View source for OMTech 80W CO2 Laser

= OMTech 80W CO2 Laser =

'''⚠️ NEVER LEAVE THE LASER UNATTENDED WHILE RUNNING ⚠️'''

The OMTech 80W CO2 laser is GRM's primary workhorse machine for cutting and engraving a wide range of non-metal materials. This page covers software, setup, settings, safety, and tips to help you get great results.

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== Software ==

=== LightBurn (Recommended) ===

LightBurn is the primary software for controlling the laser and designing files. It runs on the dedicated computer and large monitor next to the machine.

'''GRM Members: 75% off LightBurn Pro''' (~$50 instead of $199). Ask a staff member or volunteer for the discount code, or email [mailto:chris@grandrivermakerspace.org chris@grandrivermakerspace.org].

See the [[Laser_cutting_and_etching#Software_&_Design|Software & Design section]] of the main laser page for full details and tutorial videos.

=== Other Design Software ===

You can design in any of the following and import into LightBurn:

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Software !! Cost !! Export Formats !! Notes
|-
| '''Inkscape''' || Free || SVG || Native SVG works great with LightBurn
|-
| '''Affinity Designer''' || Free || SVG, PDF, EPS || Professional-grade vector tool
|-
| '''Adobe Illustrator''' || Paid || SVG, EPS, DXF, DWG, AI || Industry standard
|-
| '''Any 2D/3D CAD program''' || Varies || DXF, DWG || Export as DXF or DWG for best results
|}

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== File Formats ==

The CO2 laser works with '''2D flat files only''' — no 3D formats.

=== Vector Files (preferred for cutting and engraving) ===
* SVG, DXF, DWG, EPS, AI
* Can be scaled to any size without losing quality
* Allows you to assign different laser operations to different areas of your design

=== Raster Files (for photo engraving) ===
* JPEG, PNG, and other pixel-based images
* Used with LightBurn's dithering/raster engraving mode
* Works well for high-resolution photos (pets, portraits, etc.)
* Produces a dot-pattern effect — closer dots = darker tones

''To convert a raster image to vector: use the trace function in Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, or Affinity Designer.''

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== Startup Procedure ==

Complete all four steps '''in order''' before operating the machine:

# Power on the laser
# Turn on the air compressor
# Turn on the water chiller
# Turn on the exhaust fan — set to 10; listen to confirm it's running

⚠️ '''If the exhaust fan isn't running, the workspace will fill with smoke. Always confirm it's on before starting a job.'''

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== Focusing the Laser ==

You must manually focus the laser nozzle to your material before every job.

# Press the '''C/U button''' on the laser control pad to enter bed movement mode
# Use the '''left/right arrow buttons''' to raise or lower the bed
# Use the '''focus distance stick''' (stored near the machine, attaches by magnet) to set the correct gap between the nozzle and the material surface

⚠️ '''Autofocus is currently not working. Do not use the autofocus button — always focus manually.'''

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Lens !! Focal Length !! Notes
|-
| Standard lens || 2 inches || Default; installed on the machine
|-
| Optional lens (orange) || 1.5 inches || Stored separately; ask staff for assistance; best for fine detail work
|}

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== LightBurn Settings ==

=== Layer Types ===

Every object in your design gets assigned to a colored layer. The two most useful modes are:

* '''Fill''' — for engraving (fills in a solid shape)
* '''Line''' — for cutting or outline engraving

You'll typically only need 1–2 layers per project (e.g., one engrave layer + one cut layer).

⚠️ '''Layer order matters:''' Run engraving operations first, cutting operations second. This prevents cut pieces from shifting before engraving is complete.

=== Power & Speed ===

These two settings work together:
* Lower speed at the same power → darker/deeper result
* Higher speed at the same power → lighter result
* Higher power → darker/deeper mark, risk of burning through

'''Starting point settings for Baltic birch plywood (1/8"):'''

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Operation !! Speed !! Power
|-
| Light engrave || 50 || 35–40%
|-
| Deep engrave || 50 || 55–65%
|-
| Cut (1/8") || 15 || 75%
|-
| Cut (1/4") || Slow, multiple passes || 75%
|}

⚠️ '''Avoid running long jobs above 75–80% power''' — it shortens the life of the laser tube.<br>
⚠️ '''Do not exceed ~300–350 mm/s for engraving''' — the machine will shake and produce poor results.

=== Line Interval (Lines per Inch) ===

Think of this like layer height in 3D printing:

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Interval !! Result !! Best For
|-
| 0.2–0.45mm || Faster, less detail || Large text, signs
|-
| 0.1mm || Balanced || Good all-around starting point
|-
| 0.05–0.06mm || Slower, more detail || Fine detail work
|}

=== Min/Max Power ===

When double-clicking a layer to access advanced settings:
* '''Max power''' — your main power setting
* '''Min power''' — set 3–5% below max; helps reduce charring on corners and curves

=== Kerf Offset ===

If you're cutting joinery (e.g., finger joints, press-fit boxes), calibrate a kerf offset in the layer settings to account for material removed by the laser beam.

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== Coordinate Systems & Origin ==

LightBurn offers three coordinate modes — choose one before framing or running your job:

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Mode !! How It Works !! Best For
|-
| '''Absolute Coordinates''' || Uses machine home (back-right corner) as 0,0 || Repeatability with fixed jigs
|-
| '''User Origin''' || You set origin on the machine controller; select matching dot in LightBurn's 3×3 grid || Aligning to a specific corner or edge
|-
| '''Current Position''' || Job starts wherever the nozzle currently sits || Quick one-off jobs
|}

'''Centering tip:''' Find the center of your material, mark it lightly, move the nozzle there, and select the center dot in LightBurn's 3×3 origin grid.

