Instructions For Specific Materials; Ceramics - Omtech POLAR+ User Manual

6 Operation

6.4 Instructions for Specific Materials

The following instructions are suggestions to help speed safe work with a range of materials. The user
should research the specific safety and engraving requirements of their specific material to avoid
the risk of fire, hazardous dust, corrosive and poisonous fumes, and other potential problems.
Once the product is known to be safe or appropriate protective equipment has been set up, it can
be helpful to engrave a test matrix of small boxes produced at various speed and power settings
to discover the ideal settings for your design. Alternatively, start with low power and fast speed
settings and rerun your design as many times as needed, using progressively greater laser intensity.
Average Engraving Settings
Engraving
Material
Power
(W)
Acrylic 25 50%
Basswood 25 50%
Canvas 12.5 25%
Cardboard 22.5 45%
Leather 15 30%
MDF 20 40%
Rubber 17.5 35%

6.4.1 Ceramics

When engraving on ceramics, generally use moderate to high power. Using more loops rather than
higher power and lower speed can help avoid cracking the material during work. Be mindful of the
health risks posed by dust generated from ceramic engraving, especially for repetitive industrial
applications. Depending on the material and the amount of work, a fan or even a full ventilation
system may be required to address the problem. Similarly, operators and others in the work area
may need to use breathing PPE such as masks and respirators.
Cutting
Speed Power
(mm/s) (W)
500 100% 45 90%
500 100% 45 90%
500 100% 30 60%
500 100% 45 90%
500 100% 45 90%
500 100% 45 90%
500 100% 45 90%
73
Thickness
(mm)
Speed
(mm/s)
35 7% 3
65 13% 3
350 70% 0.2
200 40% 2
80 16% 1.5
30 6% 3
25 5% 3
Resolution
(dpi)
400
400
300
400
400
300
400