Glowforge

In order to use and reserve time with this machine, you need to sign the makerspace waiver and either complete the suggested training or be trained by makerspace staff. Currently, this machine is available by reservation only.

Cost:  $5 per 30 minutes of laser time

What it does

The Glowforge Pro laser cutter is a Class 1 laser containing an embedded Class 4 laser. It works with many different materials to cut, score, and engrave.

Glowforge Pro

Glowforge Pro
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Files

You can design with any software that saves a PDF, including choices like Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, CorelDraw, Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Autodesk 360, and Sketchup. 

  • PDF, DXF, SVG: Can work for cutting, scoring, and engraving purposes
  • JPG, PNG: Can work for engraving purposes only

We reserve the right to reject projects based on content or copyright. Commercial projects are not accepted. Same-day projects cannot be guaranteed and project completion times will vary. The laser cannot operate without staff presence.

Print Area & Material Size

The print bed accommodates materials measuring 18” x 20.4.” The maximum printing area is 11" x 19.5,” which is somewhat reduced when the laser operates at high speed, as the deceleration of the laser requires some space. There’s a tray for materials that are up to 0.5” thick, or the tray can be removed to accommodate materials up to 2” thick.

Print Area and Material Size
Printing Area11" deep19.5" wide
Material Size18" deep20.4" wideup to 2" thick
   * Pro Passthrough allows material 20.4" wide,
      up to 1/4" thick, and as long as you want.

Materials

We encourage the use of Proofgrade materials, which are guaranteed to work well with the Glowforge. A variety of Proofgrade materials are available for purchase (at cost value). The list of products currently available at the library can be found at the bottom of the page. You may also purchase your own Proofgrade materials directly from Glowforge here. 

  • If you want to bring in outside materials, you must ensure that they are compatible with a CO2 laser 
    (check websites and/or call the company/manufacturer). 
  • Makerspace staff must approve all non-Proofgrade material. 
  • We reserve the right to refuse materials we are uncertain of or deem to be unsafe.

Typically Accepted Materials

Material TypeCutsEngraves
Acrylic (cast or non-toxic)
YesYes
CanvasYesYes
Cardboard (with supervision)
YesYes
Cork
YesYes
EVA Foam SheetsYesYes
FabricYesYes
LeatherYesYes
MylarYesYes
PaperYesYes
SandpaperYesYes
Wood (plywood/hardwood)
YesYes



Anodized Aluminum
NoYes
Ceramic Tile
NoYes
Devices (like a laptop)NoYes
GlassNoYes
MarbleNoYes
Slate
NoYes
Stone
NoYes

Thickness varies by material. The Glowforge can cut some 1/2" (13mm) hardwood and acrylic; for best results, 1/4" (6mm) or thinner materials are recommended. Makerspace staff must approve all non-Proofgrade material. We reserve the right to refuse materials we are uncertain of or deem to be unsafe.

Prohibited Materials

Material TypeDanger
PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride)Emits chlorine gas
VinylEmits chlorine gas
Pleather/Artificial LeatherEmits chlorine gas
Thick (>1mm) Polycarbonate/LexanCuts very poorly,  can discolor, catches fire
ABSMelts/Emits Cyanide
HDPE/Milk Bottle PlasticCatches fire and melts
PolyStyrene and
Polypropylene Foams		Catches fire
EpoxyBurn/Smoke
FiberglassEmits fumes
Coated Carbon FiberEmits noxious fumes
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
(trade name: Teflon®)
Rubber (latex-based)Emits noxious fumes
Any FoodstuffThe laser is not food-safe, as it cuts other types of items
Materials with sticky glue backingCoats and/or cracks the lens

These materials are never allowed in the Glowforge, as they may cause damage to the machine or endanger the users.

