Thinking about engraving on glass but unsure if your laser can handle it without cracking, burning, or creating rough edges? You’re not alone. Glass has always been one of the trickiest materials to engrave—until UV lasers entered the scene. If you’re diving into 3D laser engraving on glass in 2025, the ComMarker Omni 1 UV Laser Engraver is easily one of the best tools available for both hobbyists and professionals.
In this article, I’ll walk you through real-world use of the Omni 1 for UV 3D glass engraving, including tested engraving settings (yes, I include the actual parameters), material tips, and results that might just surprise you.
Why UV Lasers Are the Go-To for Glass Engraving in 2025
Let’s start with a simple truth: traditional diode and CO₂ lasers don’t love glass. Diode lasers can’t even mark it directly unless you use hacks like black paint or tape. CO₂ lasers can cut and etch it—but they’re bulky, expensive, and risky for detailed work due to heat cracks.
UV lasers, on the other hand, excel at marking both the surface and the interior of glass, thanks to their 355 nm wavelength. UV energy is absorbed directly into glass without overheating it, allowing for smooth, high-contrast marks or 3D-style subsurface engravings without shattering or chipping.
My Hands-On Test with the ComMarker Omni 1 on Glass
I used the 5W ComMarker Omni 1 to engrave a batch of clear crystal blocks with 3D-style facial etchings. Each one was positioned with the face pointing up, allowing the beam to work top-down through the surface.
Here are the exact engraving parameters I used:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Speed | 1500 mm/s |
| Frequency | 80 kHz |
| Q-Pulse Width | 5 |
| Spot Size | 800 |
| Orientation | Face upward |
💡 Why these settings? This combo allows you to balance engraving depth with edge clarity. The speed ensures the beam doesn’t sit too long and overheat the glass, while the pulse width and frequency deliver a clean point of impact. With a dot size of 800 (ideal for facial features), I was able to capture subtle gradients and expression lines inside the glass block.
👉 Curious about the machine? Explore the ComMarker Omni 1 here
Real Results: What the Engraving Looked Like
The test involved engraving a grayscale image of a human face onto a 100×100×30mm optical crystal block. The laser engraved within the depth of the glass, not just on the surface. Results:
- No burn marks
- No chips or fractures
- Clear internal pattern, visible from multiple angles
- Engraving depth: ~0.15–0.2mm below surface (visually “suspended”)
Even when viewed under strong light, there was no optical distortion, and the facial features remained sharp and realistic.
🔥 Pro Tip: If you’re engraving portraits or photos, keep your design in grayscale vector format, and maintain high contrast. UV lasers pick up subtle gradients very well.
What Can You Make with UV 3D Glass Engraving?
If you’re like me and enjoy meaningful, high-end gift projects or Etsy-style creations, here’s what you can make using the ComMarker Omni 1:
- 3D Crystal Portraits – Engrave wedding photos, baby pictures, or memorials inside crystal blocks.
- Glass Awards – Great for corporate gifting or local event trophies.
- Custom Drinkware – Add monograms or logos on shot glasses, wine glasses, and tumblers.
- Ornaments & Nightlights – Acrylic or crystal nightstands engraved with depth-based imagery.
And with zero smoke residue or melting, post-processing is practically unnecessary.
👉 Want to try these projects yourself? Get the ComMarker Omni 1 here
How the Omni 1 Compares to Other Machines
Let’s compare it quickly to another UV-friendly option on the market: xTool F1 Ultra (dual diode/fiber laser). While the F1 Ultra has impressive features and metal marking power, when it comes to glass:
| Feature | ComMarker Omni 1 | xTool F1 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| UV Laser Power | ✅ 5W UV (air-cooled) | ❌ No UV included |
| 3D Glass Engraving Support | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Not supported |
| Engraving Speed (Glass) | ✅ Fast (1500 mm/s) | ⚠️ Not applicable |
| Footprint | ✅ Compact Desktop | ✅ Portable, but more complex |
| Price Range | ~$3888+ | ~$3200+ |
Verdict: If your priority is crystal-clear 3D glass engraving, the Omni 1 is a far better fit. For metal-heavy projects, the F1 Ultra has an edge. But for DIYers, designers, or gift makers focused on acrylic, glass, or plastic… UV is the way to go.
👉 Explore the ComMarker Omni 1 UV’s full specs and pricing here → Shop Now
Tips for First-Time Glass Engraving
🎯 Prep Your Glass
Make sure the glass is clean and oil-free. Wipe with isopropyl alcohol and use gloves to prevent fingerprints.
🧷 Secure the Block
Use a jig or double-sided tape to keep the glass flat and still—any movement ruins clarity.
📏 Use Face-Up Orientation
For 3D effects or depth engraving, always engrave with the face of the subject pointed upward, letting the UV beam reach down into the glass layers.
🛠️ Watch Your Power
Avoid overpowering. More isn’t always better—glass reflects more than it absorbs. My 80 kHz frequency + Q5 pulse combo gave excellent results.
ComMarker Omni 1 Laser Engraver
Next Generation Laser to Unlock All Materials. ZeroBurn™ Engraving Technology World’s 1st 16K HD Laser Engraver 10,000mm/s SpeedMax™ Engraving System Unlock all material with UV Laser ColdFront™ Thermal Technology Electric Lifting with 2 Optional Lenses Compatible with EZCAD and LightBurn 360°Rotary Engraving System
Final Thoughts: Is the ComMarker Omni 1 Worth It for Glass Engraving?
Absolutely. It’s compact, affordable (for a UV laser), and delivers commercial-quality results without fuss. The ability to engrave 3D-style images inside glass makes it an ideal machine for artists, small business owners, and anyone looking to stand out in a crowded engraving market.
Whether you’re making wedding gifts, trophies, or high-end art pieces, this machine gives you precision, speed, and reliability in one box.
👉 Ready to elevate your glass engraving game? Check out the ComMarker Omni 1 here
