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

The ComMarker Omni 1 is not your average desktop laser engraver. 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.

UV vs IR: Why Wavelengths Matter

Infrared lasers (like fiber and MOPA) dominate in general purpose engraving: metals, color marking, deep cutting. But UV lasers, with their shorter wavelength, open doors to materials that are transparent to IR—like plastics, wood, 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

Result: Less heat, more control.

Optical Precision – The Truth About Spot Sizes

The 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.

Pulse Widths and Beam Quality – Why It Matters

The Omni 1 allows users to dial in frequency (kHz) and pulse duration (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, and surface coatings.

Application Highlights

Here’s where this UV laser shines:

Material	Result
Plastics	Crisp white marks, no melting or charring
Wood	Clean, micro-thin cuts with minimal burn
Glass	Can embed 3D models inside the glass
PCBs	Micro-etch traces with <100μm precision
Textiles	Surface bleaching or engraving without damage
Silicon / ICs	Selective removal of epoxy molding

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

Inside the Omni 1 – A Technical Teardown

Control and Optics:

JCZ controller card
True Galvo mirrors
Motorized Z-axis (on newer models)
Software: 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.

Nerd Feature: 3D Models Embedded in Glass

By compensating Z-height for glass’s refractive index, the 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 (e.g., 38kHz / 12ns)

Final Verdict

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

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

Who Is This For?

The 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 laser engraver in its price range can do.