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 |
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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.
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 Area | 11" deep | 19.5" wide | |
Material Size | 18" deep | 20.4" wide | up 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 Type | Cuts | Engraves |
---|---|---|
Acrylic (cast or non-toxic) | Yes | Yes |
Canvas | Yes | Yes |
Cardboard (with supervision) | Yes | Yes |
Cork | Yes | Yes |
EVA Foam Sheets | Yes | Yes |
Fabric | Yes | Yes |
Leather | Yes | Yes |
Mylar | Yes | Yes |
Paper | Yes | Yes |
Sandpaper | Yes | Yes |
Wood (plywood/hardwood) | Yes | Yes |
Anodized Aluminum | No | Yes |
Ceramic Tile | No | Yes |
Devices (like a laptop) | No | Yes |
Glass | No | Yes |
Marble | No | Yes |
Slate | No | Yes |
Stone | No | Yes |
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 Type | Danger |
---|---|
PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) | Emits chlorine gas |
Vinyl | Emits chlorine gas |
Pleather/Artificial Leather | Emits chlorine gas |
Thick (>1mm) Polycarbonate/Lexan | Cuts very poorly, can discolor, catches fire |
ABS | Melts/Emits Cyanide |
HDPE/Milk Bottle Plastic | Catches fire and melts |
PolyStyrene and Polypropylene Foams | Catches fire |
Epoxy | Burn/Smoke |
Fiberglass | Emits fumes |
Coated Carbon Fiber | Emits noxious fumes |
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (trade name: Teflon®) | |
Rubber (latex-based) | Emits noxious fumes |
Any Foodstuff | The laser is not food-safe, as it cuts other types of items |
Materials with sticky glue backing | Coats 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
ACRYLIC | Size | Thickness | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Clear (Cast, Transparent, Glossy) | Small (5" x 10") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $6.50 |
Standard (12" x 20") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $18.50 | |
Black (Cast, Opaque, Glossy) | Small (5" x 10") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $6.50 |
Standard (12" x 20") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $18.50 | |
White (Cast, Opaque, Glossy) | Small (5" x 10") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $6.50 |
Standard (12" x 20") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $18.50 | |
Red (Cast, Opaque, Glossy) | Small (5" x 10") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $6.00 |
Standard (12" x 20") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $20.00 | |
Blue (Cast, Opaque, Glossy) | Small (5" x 10") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $6.00 |
Standard (12" x 20") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $20.00 | |
Teal (Cast, Opaque, Glossy) | Small (5" x 10") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $6.00 |
Standard (12" x 20") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $20.00 | |
Purple (Cast, Opaque, Glossy) | 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) | Small (5" x 10") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $7.00 |
Standard (12" x 20") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $21.00 | |
Orange (Cast, Opaque, Glossy) | Small (5" x 10") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $6.00 |
Standard (12" x 20") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $20.00 | |
Green (Cast, Opaque, Glossy) | |||
Standard (12" x 20") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $20.00 | |
Yellow (Cast, Opaque, Glossy) | Small (5" x 10") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $6.00 |
Standard (12" x 20") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $20.00 |
DRAFTBOARD | Size | Thickness | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Unfinished | Standard (12" x 20") | Medium (Approx. 1/8") | $9.00 |
Standard (12" x 20") | Thick (Approx. 1/4") | $11.00 |
LEATHER | Size | Thickness | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Natural 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 |
PLYWOOD | Size | Thickness | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Maple (Finished) | 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) | 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) | 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) | Standard (12" x 20") | Light (Approx. 3/25") | $22.00 |
VENEER | Size | Thickness | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Maple (Finished) | Standard (12" x 20") | Approx. 2/100" | $31.50 |
Walnut (Finished) | Standard (12" x 20") | Approx. 2/100" | $41.00 |
Cherry (Finished, with 3M Tape) | Standard (12" x 20") | Approx. 2/100" | $41.00 |