Your Glowforge is now broadcasting a temporary Wi-Fi signal. Make sure your Glowforge is close to your computer, phone, or tablet. Move your computer, phone, or tablet closer to your Glowforge. The signal that your Glowforge broadcasts can’t reach across far distances. Discussion of the Glowforge 3D laser printer, free laser designs, help and support, tricks and tips, and other laser cutting and engraving information. Category Topics; Announcements. This category is for major news, announcements, and updates by the Glowforge team. Made on a Glowforge.
This page is currently under construction.
This cutter is one of the best choices for those who are looking for a versatile and reliable commercial grade laser cutter. This machine has an extremely efficient 45W CO2 laser tube. It can engrave materials, such as glass, marble, titanium, and even stone. Glowforge Pro+ combines high cutting power, extraordinary precision (up to 1/1000';) and brilliant software solutions.
Description
The Glowforge Basic is a 40 watt laser cutter / engraver capable of cutting a range of wood and plastic materials less than 1/4' (6.3mm) thick. The key attraction of the glowforge is all preparation and printing can be done wirelessly from any computer connected to the glowforge webpage. One thing to keep in mind is that the ONLY materials appropriate for the glowforge is the glowforge created and approved Proofgrade materials.
Safety Concerns
The laser cutter is safe when used by properly trained makers following our SOPs and cutting only approved materials. Used improperly, laser cutters present several risks that need to be understood by all makers. The most important safety concerns specific to laser cutter use are Fire, Fumes, and Laser Radiation.
Training
Use of this tool requires the completion of a safety and usage training module. This training may be found on the Sandbox Canvas course In this module If this link does not work for you, ensure that you are enrolled in the course by going to ter.ps/Learn2Make and clicking on the 'Join this Course' or 'Enroll' button.
Self-training via this wiki, user manuals, or other sources is encouraged but does not substitute for the online training module. Students found using this tool without completing the Canvas training module are subject to disciplinary action which may include termination of Sandbox access.
Trained Managers
The managers that have adopted this tool and can help you with using. Keep in mind these are not the only managers that know how to use this tool, feel free to ask any. Full list of adopted tools can be found here here.
| Manager |
|---|
| Matt Marks |
Tips & Tricks
- To use the Glowforge you first need to have an account created for you on app.glowforge.com Any manager who is Glowforge trained can do this for you.
- Tips and tricks for using Adobe Illustrator to prepare graphics for laser cutting can be found here. After creating your image, you can import it into the glowforge application.
- The usable materials for the glowforge is only Glowforge's ProofGrade material (a certain brand)
Accessories
- Air Filter
Manuals
A downloaded copy of the Glowforge manual can be found on our shared drive
Manufacturer's Web Site
Specifications
Dimensions
- Glowforge exterior (Pro, Plus, and Basic): 38″ x 20.75″ x 8.25″ (965mm x 527mm x 210mm)
Work Area
Glowforge.app
- Maximum material depth: 18' (455 mm) for Basic and Plus; unlimited for Pro
- Maximum material width: 20″ (515 mm)
- Cutting area: approx. 11″ (279 mm) deep and 19.5″ (495 mm) wide
- Maximum material height: 2″ (50mm)
- Maximum material height with tray: 0.5″ (13mm)
Material Capability
Can safely print on any laser-compatible material, with examples below. Glowforge recommends Proofgrade™ materials for automatic settings and perfect results.
