OMTech 50W CO2 Settings for Glass

Engraving Settings

How to Set Up Glass on the OMTech 50W CO2

1. 1Secure your glass flat on the work bed using clamps, magnets, or a honeycomb pin set to prevent movement during the job.
2. 2Set your focus distance accurately — use the auto-focus probe if your machine has one, or measure manually with the focus gauge.
3. 3Ensure your water cooling system is running and the coolant temperature is between 15–25°C before starting the laser.
4. 4Enable air assist if available. A steady stream of air at the cut point removes debris, reduces charring, and helps prevent flare-ups.
5. 5Enter the speed, power, and pass count from the settings table above into LightBurn. Use the “Cut” or “Engrave” layer settings panel.
6. 6Run a small test cut or engrave on a scrap piece of glass before committing to your final project piece. Adjust power up or down by 5–10% based on results.

What to Expect When Lasering Glass

Lasering glass creates a frosted, white-etched appearance on the surface. The laser micro-fractures the glass surface rather than vaporizing it, so you are limited to engraving only — cutting glass with a laser is not possible. Results look best on flat, untreated glass. Apply a thin layer of wet newspaper or dish soap to the surface before engraving to improve finish quality and reduce chipping.

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.
• ✗Attempting to cut glass with the laser — lasers can only engrave glass, not cut it. Trying to cut will crack or shatter the piece.
• ✗Using tempered glass — tempered glass can shatter unpredictably under the thermal stress of laser engraving. Only use regular annealed glass.

Tips for Glass on Laser Machines

• ✓Apply a thin layer of wet newspaper or paper towel to the glass surface before engraving to dissipate heat and reduce chipping.
• ✓Use lower resolution (250-300 DPI) to avoid overlapping passes that overheat the glass.
• ✓A light mist of water on the surface helps produce a cleaner frosted finish.
• ✓Engrave at an angle if possible -- some users tilt the glass 1-2 degrees to reduce back-reflection.
• ✓Flat glass gives the most consistent results. Curved surfaces (mugs, bottles) require a rotary attachment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Materials for OMTech 50W CO2

Glass Settings for Other Machines