Laser settings · OMTech
OMTech laser settings
Starting power and speed for OMTech CO₂ lasers from the K40+ to the Pronto, plus OMTech fiber galvos, scaled to your tube’s wattage, with a LightBurn setup guide. Free, no account needed.
Machines covered
| Model | Laser options |
|---|---|
| K40+ | 40 W CO₂ |
| Polar Lite | 55 W CO₂ |
| Polar 2 | 50 W RF CO₂ |
| Maker MF1624 | 60 W CO₂ |
| Maker 2028 (AF / MF) | 60 W, 90 W, 100 W CO₂ |
| Maker AF3555 | 130 W CO₂ |
| Pro 2440 | 80 W, 100 W CO₂ |
| Pronto 45 | 100 W CO₂ |
| Galvo fiber | 20 W, 30 W, 50 W fiber |
| MOPA fiber | 60 W MOPA |
Where the numbers come from
The values are starting points from tested CO₂ and fiber settings, scaled to your tube’s wattage. Glass CO₂ tubes vary a lot from one machine to the next, even between two units of the same model, so run a test card on scrap before a real job. Speeds can be shown in mm/s (as LightBurn usually displays them) or mm/min.
Using Laser Generator Studio files in LightBurn
- Import the SVG with File → Import. Files are in millimetres. (RDWorks also works: import the DXF.)
- Match colours to layers. Red is cut, blue is score, black fill is engrave. LightBurn puts each colour on its own layer: set red to Line, blue to Line at lower power and black to Fill.
- Enter the settings: speed and max power from the settings page, min power a few percent below max. Save them in LightBurn’s Material Library.
- Check units: make sure LightBurn and the settings page use the same speed unit (Edit → Settings).
- Focus with the auto focus or gauge; for thick stock focus a little into the material.
- Order and frame: engrave, score, then cut. Frame the job, then start, and stay with the machine.
- Air and water: air assist on for cutting, low for engraving; cooling water running and cool before every job.
More on LightBurn layers and imports on the LightBurn guide.
Quick reference for CO₂
| Setting | What it does | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Max power % | Share of the tube’s rated power | Engrave 12 to 40%, cut 40 to 80% (keep glass tubes under about 80%) |
| Min power % | Power in corners and at slow moves | A few % below max |
| Speed | Head speed (mm/min = mm/s × 60) | Cut 5 to 40 mm/s, engrave 200 to 500 mm/s |
| Interval | Distance between fill lines | Text 0.1 mm, photos 0.05 to 0.08 mm |
| Kerf | Width the beam removes | Often 0.1 to 0.2 mm on CO₂; measure yours |
Common CO₂ problems
Power drops during a job: check the cooling water. Keep it under about 25 °C (77 °F), with a chiller in warm rooms; warm water weakens the beam and shortens tube life.
Cuts deeper on one side of the bed: the mirrors are out of alignment. Align mirrors 1, 2 and 3 with tape shots at all four corners, then re-check focus.
Tube life shorter than expected: glass tubes last longest below about 70 to 80% of their rated current. Set a maximum power in the machine and cut with an extra pass instead of more power.
OMTech fiber galvos
The fiber galvo machines mark metals rather than cutting wood. See stainless steel and anodized aluminum, and the Color Hunt studio in the app for MOPA colour recipes.
OMTech and the model names above are trademarks of their owner. LightBurn and RDWorks are trademarks of their owners. Laser Generator Studio is an independent product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by OMTech.