Glowforge

Glowforge Pro HD

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

Cost: $5 per 30 minutes of laser time, sales tax included.

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Rated: Complex to Learn
Complex Difficulty Level

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.

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 about them or deem them to be unsafe.

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.

Click "Typically Accepted Materials" or "Prohibited Materials" to view the full drop-down tabs below.

Additional Resources

Product List

Acrylic

Acrylic Black
Acrylic Clear
Acrylic Green
Acrylic Pink
Acrylic Red
Acrylic Teal
Acrylic Yellow
Acrylic Blue
Glass Green
Green (Fluorescent)
Acrylic Purple
Acrylic Orange
Acrylic White

Draftboard and Leather

Draftboard
Leather Small
Leather Standard

Plywood

Plywood Basswood
Plywood Cherry
Plywood Maple
Plywood Walnut

A Meet Your Maker(space) project is available for this machine! Find out more on our Meet Your Maker(space) page.Meet Your Maker(space) 2024