WHAT IS A GLOWFORGE 3D LASER PRINTER?
Billed as a “3D Laser Printer,” a is NOT actually a “laser printer” in the classic sense of paper and toner, nor is it a traditional 3D printer that uses extruded plastic to form three dimensional models. Rather, Glowforge is a powerful CO2 laser cutter that uses a focused beam of light the width of a human hair to cut and engrave a wide variety of materials with extreme precision. From wood to glass and plastic to leather, the Glowforge can do it all…and then some!
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WHAT CAN A GLOWFORGE DO? WHAT KINDS OF THINGS CAN I MAKE WITH IT?
Glowforge lasers can be used for an extensive variety of different cutting and engraving projects!
A Glowforge can create basically anything that you can dream up that’s made with laser compatible materials (as listed below) and fitting within the size specifications of your machine. Really, it’s a whole new way of getting creative, and the sky’s the limit!
Some of the most popular projects that are made on the Glowforge are wood signs, personalized cutting boards, home décor, acrylic jewelry, party decor, children’s toys and puzzles, and leather projects such as wallets, purses, and journals.
Throughout this post, I will be including some images from Glowforge’s Instagram feed to help spark your imagination and inspiration – there are SO many incredible things you can make!
WHAT MATERIALS CAN A GLOWFORGE CUT AND ENGRAVE?
Glowforge can cut and engrave hundreds of laser-compatible materials! Here are some examples of the most popular materials used:
IT CAN CUT:
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- Wood
- Leather
- Acrylic (Plexiglass)
- Fabric
- Paper
- Rubber
- Corian
- Delrin (acetal)
- Mylar
- Foods (!!!)
- and MORE!
IT CAN ENGRAVE:
- Wood
- Leather
- Acrylic (Plexiglass)
- Glass
- Coated Metal
- Marble
- Anodized Aluminum
- Titanium
- Some Phones, Tablets, Laptops, and Other Devices
- Fabric
- Paper
- Rubber
- Corian
- Delrin (acetal)
- Mylar
- Foods
- and MORE!
WHAT IS THE LARGEST SIZED MATERIAL A GLOWFORGE CAN CUT?
All three models of the Glowforge (Basic, Plus, and Pro) can accommodate materials measuring up to 18” deep, 20.4” wide, and 2” tall. The maximum printable area is about 11 x 19.5”.
Glowforge Pro allows you to use over sized materials and work with much larger elements via the Pro Passthrough slot. The passthrough accommodates materials that are 20 inches wide, up to ¼” thick, and as long as you want. Simply print the first 10 inches, then slide the material through the slot and repeat. With the Pro Passthrough, you can create enormous and dramatic projects!
In terms of thickness, Glowforge performs well with many materials 1/4″ thick and less on a single pass. It can cut material as thick as 1/2″, but may require multiple passes or flipping the material over. For engraving, Glowforge can engrave items up to a maximum material height of 2” (50 mm) with the removal of the crumb tray. It can then engrave the surface up to 0.5”, depending on the material.
WHAT IS THE LARGEST SIZED MATERIAL A GLOWFORGE CAN CUT?
All three models of the GLOWFORGE (Basic, Plus, and Pro) can accommodate materials measuring up to 18” deep, 20.4” wide, and 2” tall. The maximum printable area is about 11 x 19.5”.
Glowforge Pro allows you to use over sized materials and work with much larger elements via the Pro Passthrough slot. The passthrough accommodates materials that are 20 inches wide, up to ¼” thick, and as long as you want. Simply print the first 10 inches, then slide the material through the slot and repeat. With the Pro Passthrough, you can create enormous and dramatic projects!
In terms of thickness, Glowforge performs well with many materials 1/4″ thick and less on a single pass. It can cut material as thick as 1/2″, but may require multiple passes or flipping the material over. For engraving, Glowforge can engrave items up to a maximum material height of 2” (50 mm) with the removal of the crumb tray. It can then engrave the surface up to 0.5”, depending on the material.
WHAT SOFTWARE DOES A GLOWFORGE USE?
Glowforge uses its own free web-based Glowforge App software which makes it super easy to create projects from SVG files (like you would use with a Cricut machine), JPG, PNG, and PDF digital file types, plus photos, clip art, and even hand-drawn art (truly limitless designs!).
Yep, that’s right! You can create your own designs just by drawing with pen and paper! It’s as easy as placing the drawing into the Glowforge and clicking Create>Capture from Camera. Engrave your signature into aluminum business cards or turn your toddler’s scribbles into artwork for their nursery!
The Glowforge Print App software is a little limited in its actual design capabilities, however, they also offer a monthly subscription to the Premium version of the software that includes increased capabilities. Glowforge Premium is a paid upgrade to your free Glowforge Print App membership and gives you access to additional creative tools, over 900 fonts, and 2 million graphics.
If you would like to create your own graphics to use with your Glowforge, I highly suggest using software like Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
CAN I MAKE MONEY WITH A GLOWFORGE?
ABSOLUTELY! There is a TON of money-making potential with a Glowforge machine!
There are several ways in which you can earn money with your Glowforge:
- The most obvious way to make money with your Glowforge is by selling the projects that you create with it! You can sell online in Facebook groups and on social media, set up an Etsy or Shopify shop, or sell in-person at craft fairs and other events.
- Sell pre-cut craft kits or pieces for other crafters to DIY.
- Design and sell SVG files for other makers to use with their machines.
- Use your machine to cut designs for others who don’t have one of their own. There are LOTS of people always asking “How much would it cost to have you cut this for me…?”!
- Host workshops and teach classes for small groups.
- Share Glowforge with others via the referral program and earn an affiliate commission on sales