Can <keyword data-keyword-id="133">Glowforge</keyword> cut metal?

Glowforge can etch some metals, like anodized aluminum, directly. Other metals, like stainless steel, work best if you spray them first with a product such as <a data-lasso-id="288" data-lasso-name="Spotted Dog LMM-6000 CerMark Black Laser Marking Technology for Metals, 12oz Aerosol" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079F2MQ4Q?tag=lasercutlife-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Cermark</a>. <keyword data-keyword-id="134">Glowforge</keyword> is not equipped to cut or engrave copper, silver, brass, or gold.

Glowforge Model Comparison – Spark vs. Aura vs. Plus vs. Pro

Q: Does a Glowforge need to be vented?

You have options when it comes to <a href="https://lasercutlife.com/how-to-vent-your-glowforge-the-safe-way/" data-type="post" data-id="750">Glowforge Ventilation</a>: 1. Vent it out an open window 2. Vent it through a 'dryer' vent permanently installed in your wall 3. Vent it with a Glowforge Air Filter machine, sold separately from your machine. This is the solution if you have no windows that can be opened, or are worried about HOA neighbors complaining about smell.

Q: Will Glowforge work without internet?

I can attest to mixed results on this one... I used to live off-grid with a very spotty connection and my Glowforge Pro didn't always connect to my laptop when the satellite internet was down. You'll have to test it with your own setup, but you definitely at a minimum need an Internet connection for setup and to pair it with your computer to begin with. I was successful a fair amount of the time pairing Glowforge with my iPhone's hotspot to get me back up and running.

Q: How often should you clean your Glowforge?

After every 10 hours for Glowforge Spark and Aura, you should clean the cameras, laser lens, and windows of your Glowforge with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078WGKW65?tag=lasercutlife-20" target="_blank" data-type="lasso-urls" data-id="1769" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">ZEISS lens cleaning wipes</a>. For Glowforge Plus and Pro you should clean after every 100 hours. This will keep your printer working properly and help prevent damage.

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Glowforge Model Comparison Chart – Just the Features that Matter!

Model	Cut Speed	Power	Max Cut Depth	Max Engrave Height	Passthrough	Print Size	Clean After	Clear Acrylic & Glass	Laser Type
Spark	1X	6vw	1/4″	3/4″	NO	8″ x 12″	10 hrs	NO	Diode
Aura	2X	6vw	1/4″	3/4″	YES	12″ x 12″	10 hrs	NO	Diode
Plus	6X	40vw	1/2″	2″	NO	11″ x 19.5″	100 hrs	YES	CO₂
Plus HD	8X	40vw	1/2″	2″	NO	11″ x 19.5″	100 hrs	YES	CO₂
Pro	10X	45vw	1/2″	2″	YES	Unlimited x 19.5″	100 hrs	YES	CO₂
Pro HD	12X	45vw	1/2″	2″	YES	Unlimited x 19.5″	100 hrs	YES	CO₂

Still on the fence?

Here are even more details to help you choose between current Glowforge models:

Speed: Glowforge Spark uses a blue, 6-watt, solid-state laser for powerful cut speeds. Compared to Glowforge Plus’s 40-watt CO2 laser, Glowforge Pro uses a 45-watt CO2 laser which lets it cut at speeds up to 12X faster than Glowforge Spark.

Warranty: Spark, Aura, Glowforge Plus, Plus HD, Glowforge Pro, and Pro HD all come with a full 12-month warranty.

Material Size: Glowforge Spark & Aura work with materials 12” x 12” size. It can cut materials up to 1/4″ thick, and engrave materials up to 3/4″ thick with the cutting tray removed. The Glowforge Plus, Plus HD, Glowforge Pro and Pro HD work with materials up to 18” deep, 20.4” wide, and 2” thick. (The maximum printable area is about 11” x 19.5”)

The Passthrough slot, available on Aura, Glowforge Pro and the Pro HD lets you make enormous oversized prints. The Aura is limited to a width of 12″ but length is unlimited. The Pro & Pro HD can work with materials 20” wide, up to ¼” thick, and as long as you want. To use the Passthrough slot, you print the first 10 inches, slide the material through the slot, align the design in the Glowforge App and repeat. That means you can create huge, dramatic products, including furniture! Takes a bit of getting used to, so use cheaper material on your first couple passthrough attempts while you learn the hang of it.

