Information
Laser cutting is available at The Shop which houses a 45W Glowforge Pro and a 40W Glowforge Plus, which uses a beam of light the width of a human hair to cut, engrave, and shape designs from a variety of materials.
The Glowforge Plus and Pro bed can accommodate materials measuring 18” x 20”. The maximum printable area is 11 x 19.5”, and it’s reduced somewhat when the laser operates at high speed, as it can take space for the laser to decelerate. 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.
You can create very simple designs within the Glowforge web interface, or you can design and export a digital file to upload at the time of your equipment reservation. There are dozens of paid and open-source software options to choose from, such as Inkscape, Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva, or CorelDraw. PowerPoint and Keynote also work! Before you start designing, make sure you’ll be able to export your file in a format that is compatible with the Glowforge interface. The Glowforge can print .JPG, .PDF, .PNG, .SVG, and .DXF file formats.
Connecting to the Glowforge machine is simple. You’ll just need a laptop or tablet with internet access, and an up-to-date version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge. To print a file, just drag-and-drop it directly in app, and then adjust the preview to your liking.
Note: All patrons must complete the Glowforge Laser Cutter Certification class before using the Glowforge. The Glowforge is only available for use by patrons 18+. Click here to make an online reservation to use the Glowforge.
Glowforge Safety Certification Class
Glowforge Laser Cutter Certification Class: Learn everything you need to know about creating files for the Glowforge laser cutter and using the machine.
This class will go over the basics of laser cutting, safety procedures, and the accompanying app.Glowforge.com interface. Students will then be required to design and successfully cut a small and simple project that incorporates the skills and knowledge covered.
Prerequisites: Basic MAC or PC skills; previous knowledge of design software is recommended.
Accepted Materials
The Library does not supply materials for the Glowforge and patrons must confirm that their materials are compatible with a CO2 laser.
Accepted Materials
Materials appropriate for use in the Glowforge are dependent on the job that the machine will do. Due to the weaker power of an engraving, more materials are allowed for this than if the Glowforge is set to cut through a material.
- Materials must be ¼” (6mm) or thinner for a cut job
- Materials up to 2" can fit into the bed, but must only be engraved
- The maximum height with the crumb tray is .5 inches. You can remove the crumb tray and engrave items taller than 2.0 inches, but you must put something underneath the piece to bring it to within the 2.0 inch range of the laser head. Please notify Shop staff if you plan on removing the crumb tray.
Library staff reserve the right to refuse material if we deem it to be unsafe or inappropriate.
| Material Type | Cuts | Engraves |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Yes | Yes |
| Acrylic (cast or non-toxic) | Yes | Yes |
| Cardboard | Yes | Yes |
| Cork | Yes | Yes |
| Leather (vegetable tanned only) | Yes | Yes |
| Paper | Yes | Yes |
| Fabric (natural fibers only - nothing synthetic) | Yes | Yes |
| Glass | No | Yes |
| Ceramic Tile | No | Yes |
| Marble | No | Yes |
| Anodized Aluminum | No | Yes |
| Rubber Stamps | No | Yes |
| Titanium | No | Yes |
| Stone | No | Yes |
| Corian | No | Yes |
| Slate | No | Yes |
Prohibited Materials
| Material Type | Danger |
|---|---|
| PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), vinyl, pleater, artificial leather | Emits chlorine gas when cut |
| Polycarbonate/ Lexan more than 1mm thick | Cuts very poorly, discolors, catches fire |
| ABS Plastic | Melts/ Cyanide |
| HDPE (milk bottle plastic) | Catches fire and melts |
| Polystyrene Foam | Catches fire |
| Polypropylene Foam | Catches fire |
| Epoxy | Burn/ smoke |
| Fiberglass | Emits fumes |
| Coated Carbon Fiber | Emits noxious fumes |
| Any Foodstuff (meat, seaweed 'nori' sheets, cookie dough, bread, tortillas, etc...) |
The laser is not designed to cut food. Organic items can create poisonous/noxious substances such as wood smoke and acrylic smoke. |
| Material with Sticky Glue Backing | Coats lens, cracks lens, catches fire and toxic fumes |
Addtional Resources
Glowforge Manual - A manual for the Glowforge Laser Cutter.
Glowforge Safety - Safety information about the Glowforge Laser Cutter
Glowforge Proofgrade Materials-Link to purchase Proofgrade materials for use with the Glowforge.
Inkscape - A free and open-source professional vector graphics editor.
Thingiverse.com - MakerBot's Thingiverse is a thriving design community for discovering, making, and sharing 3D printable and laser cuttable things.
BoxMaker - Plug and play online software to make an assortment of hinge fitting boxes.
LinkedIn Learning - Use it for Free with your Library card and PIN: Learn business, software, technology, and creative skills to meet your personal or professional goals. Engaging, top-quality video courses taught by recognized industry experts, organized by skill level and subject. Learn a whole course or just the section you need.
Related Classes
- Maker ClassesFind Maker classes for all audiences throughout the Library system.