Do you want to know which materials you can cut with your Glowforge (pro/Aura)? We've researched it for you and compiled the results.
What is the Glowforge?
The Glowforge is often referred to as a laser printer, but in reality, it's a laser cutting and engraving machine. With its compact size, it's smaller than many other laser cutters, making it perfect for smaller studios. Moreover, the Glowforge is user-friendly and easy to learn. No wonder it's one of the most popular lasers currently available.
What makes the Glowforge unique is that it's web-connected. This means you can easily control it from your browser. Basic usage is free after you've purchased the machine, but paid subscriptions are also available, offering access to a database of designs and drawings, among other features. Additionally, the Glowforge is equipped with a built-in camera, allowing you to precisely align your design on the material you place in the machine.
The Glowforge success story began in 2015 when the project was successfully funded via Kickstarter. Currently, three different versions of the Glowforge are on the market:
Glowforge Plus: This version uses a 40W CO2 glass laser and has a working area of 49.5 x 27.9 cm
Glowforge Pro: Featuring a 45W CO2 glass laser and the same working area as the Plus version, the Pro also offers a convenient passthrough slot for loading longer objects.
Glowforge Aura: Also known as the Craft Laser, this version uses a 6W diode laser with a working area of approx. 30x30cm.
The Glowforge is a versatile and innovative laser cutter perfectly suited for all kinds of creative projects. Whether you want to work with wood, cut acrylic, or create unique jewelry, the possibilities are endless with the Glowforge laser cutter.
What are Proofgrade materials?
Proofgrade materials are a selection of 36 different materials specifically intended for use in Glowforge laser cutters.
These materials are guaranteed suitable for laser cutting and are precisely sized for the Glowforge.
The convenient thing is that you can order these materials in small quantities, directly from Glowforge itself.
Furthermore, Proofgrade materials are equipped with a QR code, allowing the Glowforge to automatically recognize the materials and select the correct settings.
What kind of materials can you buy at Lasersheets?
Lasersheets offers a carefully selected assortment of materials specifically designed for laser cutting. These materials are LaserGrade quality, meaning they are guaranteed to be perfectly cut with a laser. They are available in various convenient sizes, ensuring there's always a suitable size for every laser cutter. Ordering these materials is simple and can be done online, even for a single piece.
Lasersheets materials are not only ideal for all kinds of creative projects but also suitable for professional use. Additionally, Lasersheets has a special assortment for schools, fab labs, and makerspaces, so you can offer suitable materials to your students and users. With Lasersheets' quality materials, you are assured of the best results in laser cutting.
What to consider when buying materials for your Glowforge:
The right dimensions
It's important that the materials you buy fit into your Glowforge laser cutter.
- If you have a Glowforge Plus or Pro, choose materials with dimensions of 20x30cm or 50x25cm.
- If you have a Glowforge Aura, choose materials with dimensions of 20x30cm or 16x25cm.
For wood, the grain runs parallel to the long side of the sheet. Read more on this page.
The right thickness
Additionally, it's also important that the materials are not too thick. Your Glowforge's laser power determines the maximum thickness you can cut. The next section of this blog post extensively describes which materials are and are not suitable for cutting with the Glowforge.
Which materials are suitable for your Glowforge?
To help you get started, we've listed which materials you can cut. For each material, you'll see the maximum thickness you can cut, or a red cross if it's too thick for your machine.
NB: you might be able to cut thicker material, for example 6mm black MDF, if you cut over the same line multiple times, or cut extremely slowly. We recommend using materials that you can cut in one pass at a reasonable speed. This will yield the best results and is the safest option.
| Materials suitable for Glowforge |
Maximum thickness for cutting
|
|
| Glowforge (pro) | Glowforge Aura | |
| Wood: | ||
| MDF | up to 6 mm | up to 3 mm |
| Black MDF | up to 3 mm | up to 3 mm |
| Veneered MDF 4mm | up to 4 mm | ✘ |
| Birch plywood | up to 4 mm | up to 3 mm |
| Bamboo side pressed | up to 5 mm | ✘ |
| Linden plywood | up to 6 mm | up to 6 mm |
| Cardboard: | ||
| Corrugated cardboard | up to 3 mm | up to 3 mm |
| Museum board | up to 2 mm | up to 2 mm |
| Felt board | up to 1 mm | up to 1 mm |
| Laserboard | up to 0.5 mm | up to 0.5 mm |
| Plastic: | ||
| Acrylic | up to 6 mm | up to 3 mm |
| Engraving laminate | up to 3.2 mm | up to 3.2 mm |
| Mirror acrylic | up to 3 mm | up to 3 mm |
| PETG (Polyester/Vivak) | up to 0.8 mm | up to 0.8 mm |
| PE rigid foam | up to 5 mm | up to 5 mm |
Materials to avoid with Glowforge laser cutters
Avoid problems and discover which materials you should better avoid when using the Glowforge laser cutter.
PVC
PVC, also known as polyvinyl chloride, is a widely used material found in various applications, such as phonograph records. While PVC is popular for its versatility and durability, you should never laser cut it. This is because when heated, PVC releases toxic fumes like chlorine gas, which is harmful to your health even in small quantities. A good filter system is not sufficient protection against these gases!
