Clear Glass Engrave Test with Monport Onyx | Material Minute

Welcome to another episode of “Material Minute”! In this post, we showcase how the Monport Onyx laser engraver performs an engraving test on 0.25-inch (6.35mm) clear glass. Using a range of power and speed settings, we evaluate how this machine achieves precise and detailed engravings. Whether you’re a laser enthusiast or a creator perfecting your craft, this guide will help you discover the optimal settings for your own clear glass engraving projects. Scroll down to see the test results and settings in action!

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Setting	Value
Material	Clear Glass
Power	20% to 100%
Speed	100 mm/s to 500 mm/s
DPI	254
Line Interval	0.1 mm
Air Assist	5 PSI
Frequency	20 kHz
Passes	1

Final results of engrave test on Clear Glass.

Clear Glass Engrave Test with Monport Onyx

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Analysis & Observations for Clear Glass Engraving

Cleanest Engravings:

The Monport Onyx achieved the best results on clear glass with power levels between 40% and 60% and speeds of 200–300 mm/s. These settings produced smooth, well-defined engravings with excellent clarity, making them ideal for intricate designs and projects requiring precision.

Overburn and Excess Etching:

Higher power settings (70%–100%) paired with slower speeds (100–150 mm/s) resulted in overburn and excessive etching. This created rough, frosted areas that lacked the fine detail and smoothness preferred for high-quality projects.

Faint Engravings:

At higher speeds (400–500 mm/s) and lower power levels (20%–30%), the engravings appeared faint and lacked definition. While not suitable for detailed designs, these settings could be useful for subtle surface markings or decorative textures.

Frequency and Air Assist:

The 20 kHz frequency paired with air assist at 5 PSI helped reduce dust buildup and resulted in a cleaner engraving surface. This combination ensures minimal distortion and keeps the workspace clear for consistent results.

Line Interval and DPI:

The 0.1 mm line interval and 254 DPI settings delivered sharp, consistent engravings across the grid. These settings demonstrate the Monport Onyx’s precision and capability for achieving detailed results on clear glass.

Recommended Settings for 0.25-Inch (6.35mm) Clear Glass Engraving

Power: 40%–60%
Speed: 200–300 mm/s
Line Interval: 0.1 mm
DPI: 254
Frequency: 20 kHz
Air Assist: 5 PSI

Best Practice for Engraving Clear Glass

When engraving clear glass, the best practice is to engrave from the front of the material. This approach produces a frosted, textured effect that stands out clearly and is visually appealing. Engraving on the front allows the laser to etch the surface of the glass, creating a detailed and consistent design that is easily visible without requiring additional finishing steps.

Key Tips for Optimal Results:

Surface Preparation: Clean the glass thoroughly before engraving to remove any dust, oils, or residues that could affect the laser’s performance.
Optional Enhancements: For added contrast, place a dark background or light source behind the glass to make the frosted design more prominent.
When Back Engraving Makes Sense: Back engraving is rarely necessary for clear glass but can be used if you plan to fill the design with paint or resin, or if you want a smoother, polished look on the front surface. If engraving from the back, be sure to flip your design horizontally in the software so it appears correctly when viewed from the front.

By engraving on the front, you’ll ensure the design is vibrant, detailed, and professional-looking. For most clear glass projects, this method offers the best clarity and visibility, making it the standard for achieving stunning results.

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