Hi there, I’ve recently been testing the waters with some glass etching with my laser engraver. I have the aufero laser 2 which is similar to the ortur. I’ve tried several test glasses and I got it to work one time nicely but haven’t been able to replicate it since. I spray each glass with the rustoleum cold galvanized compound spray. I’ve tried high power low speeds low power low speeds etc. Is there a generalized setting point for glass on these diode lasers? Obviously everything is different but maybe I’m way off on my settings.
Hi Matt,
First, be careful with cold galvanized compound. It releases toxic fumes when lased so be sure to have plenty of ventilation and for good measure, wear PPE. Even better, ditch the CGC and use cheap, easy to find, easy to clean tempera paint. Black if you’re looking to etch the glass. On to your real question.
I have a 5 watt laser and my glass engraving runs at 600mm/min, 60% power. YMMV of course depending on which laser module you have with your Aufero, so view this as a starting point.
Ok so my laser is a 20w unit with the laser module being the LU2-4-LF which puts out around 4500 to 5500mw. So I’d guess I’d need to lower those setting for mine? Does tempera paint seem to work well for you?
Not necessarily. That converts to 4.5 - 5.5 Watts so we’re definitely in the ballpark.
Yes it works great. My biggest problem is getting a nice even coat of paint. But that’s a technique I haven’t yet mastered to my satisfaction. In other words; that’s my problem that I have to work out. 
I use tempera black paint and get good results. Make sure glass is very clean and add a few drips of washing up liquid to a small eggcup size container and half fill with tempera paint. Mix and apply a good coat to your glass. My laser is a 40w so my settings will be faster or useless power. I try to use slowest speed I can to avoid slippage on the rollers.
@Will_vl Duh I guess I could’ve did the math 
ok I grabbed the tempra paint. Way faster to dry than the cold galvanized compound. I will give it a test burn tomorrow with those setting and see how it compares!
@RonClarke washing up liquid? As in laundry detergent? Or like a dawn dish soap? Does that seem to work? Does it do something with the paint than just applying the paint alone?
Any liquid soap works as a whetting agent and helps the paint spread more evenly over the surface, Tempa paint is water based and any finger prints reject the paint. Soap breaks down this barrier.
That setting seemed to work really nice! It turned out nicely etched and that tempera is very easy to apply and drys fast!
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