If you’re considering a laser engraver for your DIY workshop or small business, you’ve probably wondered: What materials can a UV laser engrave effectively? We put the ComMarker Omni 1 UV laser engraver to the test—on plastic, glass, ceramic, stone, stainless steel, leather, and even QR codes—to help answer that question.
This article summarizes our full material test series. Whether you’re customizing tumblers or marking high-precision parts, this guide gives you a clear look at what UV laser engraving can accomplish.
1. UV Laser Engraving on Plastic and Glass
The Omni 1 handled plastics like white earpod cases and translucent acrylic with surprising clarity. It achieved deep, permanent black marks on white ABS and PC plastics with no melting or distortion. On glass, the UV laser produced clean, frosted lines with minimal chipping—ideal for custom glassware or awards.
Best Use Cases:
- Plastic phone cases, tech gadgets
- Glass mugs, trophies, ornaments
2. Ceramic and Porcelain Engraving Test
From glazed mugs to matte-finish porcelain tiles, the laser engraver created sharp contrast on ceramic surfaces. The UV beam interacts with the coating, creating precise marks without cracking the glaze. Even curved mugs were engravable using the rotary attachment.
Pro Tip: Slower speed and high frequency helps get more uniform results on uneven ceramic glazes.
Great for:
- Custom coffee mugs
- Porcelain plates or coasters
3. Can a UV Laser Engrave Stone?
Yes—but with limits. On smooth marble and polished slate, the Omni 1 was able to mark lightly with subtle white contrast. It’s not as deep as fiber or CO₂ engraving on stone, but for surface marking or decorative effects, it’s surprisingly effective.
Ideal for:
- Custom stone tags
- Small slate ornaments or awards
4. Engraving Stainless Steel with a UV Laser
Though UV lasers aren’t traditionally used for metal, the Omni 1 marked stainless steel efficiently—especially coated or anodized steel. Bare stainless still marked with some visible contrast at slower speeds. It’s a solid solution for fine detail work, like nameplates or ID tags.
Recommended for:
- Stainless steel cards, tools, gadgets
- Branding logos or text on brushed metal
5. Engraving Leather and Organic Surfaces
The Omni 1 performed well on vegetable-tanned leather and thin organic materials like paperboard and cork. It delivered crisp black marks without burning through. While not as strong as CO₂ for cutting leather, it’s perfect for marking.
Used for:
- Personalized leather tags
- Engraving logos on packaging or craft items
6. Precision Test: Small Text and QR Code Marking
To test UV laser accuracy, we engraved 1mm text and multiple QR codes on metal and plastic. The results? Razor-sharp lines and fully scannable QR codes—even when downsized to under 5mm. This makes the Omni 1 an excellent tool for fine marking in electronics, jewelry, or industrial parts.
Perfect for:
- Small serialized parts
- Jewelry branding
- Data matrix or QR codes
What Materials Can a UV Laser Engraver Handle? Full Test on Plastic, Glass, Ceramic, Stone, Metal & More
If you’re considering a laser engraver for your D…
One UV Laser Engraver, Many Materials
From plastic and glass to ceramic, stone, metal, and leather, the ComMarker Omni 1 UV laser engraver proved itself as a highly versatile tool. While each material requires different settings, the Omni 1’s precision and UV wavelength make it an excellent choice for creators who work with mixed surfaces.
If you’re a maker, small business owner, or workshop hobbyist looking to engrave more than just wood—this UV laser engraver opens new creative possibilities without switching machines.