Beam Alignment Set Up for Your CO2 Laser Engraver - Training Video - OMTech Laser

Are you a new OMTech user looking to get started? An existing user seeking extra guidance? Or are you still on the fence of acquiring one of our machines? This video and the rest of our OMTech Training Playlist will assist with frequently asked questions, provide additional guidance and advice, and motivate you with creative project ideas.
This video will cover the beam alignment set up for your OMTech CO2 Laser Engraver Cutting Machine. We will be using the 80W Cabinet Model as an example machine. This includes the tools you will need, the settings that will need to be set up, and the several steps of aligning your laser beam mirrors.
Jump to your favorite part:
00:00 Beam Alignment Setup for Your CO2 Laser Engraver
0:18 Tools needed for Beam Alignment
0:45 Step 1: Aligning Laser Beam to Mirror 1
1:55 Step 2: Aligning Laser Beam to Mirror 2
3:36 Step 3: Aligning Laser Beam to Mirror 3
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[@kengregory6831]

Luis, great explanation! Keep the videos coming.

[@omtechlaser]

We appreciate the kind words!!

[@Todd-W]

love it! please keep adding videos for those who are new to Co2. I guess most new to it go to k40 or 60w, I went deep dive - 130w. so need videos for that!

[@omtechlaser]

Thanks for the feedback!! Definitely stay subscribed for more machine content.

[@turboflush]

130 is pretty much same just longer lazer.

[@sweetsalutationsco.2159]

@@omtechlaser agreed. I need 130W help.

[@SteelBladeWoodworks]

Great explanation, very helpful!!!!

[@omtechlaser]

We're glad that this video was useful!

[@pavelfoto4042]

great instructions 👍 thank you

[@omtechlaser]

We appreciate the kind feedback!

[@thegenxproject5941]

Awesome video. I just sold my large cnc to purchase the Omtech 100watt. May go bigger if they are on sale. Subscribed!

[@VariablePenguin]

Been watching all of these videos in preparation for ordering my printer. Still weighing the pros and cons of the 2 different 80W models.

[@omtechlaser]

That's great to hear!! Let us know if you have any questions or need advice with these two models.

[@VariablePenguin]

@@omtechlaser my main question is about water cooling. I live in Texas so my garage can get into the 100° range. I working to decrease that by insulating the garage door and installing some fans. But obviously a bucket of water is probably not going to do.

[@omtechlaser]

@@VariablePenguin Yes, acquiring a 5200 Water Chiller will do the job!! The chiller can effectively and efficiently cool down your machine during those hot months.

[@notyouraveragegoldenpotato]

Didn't know you guys had videos! I got a 130 watt from OMTECH and the alignment was insanely rough, can't get it to cut at the lower and far sections of the large bed.. I went through most a new roll of painters tape trying to align it (Given I had to double the tape layers because a single layer just went up in flames Instantly when pulsed lol) then my focus lense melted and cracked. Only had it for Maybe 2 months🙃 just saying.. for $7k... I expected a WHOLE lot more

[@VariablePenguin]

@@notyouraveragegoldenpotato don't know why you're replying to my comment... sounds like user error though

[@trilete716]

FYI - the size wrench you need for the brass mirror adjustment bolts is 5/16

[@ToddZilla813]

Mine is 7mm for some reason.

[@tomobryant2070]

My 80W Omtech USB570b laser does not have the up/down knobs on the tube brackets shown in this video. How do I adjust the beam up/down?

[@A2ZGeek]

I received my 80W a few weeks ago and the mounting screws for the mirrors were lose which has caused it to be very very off. how do I determine the correct way they should be mounted on the rails? It's so far out of alignment that it wouldn't even hit the tape when the laser head was closest to the second mirror.

[@iamnotmyown1676]

For my red OMTech 80watt laser without stand uses a 7mm or 9/32 wrench

[@design8studio]

So, does this need done on the refurbished unit I've ordered from OMTech Laser? Everyone needs to do this?

