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= ComMarker Omni X 5W UV Laser =

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

'''⚠️ KEEP THE GREEN SAFETY DOOR CLOSED WHILE OPERATING ⚠️'''

'''⚠️ USE PORTABLE FUME EXTRACTOR NEAR MACHINE AT ALL TIMES ⚠️'''

The ComMarker Omni X is GRM's UV laser engraver. Unlike CO2 or fiber lasers, the UV laser uses a 355nm wavelength that marks materials through a "cold marking" process — minimal heat means less burning, charring, or warping, making it ideal for plastics, glass, coated metals, and heat-sensitive materials. It does not cut.

This is currently the most beginner-friendly laser at GRM for tumbler engraving with the R5 Rotary attachment.

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== Software ==

=== ComMarker Studio (Primary) ===

ComMarker Studio is the primary software used for this machine at GRM. It is free to download and use on your own laptop.

[https://commarker.com/download-center#download 📥 Download ComMarker Studio]

'''First-time setup:'''
# Download and install ComMarker Studio
# Connect the machine via USB data cable
# On first connection, click '''Confirm''' when prompted to load device parameters, then restart the software
# Click '''Create''' to start a new project

''For Mac users: If you see a security warning that the app cannot be verified, go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Open Anyway.''

=== LightBurn (TBD) ===

The Omni X is compatible with LightBurn Pro, but a device profile has not yet been set up at GRM. This is TBD — check with a staff member or volunteer for current status.

If setting up LightBurn manually, the device type is '''BSLFiber'''. Key settings:
* Laser type: '''UV'''
* Enable '''Galvo 2 is X Axis'''
* Door protect port: '''1'''
* Frequency range: 20–200 kHz
* Pulse range: 1–50 ns
* Machine units: mm/sec

See the [[Laser_cutting_and_etching#Software_&_Design|Software & Design section]] of the main laser page for LightBurn download and license information.

=== Other Design Software ===

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

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Software !! Cost !! Export Formats !! Notes
|-
| '''Inkscape''' || Free || SVG || Native SVG works great
|-
| '''Affinity Designer''' || Free || SVG, PDF, EPS || Professional-grade vector tool
|-
| '''Adobe Illustrator''' || Paid || SVG, EPS, DXF, 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 UV laser works with '''2D flat files only''' — no 3D formats.

=== Vector Files (preferred) ===
* SVG, DXF, AI, PLT
* Can be scaled to any size without losing quality
* Allows you to assign different operations to different layers

=== Raster/Image Files ===
* BMP, JPG, JPEG, PNG
* Used for photo engraving and image marking
* Works well for high-contrast images on metal and glass surfaces

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== Machine Overview ==

The Omni X has a distinct design compared to GRM's other lasers — the laser head moves up and down on a column rather than the bed moving. Key components to know:

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Component !! Location !! Notes
|-
| '''Power Switch''' || Front base of machine || Main power on/off
|-
| '''Emergency Stop Switch''' || Front base of machine || Red button — press to immediately cut power; rotate clockwise to reset
|-
| '''Up / Down buttons''' || Front base of machine || Manually raise or lower the laser head for focusing
|-
| '''Indicator Light''' || Under laser head || Must be '''solid green''' before marking — if not green, the laser is not ready
|-
| '''Safety Door (green)''' || Front of machine || Must be closed for the machine to fire; door sensor will prevent operation if open
|-
| '''Auto-focus Sensor''' || Under laser head || Used for automatic focusing — unique to this machine
|-
| '''Field Lens''' || Under laser head || The engraving lens; two positions available (A and B)
|-
| '''Foot Switch''' || Floor, connected by cable || Optional — press to start/stop job hands-free
|}

⚠️ '''If the Emergency Stop has been pressed:''' Resolve the issue first, then rotate the red button clockwise to reset it before powering back on.

