Getting Started with the OMTech K40+: Laser Engraver Setup Guide

LaserOMTech Updated On April 25, 2025

If you’ve just unboxed your brand-new OMTech K40+ laser engraver—congrats! You’re now equipped with a powerful tool for crafting, cutting, and engraving materials like wood, acrylic, leather, and more. But before you dive into your first creative project, your machine needs to be assembled and configured.

Don’t worry—it’s simpler than you might think. In this walkthrough, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get your K40+ laser up and running, using OMTech’s official instructions as our foundation. From initial setup to your first test engraving, consider this your launchpad into the world of laser crafting.

What’s Included in the Package?

When you open the box, you’ll find everything needed to complete the setup process:

OMTech K40+ Laser Engraver
Power cable
USB connection cable
Vent fan with flexible ducting
Water circulation pump
Silicone sealing tube
Air assist nozzle and hose
Tool kit and fasteners
Instruction manual and setup documents

Before proceeding, confirm that all components are accounted for. Set up your workspace on a sturdy, level surface near ventilation. The environment should be clean, dry, well-lit, and between 5°C and 35°C.

Step 1: Unbox and Inspect the Equipment

Begin by carefully unpacking the unit. Remove any protective foam, zip ties, and safety film from inside the laser bed, tube housing, and accessory compartments.

Perform a visual inspection of the mirrors, lens, tube, and wiring to ensure nothing was damaged during shipping. If everything looks intact, you're ready to move forward.

Step 2: Attach the Exhaust System

Ventilation is a must when working with a CO₂ laser. The K40+ comes with a built-in fan and ducting to help direct smoke and fumes away from your workspace.

Here’s how to set it up:

Use the metal clamp provided to connect the duct to the rear exhaust outlet.
Place the end of the duct near a window or an external vent.
Check that all connections are tight and sealed.

Tip: Consider upgrading to a filtration unit for indoor use if needed later.

Step 3: Install the Water Cooling System

Your K40+ uses water to keep the laser tube cool during operation. The included submersible pump ensures a steady flow of coolant.

To set it up:

Fill a clean container with at least 7.5 liters of distilled water kept between 15°C and 21°C. Avoid tap water to prevent tube corrosion.
Attach the suction cups and water outlet to the pump.
Connect the machine’s blue tubing to the pump’s outlet.
Submerge the pump in the water and make sure the return hose is positioned to flow smoothly back into the container.
Plug in the pump and power it on.

Check the tubing to confirm continuous water movement. There should be no large bubbles—anything bigger than 1 cm indicates an issue.

Step 4: Activate the Air Assist System

Air assist helps keep your engraving clean and your lens free from debris by blowing smoke away from the cutting area.

Power on the machine and disengage the emergency stop.
Check that the laser head nozzle is releasing pressurized air.
Run the air assist while operating the machine for cleaner cuts and longer lens life.

Step 5: Verify Safety Features

With the mechanical setup complete, it's time to test the built-in safety systems:

Switch on the key and press the reset button.
Press the emergency stop to confirm the machine shuts down—this confirms emergency functions are working.
Restart the water pump, close the lid, and turn on the machine again.
On the display screen, verify the “Water Protect” signal shows ON.
Now disconnect the pump. If the signal turns OFF, water protection is active.

Note: If the screen powers down, the auto shutoff feature is working correctly.

Step 6: Set Up the Laser Software

The K40+ works with common software like LaserGRBL and LightBurn.

To install:

Plug the included USB stick into your computer and transfer the files to your hard drive.
Install LaserGRBL and launch the program.
Install the CH341 driver that matches your operating system.
Connect the laser to your computer using the USB cable.
In the software, click Connect. If “OMTech” appears in the interface, you’re ready to proceed.
Set and confirm the machine’s parameters in the software menu.

Once connected, you can also choose to use LightBurn if you prefer a more advanced engraving experience.

Step 7: Align the Mirrors

Proper mirror alignment ensures the laser beam travels accurately from the source to the material.

Power on the machine and adjust the potentiometer to about 15% power.
Stick a piece of tape over the third mirror.
Move the laser head to the top-left corner and close the lid.
Press Reset to activate the screen, then hit the red test button.
Repeat the process in all corners of the bed.
Check the scorch marks—if they align at all four points, your mirrors are properly aligned.

Step 8: Focus the Laser Beam

Focus is key to getting precise, clean engravings.

Place a test material (like wood or acrylic) on the laser bed.
Use the supplied jig or focus tool to manually adjust the height of the laser head.
When the correct distance is achieved, you’re ready to engrave.

Step 9: Perform a Test Engraving

Open your software and follow these steps:

Import a basic file—a shape, wordmark, or logo.
Set your engraving parameters (e.g., 15% power, 300 mm/s speed).
Use the frame function to preview the working area.
If all looks correct, press Start to begin engraving.

Monitor the process closely, and keep your hand near the power switch in case you need to stop the machine quickly.

Safety Reminders Before You Begin

Never leave the laser running unattended.
Regularly clean the lens and mirrors for consistent results.
Only use materials that are safe for laser processing—avoid PVC, vinyl, or anything with unknown additives.
Keep your workspace ventilated and fire-safe at all times.

Final Thoughts: From Unboxing to Creating

And there you have it! With your OMTech K40+ now assembled and configured, you’re ready to create everything from custom signs and engraved gifts to detailed crafts and labels. This compact desktop laser offers serious creative power in a space-saving design.

Turn Inspiration into Real Results

Whether you're using the K40+ to start a side hustle or just expanding your maker toolkit, OMTech’s laser engravers deliver on performance and versatility. From beginner-friendly models like the Polar+ to advanced CO2 machines like the Pronto Series, there’s an OMTech solution for every maker and manufacturer.

Explore OMTech laser engravers today and discover how the right machine can bring your biggest ideas to life—one precise cut at a time.