[@Black6ear1]

Does aim tech have videos for the 40W desktop? I just bought one and there is a black wire taped to the water hose in the back but the manual does not tell me what it’s for

[@markhilker9454]

Getting ready to replace my tube tomorrow. Appreciate the videos. My pea brain is having an issue with the last part of the alignments when you are adjusting mirror 2 for centering on mirror 3. In what you show, you are saying to pulse check with the x axis close to the left side and adjust if needed, then do the same thing with the head (mirror3) close to the right side and adjust if necessary. Would you not be just moving it back out of adjustment for the last adjustment that you did? I'm confused.

[@omtechlaser]

Hey Mark, thanks for reaching out! Beam alignment can be tricky at times! If you hit center on the left side and then the beam moves to the right, then what you are seeing is a rightward angle opening up as you move away. The beam should be leaning right, but you can't tell when you're close. So you will need to move the far pulse toward the first pulse to "close" the angle. For further assistance, you can reach our Technical Support team at [e-mail]

[@timtimmons3115]

I know this is an old question, but I feel it’s important since it shows near the top of the list of comments and I want to help others that might be reading through these comments because they are having trouble aligning their mirrors. It is IMPOSSIBLE to align your mirrors if you follow this video. The mirrors only accomplish one task and one task only. They align the beam to a certain axis. Mirror 1 aligns the beam to the y axis, mirror 2 to the x axis, and mirror 3 to the z axis. You CANNOT center the beam on the mirror with the mirrors. You can ONLY center the beam at the laser tube. Ive wasted countless hours trying to align the beam with the procedure in this video even when my head is screaming “it’s illogical to align the beam at one end of its travel then readjust the beam when it’s at its far end of travel and not expect the beam to be off at the close end of travel”. I just kept assuming the company selling a product would be producing an accurate video, but they are not. Here is a link to a video that explains alignment very clearly. I have no affiliation to this video I just really appreciated it’s very straightforward explanation of what actually needs to be done to accurately align your mirrors kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIq7Ya2cjKuhf68

[@adrianasalasdesantiago9928]

I can do the first pulse but when I try to pulse the second mirror, no such dot appears. Is there another button I should be pressing when testing the second mirror?

[@joebethbarkbarkoviak1730]

Use a paper plate -- likely that your laser is far enough off its not hitting your tape area!!!

[@davidulibarri6761]

My mirror #2, has smaller retention nuts, what size does it need?

[@micflip22]

I just changed my laser tube and ran a test and I am getting an o-ring and not a dot at the first mirror. how do I adjust it to get it back to a dot ?

[@Ihavethefaith]

How do you bring mirror number two to the back of the machine. Where is it originally located?

[@slugger1959]

This video is outdated for my AF2028. The initial tube alignment does not have a up-down adjustment. It seems the only way to raise the tube is to add a shim under the tube.

[@bearingtonbear3162]

FYI the 50w does not have the adjustment screws for the laser tube mentioned in this video

[@omtechlaser]

Hey there, thanks for reaching out!! Our models of 80W+ with a 20x28"+ bed have these adjustment screws. Any smaller model has stationary stands; therefore, needs rubber pads or washers to decrease/increase the stands. For more information, feel free to reach out to our Technical Support Team at omtechlaser.com/pages/contact-us

[@GridSpace]

I just finished aligning the laser again. And the dot on the last target is centered across the entire X (left/right) range. But when cutting at full power, there is ghosting around the cuts at the far right of the bed.

[@omtechlaser]

Hey there, great question!! Looks like you also need to check the alignment on the Y-Axis. The beam may be hitting the edge of the exit hole on the nozzle, if overlooking the alignment coming down. Another factor is the focal lens itself. If it is dirty or damaged, this can be an issue. For more information and assistance, please reach our Technical Support Team at omtechlaser.com/pages/contact-us

[@GridSpace]

@@omtechlaser is there a video for aligning the Y axis? the first 2 mirrors are easy enough and perfectly aligned as far as I can tell.