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== Startup Procedure ==

# Ensure the work surface is clean and level
# Turn on the portable fume extractor — position it near the machine
# Press the '''Power Switch''' on the front base to power on
# Verify the '''Emergency Stop''' button is in the released position (rotate clockwise if engaged)
# Connect to your computer via USB data cable
# Open ComMarker Studio — confirm the machine shows as '''Connected'''
# Confirm '''Door Sensor is ON''' in the software status bar
# Verify the '''indicator light under the laser head is solid green''' before running any job

⚠️ '''Operating temperature: 10°C–28°C (50°F–82°F).''' Temperatures outside this range may cause the laser to stop working. Do not use the machine in a cold or very hot environment.

⚠️ '''The portable fume extractor must be running before you start any job.''' A permanent exhaust system is not yet installed.

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== Focusing the Laser ==

The Omni X has built-in autofocus — this is much simpler than the CO2 laser's manual focus process.

# Place your material on the work surface, aligned under the red sensing spot from the auto-focus sensor
# In ComMarker Studio, click the '''Focus''' button (bottom-right of the UI)
# The machine will automatically adjust the laser head height to the correct focal distance
# Wait for the indicator light to confirm ready status before proceeding

=== Available Lenses ===

The Omni X has two lens positions. The active lens is selected in the software (Field Lens A or B in the status bar).

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Position !! Lens !! Work Area !! Best For !! Notes
|-
| '''A''' (default) || 70mm lens || 70mm x 70mm || High precision; 3D internal glass/crystal engraving; fine detail; photo work || Default lens installed; higher power density
|-
| '''B''' || 150mm lens || 150mm x 150mm || General engraving; everyday flat work; wider coverage || Switch to B-field lens in software after physically swapping
|}

⚠️ '''If you change the lens, you must switch the Field Lens selection in the software to match (A or B).''' The software defaults to Position A (70mm). Running with the wrong setting will produce out-of-focus results.

''See the lens size and power distribution note on the [[Noua_60W_MOPA_Fiber_Laser|Fiber Laser page]] for a general explanation of why larger lenses require adjusted settings.''

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== Software Settings (ComMarker Studio) ==

=== Key Parameters ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Parameter !! What It Does !! UV-Specific Notes
|-
| '''Speed (mm/s)''' || How fast the galvo mirrors scan || Higher speed = lighter mark; lower = darker/deeper
|-
| '''Frequency (kHz)''' || Pulse repetition rate — 20 to 200 kHz || UV range is much narrower than fiber — stay within 20–200 kHz
|-
| '''Pulse Width (ns)''' || Duration of each pulse — 1 to 50 ns || UV pulses are very short — this is what makes "cold marking" possible
|-
| '''Pass''' || Number of repeat passes || Multiple passes at lower power often better than high single-pass power
|-
| '''Interval''' || Spacing between scan lines || 0.1mm is a good all-around starting point
|-
| '''Marking Mode''' || Flat mode (standard) or other modes || Use Flat mode for most work
|}

⚠️ '''UV laser parameters are very different from CO2 and fiber.''' The frequency and pulse width ranges are much narrower. Always run a test first.

=== Framing & Preview ===

Before running any job:
* Click '''Preview''' to visualize the processing area using the preview helper (green card included with machine)
* Place the preview helper on your material, click Preview, confirm placement
* Remove the preview helper and '''close the safety door'''
* Click '''Start (F2)''' to begin

⚠️ '''The safety door must be closed before the laser will fire.'''

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== Material Test Cards ==

Always run a test on scrap before committing to your final workpiece. UV laser results vary significantly by material type, surface finish, and coating.

Use ComMarker Studio's material library as a starting point (Library button in the Laser Settings panel), then adjust from there based on your test results.

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== Materials Reference ==

=== ✅ Approved Materials ===

''Note: The UV laser marks and engraves — it does not cut. All operations are surface marking only.''

