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OMTech · CO₂
OMTech 40W CO₂ (K40 class)
The classic budget CO₂ — powerful but expects you to tinker
Last updated How we evaluate
Released January 2019
What this machine is for
Budget CO₂ cutting for makers willing to upgrade and maintain
Reference benchmark same job size on every machine so you can compare times fairly.
Laser spot size
~0.2 mm CO₂ spot
Smaller spot = finer detail (frame motion is usually the same across tiers)
Motion precision: 0.01 mm
Sample engrave job
~5–8 min
Filled photo or logo on birch plywood
10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)
Sample cut job
~2–4 min
Simple square cut-out from 3 mm acrylic
10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)
Times are estimates for the reference job above; your design complexity and settings will change them.
TL;DR
The modern evolution of the famous K40. Real CO₂ cutting power at the lowest CO₂ price point. Excellent value if you enjoy upgrading and fixing things. Wrong choice if you want plug-and-play out of the box.
What this machine is for
Budget CO₂ laser cutting and engraving for makers willing to modify and maintain their machine.
Best for
Materials
Engraves
- · Wood
- · Acrylic
- · Leather
- · Glass
- · Rubber
- · Anodized aluminum
Cuts
- · Acrylic up to ~8 mm
- · Wood up to ~8 mm
- · Leather
- · Fabric
Cannot do
- · Bare metal
- · Very thick materials in one pass
- · Large format (small bed)
- · Safe operation without ventilation upgrades
Pros
- ✓Lowest-cost entry to real CO₂ cutting
- ✓Cuts acrylic and wood diode lasers struggle with
- ✓Huge mod community (LightBurn, air assist, better exhaust)
- ✓Parts and tubes are cheap to replace
- ✓Can produce sellable products once dialed in
Cons
- ✗Stock exhaust, bed, and controller often need upgrades
- ✗Small work area
- ✗Safety and ventilation are your responsibility
- ✗Quality control varies — some units need alignment work
- ✗Not enclosed on most models — louder and smokier
Beginner notes
Do not buy a K40-class machine if you want to unbox and go. Budget an extra $100–200 for exhaust hose, air assist, and possibly a controller upgrade. Watch a full setup video before ordering.
Pro tips
Install LightBurn and a Mini Gerbil or similar board if you outgrow stock software. Replace the stock exhaust fan immediately. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby — CO₂ cuts combustible materials.
Pro / technical specs
Raw numbers for experienced users comparing machines.
- Laser spot size
- ~0.2 mm CO₂ spot
- Max speed (spec)
- 400 mm/s
- Avg engrave speed
- 120–250 mm/s fill
- Avg cut speed
- 10–30 mm/s on 3 mm acrylic
- Motion precision
- 0.01 mm