Getting crisp, consistent results on every substrate starts with dialing in the right laser parameters. The ComMarker Omni 1—with its 5 W UV fiber laser—excels at high‑precision engraving and cutting across plastics, woods, metals, glass, stone, and even organic materials. Below is an in‑depth, step‑by‑step reference to help you master material settings in LightBurn (or EZCad2) for 16 of the most common substrates.
📘 Why Proper Material Settings Matter
- Precision & Contrast: UV lasers interact differently with each material. Too much power can scorch, too little leaves faint marks.
- Speed & Throughput: Optimized speeds reduce cycle time without sacrificing quality.
- Longevity: Correct settings minimize wear on optics and prolong laser tube life.
- Safety: Proper passes and focus reduce fire risk and noxious fumes.
Before you begin, always:
- Clean Your Work Area – Remove debris and secure your material flat.
- Focus Carefully – Use the red‑dot preview and electric Z‑axis on the Omni 1 for pixel‑perfect focus.
- Ventilate – Run an exhaust fan or air purifier, especially on plastics, leather, and organic substrates.
⚙️ Core Laser Parameters Explained
- Power (%): Laser intensity (0–100%). Higher power means deeper cuts or darker marks.
- Speed (mm/s): How fast the head moves. Faster speeds reduce burn but may lighten the mark.
- Frequency (kHz): Pulse repetition rate. Higher frequency gives smoother edges on plastics and metals.
- Q‑Pulse Width: Pulse duration. Longer pulses (higher Q‑pulse) deposit more energy per pulse—useful for marking metal or leather.
- Passes: Number of times the laser follows the same path. Multiple shallow passes yield cleaner results on thick or reflective materials.
- Line Interval (mm): Spacing between raster lines. Smaller intervals increase resolution at the cost of time.
- Image Mode (LightBurn only): For grayscale or 2.5D effects (e.g., Atkinson dithering).
🛠️ 1. Clear Acrylic Engraving
Machine: Omni 1 (UV 5 W)
Software: LightBurn
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 30 % |
| Speed | 1,000 mm/s |
| Frequency | 40 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 1 |
| Passes | 1 |
| Line Interval | 0.03 mm |
Tips:
- Mask the back with painter’s tape to catch smoke residue.
- Engrave on the underside for a frosted‑glass look.
- Test a small corner to fine‑tune power if your acrylic is thicker than 3 mm.
🍃 2. Leaf Pattern on Acrylic
Machine: Omni 1 (UV 5 W)
Software: LightBurn
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 30 % |
| Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Frequency | 40 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 1 |
| Passes | 1 |
| Line Interval | 0.03 mm |
| Image Mode | Atkinson |
Tips:
- Use Atkinson dithering for smooth gradients on grayscale leaf images.
- Keep intervals tight (0.03 mm) to preserve delicate veins and edges.
- Work on 5 mm acrylic for more dramatic depth.
🥂 3. Glass Engraving
Machine: Omni 1 (UV 5 W)
Software: LightBurn
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 30 % |
| Speed | 200 mm/s |
| Frequency | 40 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 1 |
| Passes | 1 |
| Line Interval | 0.03 mm |
Glass Ornaments: Same settings, but rotate your piece on a rotary attachment.
Tips:
- Apply a thin layer of dish soap or cover with a damp paper towel to reduce micro‑chipping.
- Engrave slowly (200 mm/s) to avoid cracking.
- Polish edges afterward with a soft cloth for clarity.
🥥 4. Coconut Shell Engraving
Machine: Omni 1 (UV 5 W)
Software: LightBurn
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 30 % |
| Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Frequency | 30 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 1 |
| Passes | 1 |
| Line Interval | 0.03 mm |
Tips:
- Sand the surface lightly before engraving to remove fibrous residue.
- Coconut shells vary—test a scrap piece for ideal power.
- Use a dust mask when cleaning up coconut dust.
🎖️ 5. Leather Badge Engraving & Cutting
Machine: Omni 1 (UV 5 W)
Software: LightBurn
Marking Pass
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 30 % |
| Speed | 1,000 mm/s |
| Frequency | 30 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 20 |
| Passes | 1 |
| Line Interval | 0.03 mm |
Cutting Pass
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 40 % |
| Speed | 100 mm/s |
| Frequency | 40 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 1 |
| Passes | 5 |
| Line Interval | 0.03 mm |
Tips:
- Use vegetable‑tanned leather for best contrast and minimal fumes.
- Mark first, then cut—this prevents scorch marks on the edges.
- Adjust Q‑pulse width higher (20) for deeper, darker marks on grainy hides.
📦 6. 4 mm MDF Cutting
Machine: Omni 1 (UV 5 W)
Software: LightBurn
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 40 % |
| Speed | 75 mm/s |
| Frequency | 40 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 1 |
| Passes | 10 |
Tips:
- MDF can char—use light passes (10 passes at 75 mm/s) to cut through without heavy burning.
- Vacuum dust between every 2–3 passes to improve cut quality.
