Laser incising of spruce lumber for improved preservative penetration

Red spruce heartwood specimens were incised using a range of laser beam power levels and pulse durations. The penetration of chromated copper arsenate (CCA-C) through these holes into the wood was monitored after pressure treatment. In addition, green and dried spruce samples were incised using two patterns with 2 incision densities of either 16.1 holes/in.2 or 21.3 holes/in.2. Following CCA pressure treatment, the samples were tested for strength, and the preservative penetration and retention were determined. No significant strength losses were observed; however, a staggered pattern of incision holes appeared to be more desirable from the standpoint of sample failure than the pattern where the incision holes were lined up along the sample face. Preservative penetration for both patterns, in either dried or green samples, was virtually complete as compared to controls where preservative penetration was severely limited.

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