Inside the ComMarker Omni 1: A Deep Dive into UV Laser Engraving Precision

De ComMarker Omni 1 is not your average desktop lasergraver. With a pulsed 355 nm UV laser, sub-25 nanosecond pulse widths, and swappable F-Theta lenses, it enters a new class of photonic precision. But what makes it different—and why would anyone choose this over a higher-powered 60W infrared fiber system?

Let’s take a look under the hood, at the beam, and deep into the glass.

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UV vs IR: Why Wavelengths Matter

Infrared lasers (like fiber and MOPA) dominate in general purpose engraving: metaller, fargemerking, deep cutting. But UV lasers, with their shorter wavelength, open doors to materials that are transparent to IR—like plastics, tre, glass, or PCBs.

UV’s shorter wavelength:

• Enables photochemical ablation rather than thermal burning
• Creates extremely small spot sizes for high DPI and clean micro-cuts
• Allows for sub-surface engraving in transparent materials

Resultat: Less heat, more control.

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Optical Precision – The Truth About Spot Sizes

Omni 1 includes two F-Theta lenses:

• 70×70 mm lens – Shorter focal length, smaller spot size
• 150×150 mm lens – Larger working area, but lower resolution

While theory suggests sub-40μm spot sizes, real-world measurements yielded:

• ~53 μm with the large lens
• ~40 μm with the small lens (with fine-tuning)

For comparison: CO₂ lasers typically operate in the 100–200 μm range.

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Pulse Widths and Beam Quality – Why It Matters

Omni 1 allows users to dial in Frekvens (kHz) og pulsvarighet (ns):

• Best results (roundest beam profile): 30 kHz / 12 ns
• Too short or too long disrupts beam symmetry (TEM00 degrades)

Changing pulse parameters dramatically affects:

• Beam shape
• Focus accuracy
• Energy delivery per impulse

This matters especially for glass work, PCB micromachining, og surface coatings.

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Application Highlights

Here’s where this UV laser shines:

Materiale	Resultat
Plast	Crisp white marks, no melting or charring
Tre	Clean, micro-thin cuts with minimal burn
Glass	Can embed 3D models inni the glass
PCB	Micro-etch traces with <100μm precision
Tekstiler	Surface bleaching or engraving without damage
Silisium / ICs	Selective removal of epoxy molding

Merk: Always use proper dust extraction. UV glass cutting releases hazardous micro-particles.

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Inside the Omni 1 – A Technical Teardown

Control and Optics:

• JCZ controller card
• True Galvo mirrors
• Motorized Z-axis (on newer models)
• Programvare: LightBurn (limited for automation), or open-source Balor

Laser Module:

• DPSS laser with Nd:YAG crystal
• Q-switch driver for nanosecond-scale gating
• Tripled frequency via harmonic generation to 355 nm
• Thermoelectric cooling throughout
• Accessible pump diode (replaceable)

⚠️ Tip: Beam parameters affect thermal lensing in crystals—keep pulse energy consistent.

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Nerd Feature: 3D Models Embedded in Glass

By compensating Z-height for glass’s refractive index, Omni 1 can engrave 3D voxels at varying depths inside a cube. This opens up:

• Microfluidic devices
• Embedded art
• Secure 3D data markers
• Experimental optics and light-guiding structures

Requires:

• G-code slicing of 3D models
• Python scripting (via Balor CLI)
• Fine-tuned pulse parameters (f.eks., 38kHz / 12ns)

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Final Verdict

Fordeler:
✅ Unmatched versatility across exotic materials
✅ Sharp, minimal heat cuts and marks
✅ Compact yet hackable design
✅ Perfect for PCBs, glasswork, and coatings

Ulemper:
❌ Slow for deep cuts
❌ Manual calibration can be tricky
❌ Safety concerns – fully open-frame design

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Who Is This For?

ComMarker Omni 1 isn’t for mass production or brute-force cutting. But for:

• Engineers
• Scientists
• Engraving artists
• Experimental makers
• Micro-manufacturers

…it’s a precision tool that unlocks things no other lasergraver in its price range can do.

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Want One?

Check out the ComMarker Omni 1 and stay tuned for more advanced guides on:

• Focus calibration
• Advanced PCB prototyping
• Sub-surface glass modeling