OMTech 50W CO2 Settings for Slate/Stone
Recommended speed, power, and pass settings for slate/stone on the OMTech 50W CO2 (50W CO2 laser, 10.6μm wavelength, 300×500mm work area). The OMTech 50W CO2 steps up from the 40W with faster cutting speeds and the ability to handle thicker materials.
TypeCO2
Power50W
Wavelength10.6μm
Work Area300×500mm
The OMTech 50W CO2 is a 50W CO2 laser with a 300×500mm work area. Slate engraves beautifully with a laser, producing a light grey or white mark against the dark stone surface. Below you will find tested starting parameters for cutting and engraving slate/stone on this machine.
Safety Note: Stone dust is a respiratory hazard. Always use ventilation and consider a dust mask. Some slate may contain silica -- avoid prolonged dust exposure.
Engraving Settings
| Thickness | Speed (mm/s) | Power (%) | Passes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 220 | 28% | 1 | Engrave only -- stone cannot be cut with a hobby laser |
Important: These are starting reference values. Actual results vary based on material batch, focus calibration, air assist, ambient temperature, and lens condition. Always test on scrap material before running your final piece.
How to Set Up Slate/Stone on the OMTech 50W CO2
- 1Secure your slate/stone 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.
- 4Enable air assist if available. A steady stream of air at the cut point removes debris, reduces charring, and helps prevent flare-ups.
- 5Enter the speed, power, and pass count from the settings table above into LightBurn. Use the “Cut” or “Engrave” layer settings panel.
- 6Run a small test cut or engrave on a scrap piece of slate/stone before committing to your final project piece. Adjust power up or down by 5–10% based on results.
What to Expect When Lasering Slate/Stone
Engraving slate with a laser removes the dark surface layer to reveal lighter stone underneath, creating a natural-looking white or light grey mark. The contrast is distinctive and permanent. Results vary depending on the specific slate piece — test on each batch. Cutting slate is not possible with hobby-grade lasers.
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.
- ✗Expecting perfectly uniform results across the entire piece — natural slate varies in density and composition, so engraving depth and appearance will vary slightly across the surface.
- ✗Skipping the focus calibration step — an out-of-focus beam produces wider, less precise cuts and weaker engravings. Re-check focus every time you change material thickness.
Tips for Slate/Stone on Laser Machines
- ✓Higher power and lower speed produce a whiter, more visible mark on dark slate.
- ✓Clean the slate surface with alcohol before engraving for consistent results.
- ✓Seal the finished piece with a clear coat to protect the engraved design.
- ✓Natural stone varies in hardness and composition -- always test on a scrap piece first.
- ✓Coasters and wall art are the most popular slate laser projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What speed and power should I use for slate/stone on the OMTech 50W CO2?
For — slate/stone, start with 220 mm/s at 28% power with 1 pass. Always test on scrap material first and adjust based on your specific conditions.
Can the OMTech 50W CO2 cut slate/stone?
The OMTech 50W CO2 is primarily used for engraving slate/stone rather than cutting.
Can the OMTech 50W CO2 engrave slate/stone?
Yes. For engraving slate/stone, use 220 mm/s at 28% power for a single pass.
Other Materials for OMTech 50W CO2
Slate/Stone Settings for Other Machines
xTool S1 20W (20W diode)OMTech 40W CO2 (40W CO2)Sculpfun S30 Pro Max 20W (20W diode)Atomstack X20 Pro 20W (20W diode)xTool S1 40W (40W diode)xTool D1 Pro 10W (10W diode)xTool D1 Pro 20W (20W diode)Sculpfun SF-A9 40W (40W diode)Atomstack A5 Pro 5W (5W diode)Ortur Laser Master 3 10W (10W diode)Creality Falcon 2 22W (22W diode)LONGER Ray5 20W (20W diode)TwoTrees TS2 10W (10W diode)Glowforge Basic (40W CO2)Glowforge Pro (45W CO2)Monport 40W CO2 (40W CO2)Thunder Laser Nova 35 80W (80W CO2)Atomstack S40 Pro 36W (36W diode)Ortur Laser Master 3 LE 5W (5W diode)
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