Cuts & Engraves
- wood
- fabric
- leather
- paper
- cardboard
- plexiglass (acrylic)
- Delrin (acetal)
- mylar
- rubber
- cork
- sandpaper
- foods
- ...and more
Engraves Only
- glass
- marble
- rubber stamps
- stone
- ceramic tile
- anodized aluminum
- titanium
- corian
- ...and more
Software
- Easy and powerful interface will have you printing in minutes
- Web interface works on Mac, PC, Linux, and many mobile devices (internet required)
- Compatible with JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF, and other file formats
- Drag-and-drop layout with live camera preview to position designs on the material
- Automatically scan drawings and print without design software
- Catalog of premium, customizable, ready-to-print designs
One Button Print
- When used with Proofgrade materials, automatically determines settings for perfect cutting and engraving
Cameras
- Wide Angle Camera — Mounted on the lid, provides a view of the entire printable area, accurate within 0.25' (6mm)
- Macro Camera — Mounted on the head, provides extreme up-close information for autofocus, accurate within 0.004' (0.1mm)
Autofocus
- Exquisitely precise — low-power laser measurement scans the surface of the material to determine the exact height
- Completely Internal — Lens moves internally up and down inside the head to print on materials up to 0.5” (13mm) thick
- Multipass — Focus can be shifted between engrave passes, allowing detailed depth engraves
- Manual focus option — the laser can be focused at a precise height to experiment with a range of techniques
Lighting
Glowforge Macbook
- Dual high-efficiency internal LED strips give your work broad illumination for a wide angle view
- Headlights under the lid give point illumination for precise precisioning
Laser System
- CO2 Laser — Custom CO2 glass laser tube capable of continuous operation at 10,600 nm; rated at 45 watts for Pro and 40 watts for Plus and Basic
- Fixed Alignment — Factory calibrated optical system does not require any alignment by the user
- Sealed Optics — Enclosed optical path with cleanable and replaceable windows protects the laser optics to avoid replacement or realignment
Mechanicals
- Case — High modulus injection molded plastic
- Linear System — Custom extruded aluminum linear rails with belt driven v-wheel carrier
- Motion — Dual hybrid stepper Y axis; single hybrid stepper X axis
- Cooling — Closed loop self contained internal cooling.
- Air Assist — Internal air assist with no external compressor hookup required
- Recommended Operating Temperature: 60F-75F (16C-24C) Basic and Plus; 60F-81F (16C-27C) Pro
Requirements
- Wi-Fi required (2.4 GHz b/g/n and WPA2, WPA, WEP, or open)
- Ventilation with either the Glowforge Compact Filter, or an open-able window within 8 feet
- 110/220 VAC, 50 or 60 HZ outlet
- Glowforge Basic, Plus, and Pro have 800W peak power consumption
- Compact Filter has an additional 350W peak power consumption
Miscellaneous
- Precision power settings allow enough control to draw lines on copy paper
- 3D engrave settings carve detailed surfaces
- Positioning precision to 0.001” (0.025mm)
- Engraving up to 1355 DPI
In our latest update, we announced our product line is now for sale - not for preorder, but available in inventory. Read all about it here. Alongside this milestone moment, we’re introducing a few new exciting features for you.
Glowforge App for iOS (Beta)
We’re on our way to improving your phone and tablet experience with our new Glowforge App for iOS. Our iOS app gives you printing control right from your iPhone or iPad, and makes it easy to include a photo from your camera library right into your design. Download the app here.
We’d love to hear your suggestions so that we can make it the best we possibly can. Since this is a beta release, our support team can’t handle your questions yet - head to this forum thread to read more about the app, and to share your feedback and any problems you might find.
Glowforge App Macbook
Engrave setting for MacBook Pro Silver (Beta)
You can now find the new engrave setting for MacBook Pro Silver as a preset in the materials drop-down.
Glowforge App Mac Pro
While we’ve started with our customers’ most popular laptop, this feature is just the start of exploring engraving of common consumer electronic devices. We’ll have more settings coming in as well as software updates in the works to auto-detect your device so that your Glowforge can pick the right ones for you.
This is an unsupported beta release, and that means that any engraving is entirely at your own risk. The engraving could come out poorly, it could land in the wrong location, it could void the warranty of your laptop, or it could even damage your laptop. As with all prints, watch carefully and do not leave your Glowforge unattended while printing.
Because this is in beta, the support team can’t help you, but if you’d like to compare notes head to this forum thread.
New Proofgrade™ option: Pro Passthrough size
You’ll notice some exciting new updates in our materials shop. By popular request, we’ve added a slew of Pro Passthrough-sized hardwoods, plywoods, acrylics, and Draftboard™ that you can use for larger projects like furniture or large-scale artwork. Check them out - and start thinking big!