Laser Class: Glowforge Spark and Aura are Diode lasers – the safest level of lasers out there, with very limited risk. Glowforge Plus is a Class 1 lasers (like a DVD player). The Glowforge Pro Passthrough slot makes the Pro model a Class 4 laser which requires the person using it to have laser safety training (included with your purchase). You should not use the Pro in public or around kids without installing the included Pro Shields.

Operating Temperatures: Glowforge Pro is designed for printing all day in temperatures up to 81°F (27°C). Glowforge Aura, Spark and Plus may pause periodically to cool if used continually in warm temperatures; they’re designed for environments above 60°F up to 75°F (24°C).

Goals: If you’re new to lasers, all of the models are beginner-friendly and VERY easy to operate. If space is an issue, the Spark & Aura excel with its small footprint, similar to most desktop printers in size. If you’re looking for budget-friendly or just getting your feet wet in the world of lasers, the Spark and Aura lasers have it covered. Looking to jump right into running a laser product business? Plus or Pro models have the speed, power, and material size to start and grow your business. I began and ran my entire Laser based products business starting with a Pro in 2019 to 2021 – then I upgraded to a 60vw Thunder Laser with a much larger laser bed for my main laser to keep up with demand. I still use my Pro to this day!

Before You Buy Glowforge FAQ

Can Glowforge cut metal?

Glowforge can etch some metals, like anodized aluminum, directly. Other metals, like stainless steel, work best if you spray them first with a product such as Cermark. Glowforge is not equipped to cut or engrave copper, silver, brass, or gold.

Can Glowforge engrave tumblers?

Glowforge can not engrave tumblers or anything taller than 2″ on Plus and Pro models, and anything taller than 3/4″ on Glowforge Spark and Aura. However you can make a pvc-free vinyl template that you can stick to the glass and use etching cream to achieve a similar result. On tumblers, you can make a pvc-vinyl design that you can stick on to the tumbler, if you use a quality outdoor rated vinyl, it will last through dishwasher cycles and more.

What’s the max material size a Glowforge can cut?

The maximum cutting area size for the Glowforge Plus and Pro models is 19.5″ by 11″. The max cutting area size for the Spark and Aura is 12″ x 12″. If you are using an Aura or Glowforge Pro machine, you can feed an infinitely long piece of material through the passthrough slot, but you are still limited to the machine only cutting/engraving/scoring an 11″ section at a time and you’ll need to align your sections in the Glowforge Print App. (The passthrough slot is 3/8″ and designed to accommodate materials up to 1/4″ thick.)

How deep can a Glowforge cut?

Glowforge performs well with many materials 1/4″ and less on a single pass. It can accommodate material as thick as 1/2″, but may require multiple passes or flipping the material over.

How deep can a Glowforge engrave?

Glowforge Aura and Spark, you can engrave up to 3/4″ material. For Glowforge Plus and Pro models, you can remove the tray and insert objects as thick as 2” (50 mm). It can then engrave the surface up to 0.5”, depending on the material.

Does a Glowforge need to be vented?

You have options when it comes to Glowforge Ventilation:
1. Vent it out an open window
2. Vent it through a ‘dryer’ vent permanently installed in your wall
3. Vent it with a Glowforge Air Filter machine, sold separately from your machine. This is the solution if you have no windows that can be opened, or are worried about HOA neighbors complaining about smell.

How loud is a Glowforge?

The sound level varies between lasers, but generally varies from a low rumble to a loud vacuum. Glowforge changes the fan speed based on the operation being performed, so the sound may change during your print. You can also opt for slower cutting rates to keep the fan noise down.

Will Glowforge work without internet?

I can attest to mixed results on this one… I used to live off-grid with a very spotty connection and my Glowforge Pro didn’t always connect to my laptop when the satellite internet was down. You’ll have to test it with your own setup, but you definitely at a minimum need an Internet connection for setup and to pair it with your computer to begin with. I was successful a fair amount of the time pairing Glowforge with my iPhone’s hotspot to get me back up and running.

How often should you clean your Glowforge?

After every 10 hours for Glowforge Spark and Aura, you should clean the cameras, laser lens, and windows of your Glowforge with ZEISS lens cleaning wipes. For Glowforge Plus and Pro you should clean after every 100 hours. This will keep your printer working properly and help prevent damage.