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== Framing & Preview — Always Do This First ==

Before running any job:

* '''Frame''' (square icon) — Traces a bounding box around your design. Confirms the job will land where you expect.
* '''Contour Frame / Rubber Band''' (circle icon) — Traces the outer edges of your actual design shape. Useful for maximizing scrap material.
* '''Preview''' (monitor icon) — Shows an estimated run time and a simulation of what will be engraved/cut.

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== Material Test Cards ==

When working with an unfamiliar material, always run a test card first rather than committing to your full workpiece.

In LightBurn, generate a material test grid that varies power, speed, and line interval. Run it on a scrap piece of the same material, then identify the settings that produced the look you want.

'''Quick alternative:''' Cut small shapes (1/4" or 1/2" circles/squares) on scrap to verify cut-through before running a full job.

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== Materials Reference ==

=== ✅ Approved Materials ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Material !! Cut !! Engrave !! Notes
|-
| Thin plywood (up to 1/4") || Yes || Yes || Slow speed or multiple passes for thicker stock
|-
| Baltic birch plywood || Yes || Yes || Best all-around material for CO2
|-
| Acrylic (cast, 1/8") || Yes || Yes || ~5 speed, 75% power; slower than wood
|-
| Glass || No || Yes || Engrave only; cannot cut through
|-
| Granite / Stone || No || Yes || Engrave only
|-
| Leather (veg-tanned only) || Yes || Yes || Chemical-free only — see warnings below
|-
| Cardboard / Paper || Yes || Yes || Low power; monitor closely for fire
|-
| Natural fabrics || Yes || Yes || Low power; watch for ignition
|}

=== ❌ Never Cut These Materials ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! style="background:#ffe4e4;" | Material !! style="background:#ffe4e4;" | Why
|-
| '''PVC / Vinyl''' || Releases chlorine gas — dangerous to people and damages the machine
|-
| '''Chrome-tanned Leather''' || Contains toxic chemicals that release harmful fumes
|-
| '''Polycarbonate (Lexan)''' || Produces toxic fumes; catches fire easily
|-
| '''ABS Plastic''' || Releases cyanide gas
|-
| '''Fiberglass / FR4''' || Releases carcinogens
|-
| '''Foam with unknown coatings''' || Risk of toxic fumes
|}

⚠️ '''If you don't know what a material is made of, don't cut it. When in doubt, ask a staff member or volunteer.'''

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== Safety Rules ==

* '''Always stay by the machine while it's running. Never leave a running job unattended.'''
* If you need to step away: hit '''Pause''' on the machine — it will stop mid-job and you can resume when you return.
* Ask another member or the on-duty volunteer to watch your job if you must step away briefly.
* CO2 fire extinguisher is located to the '''left of the machine''' against the wall.
* Fire blanket is also located near the machine on the East Wall.
* Air assist should be on for most jobs — it clears smoke from the cut zone and improves cut quality.

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== Helpful Features ==

=== Batch Processing Tips ===

When running large batches (e.g., 100 name tags from a sheet):
* Work in rows — if something fails, you don't lose the whole sheet
* Use '''Tool Layers (T1/T2)''' — objects on tool layers are used for selection/framing reference but the laser won't fire on them; useful for alignment geometry

=== Power Resume ===

If there's a power outage mid-job, the machine has a '''job resume function''' — you don't necessarily have to start over.

=== Saving Your Settings ===

Keep a record of your successful settings — don't rely on memory:
* Save your LightBurn project files with descriptive names (e.g., ''slate-coaster-2025'')
* Store files in Google Drive or on a flash drive
* The built-in material library in LightBurn is community-edited and may not be accurate — use it as a starting point, not gospel

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== Rotary Engraving ==

Rotary engraving (for tumblers, cups, etc.) on the CO2 laser is an advanced setup using the [[PiBurn Laser Rotary 4.0]]. GRM offers a dedicated tumbler engraving workshop — see [https://www.joingrm.org/events our events page] for upcoming dates.

'''Tip:''' For powder-coated tumblers specifically, the UV laser is currently an easier option — less setup, less invasive process.

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== Design Resources ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Resource !! Description !! Link
|-
| '''Cuttle''' || Parametric laser design templates; outputs SVG for direct import into LightBurn. Free tier available. || [https://cuttle.xyz cuttle.xyz]
|-
| '''Etsy''' || Many free/paid laser-ready SVG and DXF files || [https://www.etsy.com etsy.com]
|-
| '''Maker World''' || Free laser-ready files from the maker community || [https://www.makerworld.com makerworld.com]
|-
| '''Thingiverse''' || Free community files including laser designs || [https://www.thingiverse.com thingiverse.com]
|-
| '''GRM Discord / Volunteers''' || Ask for help with settings, file prep, or troubleshooting || Ask at the space or in Discord
|}

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== Troubleshooting & Staff Notes ==

* '''Autofocus:''' Currently disabled — do not use the autofocus button. Always focus manually.
* '''Lens condition:''' Lenses get dirty and need periodic cleaning or replacement. If cuts are inconsistent or quality has dropped, the lens may need attention — flag for a knowledgeable volunteer.
* '''Questions or issues:''' Leave a note on the whiteboard by the machine, or flag the on-duty volunteer.