[@13hubi13]

I get Center shots to mirror 3 at all corners of the bed. But only on the front ride side it engraves good, the left back side looks terrible but I hit the same spot exactly in center at mirror 3 everywhere thats why I don't understand why it's only good in one corner? Also the head is square to the bed and the rest is also leveled.

[@edmelberg860]

I have a OMT ^) Watt Floor Laser and I have a problem with my x-axis alignment, I have the targets perfect on Mirrors 1 and 2 mirror 3 is dead center in the center of the machine full left the target is 1/4" to the right 9:00 the head mirror to the full right the target is 1/4" @ 3:00 For the life of me I cant get the x axis full left and full right to converge. Does anybody have a fix for this ?

[@TBR_LLC]

sounds like you are pushing the pulse button multiple times? is this correct?

[@turboflush]

So.. Totally missed was the alignment of mirrors to the gantries. Align laser tube with chassis ( which should be square with cut platform). Align laser to first mirror and center the dot. Align with second mirror at full rear y pos. Then fill front y pos. Make sure dots hit same spot ( does not have to be center). If it is high or low.. Your lazer is tilted. If its left right... First mirror will need to move left or right. Once these line up.... Then align the center dot. Then proceed to next mirror and do same. Make sure to align the z axis. Remove the lense. At first then install and double check. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIq7Ya2cjKuhf68

[@omtechlaser]

We appreciate the feedback! An updated version of our beam alignment training is in the works.

[@gerhardkoekemoer5526]

Ever heard of DOT to DOT? Center to Center wont make your beam run parallel to your Mechanical axis. Your alignment will always be out. As a manufacturer you should know how to properly align a laser beam.

[@dwbkmj]

So when calibrating the mirrors at close range and then at long range doesn’t it throw it out the center circle for close range calibration?

[@omtechlaser]

We advise moving the laser head to the front right of the machine this will give you the longest possible beam. If it's dialed in in this position, it should remain consistent at any other part of the bed provided your bed is trammed correctly. Aligning the mirror closer to the tube (rear right corner) may "appear" correct, but as you reposition the head you may see some drift that's only apparent when the laser beam is stretched over the work area. If you have trouble aligning the beam to the front left position. Start by aligning it in the rear right position. Then realign at the front left position. Then realign at the front right position. This will help you walk in the "fine adjustment" at the longest laser path.

[@terrylangenderfer8720]

Hello. At 1:13 in the video, the instructor states "Once you close your machine your laser will produce a dot". This didn't occur on our machine. Is there something we need to do activate the laser after we close the door covering the laser tube? Thank you.

[@omtechlaser]

Thank you for being an Omtech customer. We see you have some questions regarding your machine. Our techs will be more than happy to help answer all your questions. Please contact us at [e-mail] or our customer support team at [e-mail] we're also available by phone during business hours of 8:00am - 5:00pm+1 [phone] Monday-Friday pacific time zone. Thank you for your support.

[@julie6762]

I did not receive the wrench tool for when aligning the lasers. What size is it?

[@omtechlaser]

The retention nut uses an 8mm wrench.

[@angeladelreal9046]

my laser beam is flat how do I fix this

[@checkshirtjoinery5372]

what about the last mirror

[@user-iv5wr3co3h]

Hello sir, can you tell me how to do 2 more cuts in a row?

[@omtechlaser]

Good question!! Our Technical Support Team is always happy to assist at omtechlaser.com/pages/contact-us

[@meganmatthews1239]

Btw If You Have A 55w you will need a 7mm ranch I brought the two he said buy and they both was too big .

[@steveniezgoda4941]

I just bought this machine and when I went to do the Pulse test, the laser did not work at all. We followed the setup instructions but the laser won’t pulse at all. Are we missing something?

[@steviemoney]

Close the door

[@rafaellahadjistilli3748]

what if the dot is a ring instead?

[@GiveProject-to2zv]

los videos no los tienen en Español ?

[@jackbrady7]

How do you move the gantry forward and back and side to side...

[@ThePlexman]

Using the controller

[@craftylittlefig5437]

What does it mean when it says it’s protected and won’t do a pulse?

