Laser Cutting - Plinko Game

Introduction

Let’s bring a touch of interactive fun to your laser projects with a laser cutting wooden Plinko game! This clever, hands-on game comes to life with precision-cut pegs, smooth-falling discs, and a satisfying randomness that makes each drop exciting. This project invites focus, creativity, and a little bit of friendly competition with customizable scoring slots and design flair.
Ready to roll into your next creative idea with style and precision? Hold on and keep reading!

Machine Used

Thunder Bolt 30W

See more details about this machine→

Material Needed

3mm Plywood

Settings

Stroking
Speed:100mm/s
Max Power:15%
Min Power:4%
Cutting
Speed:20mm/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 Plinko Game File and Check the Settings

Import the plinko game design in LightBurn and check if your plywood size is large enough. For laser cutting plinko game 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.

Ensure that the parameters are set correctly to achieve the ideal laser cutting plinko game. We added a stroking layer for alignment to ensure proper positioning while gluing.

For the laser cutting layers, pay extra attention to the minimum power setting. If the min power is too low, it will cause the cutting corners will not cut through; if the min power is too high, the laser cutting will be bad at the corners.

Step 3: 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 4: Frame the Plinko Game 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 5: 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 cutting process, even with the laser door closed.

Step 6: Complete the Plinko Game Toy Cutting

When the laser cutting plinko game 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. After that it’s just a matter of gluing the layers of plinko game.

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.

Come and Try!

Crafted with precision using laser cutting, the wooden Plinko game becomes the unexpected centerpiece of any gathering. A group of friends leans in as each disc bounces down the grid of carefully placed pegs, triggering bursts of laughter, cheers, and lighthearted groans with every unpredictable drop. It’s a simple game, but one that brings out the competitive spirit and keeps the energy high all night long.

Thanks to the flexibility of laser cutting, Plinko boards can be customized in size, style, and scoring design for parties, game nights, or even as a one-of-a-kind handmade gift. With its satisfying movement and nostalgic appeal, the laser cutting plinko game turns any occasion into a shared experience.