Fortunately, there are alternative materials that can be safely used with the Glowforge laser cutter. Some popular alternatives to PVC include acrylic. Acrylic is a versatile material that can be easily cut with the Glowforge laser cutter and does not release toxic fumes.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate (also known as Lexan) is an impact-resistant plastic often used as an alternative to glass. You can find it, for example, in hardware stores. If you try to laser cut polycarbonate, you'll find that your machine won't cut through it, and the cut will burn brown, resulting in a lot of smoke. Polycarbonate is a thermoset and not suitable for laser cutting. Again, acrylic is a good alternative. It is also crystal clear, strong, and moreover, weather and UV resistant.
Plywood or MDF with the wrong bonding
Many types of plywood and MDF contain glue that is not suitable for laser cutting. If you still try to laser cut it, the material will burn, and the edges will turn black and sooty, or the laser won't cut through it at all. There are also often knots in the inner layers that the laser cannot cut through. Our wood types are LaserGrade, which guarantees their suitability for laser cutting.
Plastics of unknown type
Many plastics contain harmful substances. You should not take that risk.
Sky (imitation leather)
Imitation leather, also known as sky, is a popular material often used for making clothing, bags, and other accessories. It has the appearance of real leather but is made from synthetic materials, including PVC. As you read above, this is one of the materials you should absolutely never cut with your laser due to health risks.
Thick materials
You should better avoid overly thick materials with the Glowforge. While some people succeed with 'multiple passes,' cutting the same line multiple times, we advise against it. The results are usually not as good, and it often leads to a higher risk of fire in your laser cutter. This is because the gases released during the cutting process cannot be properly vented and linger above the material. It's best to use materials that you can laser cut in a single pass at a reasonable speed.
So, what constitutes an overly thick material for your Glowforge? That varies per material, but generally, the lighter the material, the thicker you can cut it. You can easily experiment with this yourself. Use the table above as a starting point.
Safety and your Glowforge
long when using the Glowforge laser cutter. Here are, after 12 years of experience, our most important tips for working safely with your laser:
1. Always cut with the lid closed: It is essential to always keep the lid of the Glowforge laser cutter closed during the cutting process. This ensures that any reflected laser beams are blocked and that fumes are properly extracted.
2. Never work without good extraction: Good extraction is crucial for removing fumes and smoke during cutting. This can be done using a carbon filter or by venting the exhaust gases outdoors. It is also important to ventilate the workspace well, because when you open the lid, some residual smoke will always escape. After cutting, it is advisable to wait a few moments before opening the lid.
3. It is important to only cut materials whose composition you know and which are suitable for laser cutting. Some materials can release toxic fumes when heated, such as PVC. It is therefore essential to have sufficient knowledge about the materials you use to avoid health risks.
4. Never walk away from a laser that is operating. It's tempting, as the machine works autonomously. But walking away can be dangerous, as there is always a risk of fire. Always stay near the laser and supervise the cutting process.
5. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher on hand: Although unlikely, a fire can always occur in the laser. You should therefore always have a fire extinguisher within reach. If a quick response is made, worse can be prevented.
6. Ensure you maintain the machine properly: It is essential to regularly maintain the machine according to the manufacturer's specifications. This includes keeping mirrors and lenses clean so that the laser beam can function optimally. It is also important to ensure that the laser remains well-aligned to maintain cutting quality.
By taking these safety measures into account, you can work safely and efficiently with the Glowforge laser cutter. It is important to always take the right precautions to ensure your own and others' health and safety.
Tips for the best results with the Glowforge laser cutter
Settings and speeds
How to achieve the best cutting results with the Glowforge laser cutter is an important aspect to understand when working with different materials. By using the optimal settings and speeds, you can ensure that your projects are cut exactly as you desire.
First and foremost, it's important to know that settings and speeds can vary depending on the material you are using. Each material has its own properties and may require specific adjustments.
When setting the cutting parameters, it is advisable to first create a test piece. This allows you to adjust the settings without risking spoiling an entire project. Start with the laser power at maximum and low speed, then gradually increase it until you achieve the desired result.
Another factor to consider is the focus setting. The laser beam must be optimally focused to achieve the best cutting results. Ensure that the focus is correctly set for the material you are using, as incorrect focus can lead to inconsistent cuts and burnt edges.
By experimenting with different settings and speeds, and by paying attention to focus and cutting techniques, you can achieve the best cutting results with the Glowforge laser cutter. It may take some time before you find the optimal settings for each material, but with patience and practice, you can create beautiful projects.
Testing
An important tip when working with the Glowforge laser cutter is to always test small pieces of your design before executing the full project. This is especially useful when you have parts that need to fit together. By testing small pieces, you can ensure the fit is perfect before cutting the entire project.
Resources
Read our blog about getting started with laser cutting for 10 indispensable websites for laser cutting, or learn how to create a halftone artwork from your favorite holiday photo.
In conclusion
Glowforge machines are the perfect lasers for designers, makers, and anyone who wants to create creative work. With Glowforge's user-friendly and simple operation, you can effortlessly create the most beautiful projects. And if you also use the right materials, the possibilities are endless!