Additional Resources

Designs – Glowforge Shop: Link to premade designs for Glowforge

Glowforge Proofgrade Materials: Link to purchase Proofgrade materials for use with the Glowforge

Glowforge Safety: Link to safety information about the Glowforge Laser Cutter

Glowforge User Manual: Link to the most current version of the Glowforge User Manual

Inkscape: Link to a free and open-source professional vector graphics editor

Thingiverse: Link to our favorite site for discovering, making, and sharing 3D printable and laser-cuttable designs

MakerCase: Create boxes with this free website

Boxes.py: Create boxes and more with this open-source online software

Product List

ACRYLICSizeThicknessPrice
Clear 
(Cast, Transparent, Glossy)
Acrylic Clear		Small (5" x 10")Medium (Approx. 1/8")$6.50
Standard (12" x 20")Medium (Approx. 1/8")$18.50
Black
(Cast, Opaque, Glossy)
Acrylic Black		Small (5" x 10")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$6.50
Standard (12" x 20")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$18.50
White
(Cast, Opaque, Glossy)
Acrylic White		Small (5" x 10")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$6.50
Standard (12" x 20")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$18.50
Red
(Cast, Opaque, Glossy)
Acrylic Red		Small (5" x 10")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$6.00
Standard (12" x 20")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$20.00
Blue
(Cast, Opaque, Glossy)
Acrylic Blue		Small (5" x 10")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")  
$6.00
Standard (12" x 20")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$20.00
Teal
(Cast, Opaque, Glossy)
Acrylic Teal		Small (5" x 10")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$6.00
Standard (12" x 20")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$20.00
Purple
(Cast, Opaque, Glossy)
Acrylic Purple		Small (5" x 10")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$6.00
Standard (12" x 20")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$20.00
Fluorescent Pink
(Cast, Translucent, Glossy)
Acrylic Pink		Small (5" x 10")Medium (Approx. 1/8")$7.00
Standard (12" x 20")Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$21.00
Orange
(Cast, Opaque, Glossy)
Acrylic Orange		Small (5" x 10")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$6.00
Standard (12" x 20")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$20.00
Green
(Cast, Opaque, Glossy)
Acrylic Green


Standard (12" x 20")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$20.00
Yellow
(Cast, Opaque, Glossy)
Acrylic Yellow		Small (5" x 10")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$6.00
Standard (12" x 20")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$20.00
DRAFTBOARDSizeThicknessPrice
Unfinished
Draftboard		Standard
(12" x 20")		Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$9.00
Standard (12" x 20")
Thick (Approx. 1/4")
$11.00
LEATHERSizeThicknessPrice
Natural Leather
Leather		Small (5" x 10")Thin (Approx. 1/48")
$14.00
Small (5" x 10")Medium (Approx. 3/64")$17.00
Small (5" x 10")Thick (Approx. 3/32")$18.50
Standard (12" x 20")
Medium (Approx. 3/64"")
$48.00
PLYWOODSizeThicknessPrice
Maple (Finished)
Plywood Maple		Standard (12" x 20")Light (Approx. 3/25")
$31.00
Standard (12" x 20")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$22.00
Standard (12" x 20")
Thick (Approx. 1/4")
$26.00
Walnut (Finished)
Plywood Walnut		Standard (12" x 20")
Light (Approx. 3/25")
$31.00
Standard (12" x 20")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$31.00
Standard (12" x 20")
Thick (Approx. 1/4")
$32.50
Cherry (Finished)
Plywood Cherry		Standard (12" x 20")
Light (Approx. 3/25")
$25.00
Standard (12" x 20")
Medium (Approx. 1/8")
$25.00
Standard (12" x 20")
Thick (Approx. 1/4")
$30.00
Basswood (Finished)
Plywood Basswood		Standard (12" x 20")
Light (Approx. 3/25")
$22.00
VENEERSizeThicknessPrice
Maple (Finished)
Plywood Maple		Standard (12" x 20")
Approx. 2/100"
$31.50
Walnut (Finished)
Plywood Walnut		Standard (12" x 20")
Approx. 2/100"
$41.00
Cherry (Finished, with 3M Tape)
Plywood Cherry		Standard (12" x 20")
Approx. 2/100"
$41.00