Why Your Laser Isn’t Firing – And How to Get Back to Engraving Fast

Aug 06, 2025

Picture this: You’re in the zone, ready to finish your custom wood sign, when your OMTech laser suddenly stops firing. The machine powers up, your design is ready to go, but there’s no laser beam. Sound familiar?

Don’t worry—this doesn’t mean your machine is broken. In most cases, it's a simple oversight or minor issue that can be fixed in minutes. Whether you’re a small business owner, hobbyist, or educator working with a CO₂ laser, this guide will walk you through the most common causes (and cures) for non-firing issues.

Common Reasons Your Laser Won’t Fire

Let’s break down the most frequent culprits when your OMTech laser cutter decides to go quiet:

Loose or damaged cables – A frayed wire or loose plug can completely interrupt power or signal flow.
Dirty optics – Dust, smoke, and debris on the lens or mirrors can block or diffuse the beam.
Power supply issues – If your laser isn’t getting steady voltage, it simply won’t fire.
Software glitches – A misconfigured setting in LightBurn or RDWorks can cause your laser to skip firing altogether.
Safety interlocks – Safety features like open lids or tripped emergency stop buttons will prevent operation.
Focus or alignment – If the beam isn’t properly focused or aligned, it may not interact with the material at all.

Knowing what can go wrong helps you quickly narrow down the issue—so let’s move on to the solutions.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for a Non-Firing Laser

Before reaching for the toolbox or contacting support, try these simple steps first.

1. Check All Power Connections

Start with the basics:

Is your laser machine securely plugged into a working power outlet?
Are there any damaged cords, kinks, or loose power bricks?
Try a different power outlet or power cable if possible to rule out a faulty supply.

A weak or interrupted power source is often the root of the issue.

2. Inspect the Optics

Smoke and residue build up on the lens and mirrors over time. Here's how to clean them:

Power off and unplug your machine.
Gently remove the lens using the instructions in your OMTech manual.
Clean with a microfibre cloth and lens-safe cleaner. Avoid abrasives!
Check for obstructions in the mirror path as well.

Even slight build-up can reduce laser strength dramatically or block it altogether.

3. Reboot the Machine and Software

Glitches are more common than you’d think.

Turn off the machine, unplug it for 1–2 minutes, and then restart.
Close and reopen your laser software.
Re-import your design file and check for mismatched power/speed settings.
Reset to default settings if necessary.

This step alone often restores functionality.

4. Run a Test Pattern

Create a basic design—like a small square or circle—and attempt to engrave it on scrap wood or acrylic. If the machine still doesn’t fire:

You can eliminate the design file as the cause.
The issue likely lies in machine settings, optics, or hardware.

When Simple Fixes Don’t Work: What Else to Try

1. Check for Error Codes

Your OMTech machine will often flash warnings or display error messages. Don’t ignore them—these clues can point you in the right direction.

2. Verify Focus and Alignment

Even if the laser is firing, poor focus may make it look like it isn’t.

Adjust the bed height or lens focal distance based on your material.
Run a focus test using a ramp or manual focal test to determine optimal height.
Make sure the mirrors are properly aligned and directing the beam accurately.

3. Test the Power Supply

Use a multimeter (if you’re confident) to check voltage output to the laser tube and mainboard. Any inconsistent readings may indicate a faulty PSU.

If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, it may be time to call in support.

4. Update Firmware and Drivers

Running outdated software or firmware can cause strange behaviour:

Visit OMTech’s official site for the latest drivers and firmware updates.
Install clean copies if your current version is corrupted or unstable.

Preventative Maintenance to Keep the Laser Running

Avoid future no-fire scenarios with a few basic habits:

Weekly Cleaning – Clean the lens and mirrors every few jobs, especially if cutting wood.
Inspect Cables Regularly – Make sure nothing’s fraying or working loose.
Stay Cool – Monitor coolant levels and make sure ventilation is working.
Calibrate Often – Realign the laser and focus settings every few weeks for optimal performance.

These tasks might seem small but go a long way in keeping your machine reliable.

Why OMTech Makes Troubleshooting Easier

OMTech laser cutters are engineered for makers and small businesses—people who want results without a steep learning curve. With intuitive controls, accessible design, and active user support groups, OMTech gives you tools to resolve common issues on your own without relying on a technician.

Whether you’re working with timber, acrylic, leather or other non-metal materials, your CO₂ laser is designed to be part of your creative workflow—not a technical nightmare.

Recap: Your Laser Isn’t Firing—Now What?

✅ Double-check your cables and connections
✅ Clean your optics
✅ Restart and verify settings
✅ Run a test pattern
✅ Investigate error messages
✅ Test your power supply
✅ Update your software
✅ Recalibrate alignment and focus

One of these steps will almost certainly resolve the issue. And if not? Reach out to OMTech’s tech support—they’re known for fast, helpful advice that’s tailored to makers and creatives.

FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Questions

Q: My OMTech laser isn’t firing, but the machine is on. What now?
A: Start with power connections, then clean your lens and mirrors. Run a simple test file after rebooting. If it still doesn’t fire, check your power supply or contact support.

Q: Is this a software or hardware issue?
A: If you’ve cleaned, rebooted, and reloaded a new file but the machine still won’t fire, it may be a hardware problem—like a dead laser tube or failed PSU.

Q: How do I prevent my laser from going silent mid-project?
A: Maintain consistent power, avoid overheating, and clean your machine regularly. Quick pre-checks before every job go a long way.