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Material !! Mark/Engrave !! Notes
|-
| Plastics (PP, PE, ABS, most types) || Yes || Excellent — marks without burning or melting; UV excels here
|-
| Glass || Yes || Clean surface marking; good contrast
|-
| Coated / Painted Metals || Yes || Removes coating cleanly to expose metal beneath
|-
| Anodized Aluminum || Yes || Good results
|-
| Stainless Steel || Yes || Surface marking; lower contrast than fiber laser
|-
| Ceramics || Yes || Surface marking
|-
| Wood || Yes || Light engraving; less ideal than CO2 but works
|-
| Leather || Yes || Light marking
|-
| PCBs / Electronic Components || Yes || UV is well-suited for heat-sensitive components
|-
| Bronze / Brass / Alloys || Yes || Surface marking
|}

=== ❌ Do Not Use These Materials ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! style="background:#ffe4e4;" | Material !! style="background:#ffe4e4;" | Why
|-
| '''PVC / Vinyl''' || Releases chlorine gas — extremely dangerous
|-
| '''Polycarbonate / Lexan''' || Produces toxic fumes; catches fire easily
|-
| '''Any material of unknown composition''' || Always verify material before use
|}

⚠️ '''Do not engrave materials with unknown properties.'''

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== Safety Rules ==

* '''Keep the green safety door closed while the laser is operating.''' The door sensor will prevent the laser from firing if the door is open — do not bypass or defeat this sensor.
* '''Laser safety glasses are recommended''' even with the enclosed safety door — wear them when the door is open or if working with the door removed.
* '''Always stay by the machine while it's running. Never leave a running job unattended.'''
* '''Run the portable fume extractor''' for every job — position it close to the machine.
* '''Do not operate below 10°C or above 28°C''' — the laser may malfunction outside this temperature range.
* If you need to step away: press '''Stop''' or use the foot switch to pause.
* In an emergency: press the red '''Emergency Stop''' button on the front of the machine.

See [[Laser_cutting_and_etching#Emergency_Procedures|Emergency Procedures]] on the main laser page for emergency contact and equipment locations.

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== Rotary Engraving ==

The Omni X supports rotary engraving for tumblers and cylindrical objects using the '''ComMarker R5 Multi-Functional Rotary''' attachment. This is currently the most beginner-friendly tumbler engraving option at GRM.

See [[Laser_cutting_and_etching#Accessories|Accessories]] on the main laser page for full rotary attachment details, setup documentation, and video links.

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== Helpful Features ==

=== Foot Switch ===
The included foot switch connects to the back of the machine and can be used to start/stop jobs hands-free — useful when positioning items for batch work.

=== Batch Processing ===
The galvo scanning system is fast and well-suited for batch marking. Set up a grid of items and use the array/repeat tools in ComMarker Studio to mark them in a single job.

=== Saving Your Settings ===
* Save project files with descriptive names including material and result (e.g., ''pint-glass-logo-2025'')
* Store files in Google Drive or on a flash drive
* Note which lens (A or B) was active when you achieved good results

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== Design Resources ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Resource !! Description !! Link
|-
| '''ComMarker Support''' || Official support articles and tutorials for the Omni X || [https://support.commarker.com commarker.com/support]
|-
| '''ComMarker Tutorial Playlist''' || YouTube tutorials for ComMarker machines || [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa34YHbTU0YZb6E1xmNqFBBRkxSfRumUC 📚 Watch Playlist]
|-
| '''Cuttle''' || Parametric laser design templates; outputs SVG || [https://cuttle.xyz cuttle.xyz]
|-
| '''Etsy / Maker World / Thingiverse''' || Free/paid laser-ready SVG and DXF files || Search on each platform
|-
| '''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 ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Problem !! Possible Solution
|-
| '''No laser emission''' || Check indicator light is solid green; recalibrate focal length; verify software parameters; confirm door sensor is ON
|-
| '''Laser fires but no mark''' || Confirm material is compatible; recalibrate focus; increase power or decrease speed; check lens selection matches installed lens (A or B)
|-
| '''Machine won't power on''' || Check Emergency Stop is released (rotate clockwise); check power cable
|-
| '''Software won't connect''' || Ensure USB cable is connected before opening software; try restarting software; check USB driver installation
|-
| '''Out of focus results''' || Verify correct lens position is selected in software (A vs B); re-run autofocus
|-
| '''Temperature warning / laser stops''' || Check ambient temperature — must be 10°C–28°C; allow machine to cool or warm before use
|}

* '''ComMarker support:''' [mailto:support@commarker.com support@commarker.com] or [https://www.commarker.com www.commarker.com]
* '''Questions or issues at GRM:''' Leave a note on the whiteboard by the machine, or flag the on-duty volunteer.