transparency | Opaque | Opaque | Opaque | Opaque |
| Starting price | €14,57 | €14,96 | €14,93 | €15,00 |
How to order
- 1 · Design
DXF, STEP, SVG, DWG, AI, PDF · 1:1 in mm
blue = cutting · red = line engraving · magenta = area engraving - 2 · Upload
See the price instantly per material and delivery time. No quote needed.
- 3 · Choose delivery time
Express (tomorrow) · 2 working days · 4 working days · 13 working days
Price adjusts. - 4 · Receive
Mail, courier or pick up in Rotterdam.
Business invoicing available.
Frequently asked questions about MDF
Does MDF get smoke residue when laser cutting?
On the underside, yes: small marks along the cut edge, up to approx. 1 cm from it. The top surface generally remains clean. You'll only see a small round mark at start points, and around engravings, you might find a thin edge of residue. To prevent this, select protective film when ordering.
How do I remove smoke residue from MDF?
Sand it; polishing won't help. Place sandpaper over a block of wood or use a sanding block, and sand the surface evenly.
What colour is the cut edge of laser-cut MDF?
Dark brown. The edge is not charred and does not rub off.
Can I paint and glue laser-cut MDF?
Yes. Wood glue works excellently. For paint, always prime MDF first. The material is highly absorbent, even on the laser-cut edge, so you'll often need more than one coat. Oil also gives a beautiful finish.
Does MDF warp?
No. MDF is very flat and stays that way even with changing temperature and humidity, unlike solid wood and plywood.
Does this MDF comply with the E1 standard for formaldehyde?
Yes, for 3 to 9 mm. These thicknesses are MEDITE PREMIER MDF, which complies with the European E1 standard (maximum 8 mg formaldehyde per 100 grams) and the stricter American CARB II requirements. For 1 and 2 mm, we do not have this data.
Is MDF suitable for outdoor use?
No. MDF absorbs a lot of moisture and is not suitable for outdoor or damp environments unless properly coated. For outdoor applications, acrylic is a better choice.
MDF, plywood or cardboard: which do I choose?
MDF is cost-effective, has a hard surface and a tight thickness tolerance. It is ideal for form studies, technical mock-ups, moulds, jigs, and enclosures. Plywood is lighter and stronger for its weight, with a wood look. Cardboard is even more cost-effective for models, but not strong. For visible parts, choose black MDF or acrylic.
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- Create your design using our drawing guidelines
- Upload it at account.snijlab.co.uk
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