- Seal edges with clear lacquer to prevent moisture uptake.
🌲 7. Wood Engraving & Cutting
Machine: Omni 1 (UV 5 W)
Software: LightBurn
Engraving (115×115 mm lens)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 30 % |
| Speed | 200 mm/s |
| Frequency | 40 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 1 |
| Passes | 3 |
| Line Interval | 0.03 mm |
| Extras | Cross‑hatch & flood fill enabled |
Cutting (115×115 mm lens)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 30 % |
| Speed | 50 mm/s |
| Frequency | 30 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 1 |
| Passes | 6 |
Tips:
- Use birch plywood or basswood for consistent results.
- Cross‑hatch fill gives a textured look—great for signage.
- Slow (50 mm/s) and multiple passes (6) for clean cuts through 3–5 mm wood.
🌾 8. Rice Grain Laser Engraver
Machine: Omni 1 (UV 5 W)
Software: LightBurn
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 30 % |
| Speed | 100 mm/s |
| Frequency | 40 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 15 |
| Passes | 1 |
Tips:
- Place grains on double‑sticky tape to hold them steady.
- Low speed and higher Q‑pulse width (15) ensure legible micro‑marks.
- Perfect for novelty jewelry or micro‑engraving demos.
🎧 9. Plastic Earphone Case Engraving
Machine: Omni 1 (UV 5 W)
Software: LightBurn
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 30 % |
| Speed | 1,000 mm/s |
| Frequency | 40 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 15 |
| Passes | 1 |
| Line Interval | 0.03 mm |
Tips:
- Mask with low‑tack tape to reduce melt lines.
- High speed (1,000 mm/s) prevents warping of thin plastics.
- Q‑pulse width 15 gives deeper contrast on matte finishes.
🍾 10. Wine Bottle Rotary Engraving
Machine: Omni 1 (UV 5 W)
Software: LightBurn
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 30 % |
| Speed | 600 mm/s |
| Frequency | 40 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 5 |
| Passes | 2 |
| Rotary Split | 0.1 mm |
| Rotary Overlap | 0.1 mm |
Tips:
- Secure bottle in the rotary attachment.
- Slow, multi‑pass engraving ensures even coverage.
- Use a clear lacquer after engraving to protect the finish.
🧴 11. Towel (Textile) Engraving
Machine: Omni 1 (UV 5 W)
Software: LightBurn
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 30 % |
| Speed | 2,500 mm/s |
| Frequency | 30 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 17 |
| Passes | 1 |
Tips:
- Use 100% cotton towels for crisp marks.
- High speed (2,500 mm/s) prevents fabric burning.
- A single pass at Q‑pulse 17 provides a subtle, permanent mark.
📄 12. Paper Laser Cutting
Machine: Omni 1 (UV 5 W)
Software: LightBurn
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 30 % |
| Speed | 100 mm/s |
| Frequency | 40 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 1 |
| Passes | 3–5 |
| Line Interval | 0.03 mm |
Tips:
- Use heavier cardstock (200–300 gsm) for crisp cuts.
- Multiple passes (3–5) at low speed ensure clean edges.
- Mask both sides with low‑tack tape to prevent burn‑through.
🧲 13. Metal Bottle Opener Engraving
Machine: Omni 1 (UV 5 W)
Software: LightBurn
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 30 % |
| Speed | 833.3 mm/s |
| Frequency | 40 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 1 |
| Passes | 1 |
| Line Interval | 0.03 mm |
Tips:
- Clean metal with isopropyl alcohol before engraving.
- Single pass at high speed for subtle, durable marks.
- Follow with a clear coat to protect against wear.
👟 14. PU Shoes (Synthetic Leather)
Machine: Omni 1 (UV 5 W)
Software: LightBurn
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 30 % |
| Speed | 1,000 mm/s |
| Frequency | 30 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 20 |
| Passes | 1 |
| Line Interval | 0.03 mm |
Tips:
- PU leather engraves similarly to genuine leather but with less depth.
- Higher Q‑pulse width (20) ensures crisp contrast.
- Test a hidden seam first to confirm settings.
🪨 15. Slate Engraving
Machine: Omni 1 (UV 5 W)
Software: LightBurn
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 30 % |
| Speed | 1,000 mm/s |
| Frequency | 40 kHz |
| Q‑Pulse Width | 1 |
| Passes | 1 |
Tips:
- Slate’s natural texture creates a handsome, weathered look.
- Single high‑speed pass leaves a clear white mark.
- Seal slate afterward with a matte stone sealant.
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
🔄 Wrapping Up
With these detailed settings, you’re ready to tackle virtually any engraving or cutting project on your ComMarker Omni 1 UV Laser Engraver. Remember:
- Always test on scrap material first.
- Adjust power/speed in small increments.
- Maintain your machine—clean optics and verify focus regularly.
Have questions or need further assistance? The ComMarker support team is here 24/7 to help you optimize settings and troubleshoot any challenge. Now fire up LightBurn, load your favorite design, and let the Omni 1 bring your ideas to life!