[@omtechlaser]

Hey there, seems like you could be having trouble with your door sensor. Your machine might think that the door is not fully closed. To fix this, the door and sensor will need to be adjusted. For assistance and more information, you can reach our Technical Support Team at omtechlaser.com/pages/contact-us

[@Ihavethefaith]

How can you tell which mirror is being pulsed?

[@omtechlaser]

In the example, we use masking tape to show which mirror is being pulsed. Hope this helps!

[@thelazerwhisperer]

When you say 14% I think you miss spoke and should of Said 14ma. Can you confirm this?

[@VariablePenguin]

I accidentally drove my nozzle into the bed by auto leveling without material under the sensor. How to I make sure I've got the nozzle aligned correctly?

[@omtechlaser]

Hey there, great question!! When this happens, you will need to lower your bed manually using the belts inside the cabinet of the machine. The auto focus doesn't normally move out of position, but if it does, then you will need to first make sure it's solid again. Furthermore, you would then have to find out the offset in the Z-Axis settings in your machine settings.

[@VariablePenguin]

@@omtechlaser I lowered the bed like you said. The nozzle appears to be at a weird angle not (not 90° to the axis). Should I just use a square to get that to the right angle?

[@omtechlaser]

@@VariablePenguin Yes, you can straighten it with a square!! Just make sure that it's tight and doesn't slide up or down.

[@VariablePenguin]

@@omtechlaser so how to I adjust the z-offset height now that I have the nozzle re-leveled? Current auto focus height is about 3 mm off from optimal according to the ramp test I did.

[@alessandrodelduca]

I'm performing everything shown in the video to the letter and I can't do the correct alignment of the lenses! I have a new Engraver but I can not use it because it was sent to me with the lenses not in focus!

[@omtechlaser]

Hey Alessandro, thanks for reaching out! Beam alignment can be tricky. We suggest reaching out to our Technical Support Team for assistance at [e-mail]. Website customers do receive a complimentary Virtual Technical Support session that can be acquired here: omtechlaser.com/products/virtual-technical-support-vtss-01

[@alessandrodelduca]

@@omtechlaser I did not understand, I just received the machine and I have to pay for assistance to help me to align the mirrors correctly? I have already written to the email address written above, but I have not yet received a reply! I find it incorrect not to give free assistance for those who have received the machine a few days ago, moreover for an incorrect configuration of the mirrors on your part!

[@omtechlaser]

@@alessandrodelduca Thanks for reaching back! You can reach our Technical Support Team via email or phone with no charge. The Virtual Technical Support session is 45 minutes of support via webcam. If you purchased through our website, a code was sent to your delivery email to unlock a free session!

[@alessandrodelduca]

@@omtechlaser The machine purchased it on AMAZON, but this does not mean that it is always your product, and consequently covered by warranty and assistance or am I wrong? The amazon seller did not send me any code to open assistance on your portal, how should I do?

[@omtechlaser]

@@alessandrodelduca Thank you for clarifying! You may contact our Technical Support Team for beam alignment assistance at [e-mail]

[@Ticktockbbk]

How do you know that you machine needs alignment with this test?

[@VersusTheWorld89]

After you have everything aligned you will know how it is supposed to be. when something seems a bit odd I always check to see if my alignment has shifted about before continuing my troubleshooting.

[@webdronez]

i went to follow this alignment and i have the K-40+ and the Tube is fixed. No risers. for all those who have k-40's

[@omtechlaser]

Hey there we appreciate your feedback! We are currently working on a video dedicated to the K40 Plus and hope to release the content soon. In the meantime, you can move the tube brackets or shim it up/down to move the tube placement. We appreciate your support!

[@webdronez]

Ahh thanks for the reply. I shortly put two and two together to get my tube to fire very well. Hopfully by the time the + videos come out i will have graduated to a larger machine. Thanks again. @@omtechlaser

[@michaeldorety624]

My 70 watt has 2 different size nuts… 8 and 6mm

[@omtechlaser]

Hey there, thanks for reaching out! Our Technical Support Team can gladly assist you and your machine's alignment virtually. As a website customer, you do have a complimentary Virtual Tech Support session here: omtechlaser.com/products/virtual-technical-support-vtss-01. The promo code should be found in your order delivery email.

