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The glowforgeThe Glowforge is an easy to use laser cutter and engraver created by the company Glowforge. It uses a class 1 laser to cut through and engrave on wood, acrylic, leather and more. Some materials are not safe for the Glowforge to cut or engrave. These include materials with a toxic chemical makeup or materials that have reflective qualities that can redirect the laser and cause damage to the Glowforge. Check the Material Safty section to learn more.
Machine Specs File Types: Cut Area: 9.7 L x 6.0 W x 6.1 H in Engrave Area: Layer Resolution: 100 microns (0.0039 in) at high detail printing |
MaTerial saftey
Plywood
Plywood is sometimes made from materials that release irritating, toxic, or corrosive fumes during printing that could harm you or your Glowforge. These include the glue which binds the wood together, the chemicals added to provide weather resistance, and surface finishes to improve the plywood’s appearance. In addition, some plywood is prone to catching fire, which could be hazardous to you, your Glowforge or your surroundings.
Hardwoods
Hardwoods are sometimes coated with stains or finishes that can release toxic or corrosive fumes during printing that could harm you or your Glowforge. Some species of hardwoods can create fumes or dust that is irritating or triggers allergic reactions. Some hardwood is prone to catching fire, which could be hazardous to you, your Glowforge or your surroundings.
Plastics Some plastics like acrylic and acetal are laser-compatible; many more, like vinyl, PVC, ABS, and HDPE can melt or release toxic or corrosive fumes that could harm you or your Glowforge. It can be difficult to tell the difference between types of plastics. Even with laser-compatible plastics, some sizes are susceptible to particularly hot, intense, and long-lasting fires, which could be hazardous to you, your Glowforge or your surroundings.
Leather
Leather is sometimes prepared with toxic heavy metals that can be released in the air during the printing process that could harm you or your Glowforge.
Cardboard/Paper
Cardboard and paper are extremely prone to catching on fire. They are sometimes prepared with inks or protective chemicals that can release toxic or corrosive fumes during printing that could harm you or your Glowforge. They may have metal staples or fasteners that can redirect the laser beam, causing damage to your Glowforge.
Fabric
Fabric is sometimes made from materials or made with dyes and inks that can release toxic or corrosive gasses during printing that could harm you or your Glowforge. Some fabrics are extremely flammable, which could be hazardous to you, your Glowforge or your surroundings.
Other There is no simple and accurate way to tell if a material is laser compatible without the advice of an expert. Many materials are laser compatible, but many more are not - and the differences may not be obvious or intuitive. It’s your responsibility to verify that any material you use will be safe for you and your Glowforge.
Plywood is sometimes made from materials that release irritating, toxic, or corrosive fumes during printing that could harm you or your Glowforge. These include the glue which binds the wood together, the chemicals added to provide weather resistance, and surface finishes to improve the plywood’s appearance. In addition, some plywood is prone to catching fire, which could be hazardous to you, your Glowforge or your surroundings.
Hardwoods
Hardwoods are sometimes coated with stains or finishes that can release toxic or corrosive fumes during printing that could harm you or your Glowforge. Some species of hardwoods can create fumes or dust that is irritating or triggers allergic reactions. Some hardwood is prone to catching fire, which could be hazardous to you, your Glowforge or your surroundings.
Plastics Some plastics like acrylic and acetal are laser-compatible; many more, like vinyl, PVC, ABS, and HDPE can melt or release toxic or corrosive fumes that could harm you or your Glowforge. It can be difficult to tell the difference between types of plastics. Even with laser-compatible plastics, some sizes are susceptible to particularly hot, intense, and long-lasting fires, which could be hazardous to you, your Glowforge or your surroundings.
Leather
Leather is sometimes prepared with toxic heavy metals that can be released in the air during the printing process that could harm you or your Glowforge.
Cardboard/Paper
Cardboard and paper are extremely prone to catching on fire. They are sometimes prepared with inks or protective chemicals that can release toxic or corrosive fumes during printing that could harm you or your Glowforge. They may have metal staples or fasteners that can redirect the laser beam, causing damage to your Glowforge.
Fabric
Fabric is sometimes made from materials or made with dyes and inks that can release toxic or corrosive gasses during printing that could harm you or your Glowforge. Some fabrics are extremely flammable, which could be hazardous to you, your Glowforge or your surroundings.
Other There is no simple and accurate way to tell if a material is laser compatible without the advice of an expert. Many materials are laser compatible, but many more are not - and the differences may not be obvious or intuitive. It’s your responsibility to verify that any material you use will be safe for you and your Glowforge.