OMTech 40W CO2 Settings for Paper
Recommended speed, power, and pass settings for paper on the OMTech 40W CO2 (40W CO2 laser, 10.6μm wavelength, 300×500mm work area). The OMTech 40W CO2 is an affordable entry-level CO2 laser that cuts acrylic, wood, and leather with clean edges.
The OMTech 40W CO2 is a 40W CO2 laser with a 300×500mm work area. Paper is extremely delicate under laser power and cuts at very low settings. Fire risk is high, so never leave the machine unattended. Below you will find tested starting parameters for cutting and engraving paper on this machine.
Cutting Settings
| Thickness | Speed (mm/s) | Power (%) | Passes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 40 | 20% | 1 | — |
Engraving Settings
| Thickness | Speed (mm/s) | Power (%) | Passes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 400 | 10% | 1 | — |
How to Set Up Paper on the OMTech 40W CO2
- 1Secure your paper flat on the work bed using clamps, magnets, or a honeycomb pin set to prevent movement during the job.
- 2Set your focus distance accurately — use the auto-focus probe if your machine has one, or measure manually with the focus gauge.
- 3Ensure your water cooling system is running and the coolant temperature is between 15–25°C before starting the laser.
- 4Keep a fire extinguisher or spray bottle nearby. Paper is flammable — never leave the machine unattended while cutting this material.
- 5Enable air assist if available. A steady stream of air at the cut point removes debris, reduces charring, and helps prevent flare-ups.
- 6Enter the speed, power, and pass count from the settings table above into LightBurn. Use the “Cut” or “Engrave” layer settings panel.
- 7Run a small test cut or engrave on a scrap piece of paper before committing to your final project piece. Adjust power up or down by 5–10% based on results.
What to Expect When Lasering Paper
Paper is extremely delicate and cuts at very low power settings. Expect clean cuts with minimal to no charring when settings are dialed in correctly. Too much power will cause the paper to ignite or disintegrate. Engraving on paper creates a subtle texture change or light browning. Always monitor the cut closely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Running at full power on the first attempt — always start with a test piece at the recommended settings and adjust incrementally. Going straight to maximum power risks burning through the material or causing fire.
- ✗Forgetting to check the water cooling system before starting. CO2 laser tubes can overheat and suffer permanent damage if the coolant is not flowing or is above 25°C.
- ✗Leaving the machine unattended during cutting — paper is the most flammable common laser material and can ignite in seconds if settings are even slightly too high.
- ✗Using too much power, which causes the paper to disintegrate or curl rather than cut cleanly. Paper requires very low power settings.
Tips for Paper on Laser Machines
- ✓Use the lowest power setting that still cuts through cleanly.
- ✓Secure paper with magnets or a honeycomb pin set to keep it flat.
- ✓Disable or reduce air assist to prevent lightweight paper from moving.
- ✓Cardstock (200-300gsm) is easier to work with than standard copy paper.
- ✓Intricate designs work well -- paper handles fine detail better than most materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What speed and power should I use for paper on the OMTech 40W CO2?
Can the OMTech 40W CO2 cut paper?
Can the OMTech 40W CO2 engrave paper?
Other Materials for OMTech 40W CO2
Paper Settings for Other Machines
Need help with your OMTech 40W CO2?
Our AI assistant can troubleshoot problems, optimize settings, and even diagnose issues from photos.
Try LaserParams AI — Free