[@liemar7816]

wäre schön wenn es diese Vidios auch auf Deutsch gäbe

[@omtechlaser]

Le nostre più sincere scuse poiché al momento non disponiamo di video tecnici ufficiali tradotti in tedesco. Tuttavia, abbiamo un ospite di Geremey che crea contenuti che aiutano con la configurazione, ecc. Grazie per il tuo supporto. www.google.com/search?sca_esv=dd5fb20fe780040b&q=omtech+germany&tbm=vid&source=lnms&prmd=ivmsnbtz&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi87OnK-4-FAxWnLUQIHTNaDQEQ0pQJegQICxAB&biw=1589&bih=730&dpr=1.2

[@jeaneenray6435]

I cant get my 60W to even pulse to align my mirrors.

[@omtechlaser]

Hey there, thanks for reaching out!! I apologize to hear about this issue. Please feel free to schedule a virtual appointment with our Technical Support Team at calendly.com/omtechlaser/virtual-tech-support-session?month=2021-03

[@DavidGuzman-rn6wy]

Yea me either should have just gone with the Epilog.

[@3dFirefly]

@@DavidGuzman-rn6wy it won't fire if door is open, key is off or laser switch off, please verify all of these. I just got my laser and those caught me a few times.

[@omtechlaser]

@@DavidGuzman-rn6wy Sorry to hear about the issue. Please report it to our timely and effective Technical Support Team at omtechlaser.com/pages/contact-us

[@schlotdoglaser]

Do they come from you guys aligned already?

[@omtechlaser]

Our machines do come aligned, but there's a chance that another alignment test is needed upon arrival due to the shipment of the machine.

[@schlotdoglaser]

@@omtechlaser I did buy a tube from you guys.... an amazing price and customer service. Looking at getting a bigger machine early next year. Are we allowed to come to the office on California (I am in NorCal but am able to make it to SoCal....born and raised there)?.

[@omtechlaser]

@@schlotdoglaser Good question!! We do offer Showroom Tours to see our machines in person and meet a representative. You can book your appointment at omtechlaser.com/products/showroom-tour-shw-anh . If you're looking to purchase an item and pick it up at our Anaheim location, there is an in-store pickup option at checkout. However, that specific item must be in stock at the Anaheim warehouse.

[@schlotdoglaser]

@@omtechlaser As big of a machine I want (80 or 100), it won't fit in my car....LOL

[@omtechlaser]

@@schlotdoglaser We suggest standard shipping then and possibly visiting our Showroom, if needed.

[@duttsky17]

It sure isn’t 5/16 wrench either.

[@jessicalane107]

Why not show the actual process of someone adjusting the screws and aligning the machine? Explaining doesn’t do nearly as much.

[@omtechlaser]

Hey Jessica, we're sorry that we missed some criteria needed. You can reach out to our Technical Support Team for beam alignment assistance at [e-mail]. In addition, all website customers do receive a complimentary Virtual Technical Support Session.

[@chriscmoor]

These training videos are worse than useless.

[@timtimmons3115]

This video in particular does nothing but waste your time. It is impossible to align your mirrors following this video unless the laser tube is perfectly positioned.

[@007flyguy1]

Please work on your public speaking

[@sweetsalutationsco.2159]

Work on being kind to people trying to help you!!!

[@timtimmons3115]

@@sweetsalutationsco.2159 The thing is they are NOT helping. I’ve sent countless emails to them to take this video down because it is impossible to align the mirrors if you follow this video. I wasted 6 months of my time with omtech. I finally had to do a credit card charge back because the machine didn’t work on day one and countless hours with tech support couldn’t get the machine to work properly. They need to take their videos down and redo them properly to help their users. Over the past year, I’ve talked to a lot of laser users, and the one thing people who have, or had, omtech gear agree on is just how terrible their customer service is.