Glowforge laser engraverThe Glowforge is similar to our other laser in that it uses a high-powered laser to cut and engrave different materials. However, it differs in the types of materials it can cut. What can it cut? Paper, chipboard, cardboard, posterboard, as well as a variety of textiles! The Maker Hub – Colonnades stocks all of these materials so you can create!

Example Projects

Checkout these projects made with paper, chipboard, and cardboard. Click on the image to learn more.

  • Laser cut map
  • lizard
  • Map
  • Wing laser cut from paper
  • Hanging light

More info on these projects: Map, Wing, Pendant

Location

Maker Hub – Colonnades

Training

Training is required to use the Glowforge. The training consists of two parts:

  1. Online content that you can complete at your own pace.
  2. A practice project that you need to complete in the Maker Hub.

Glowforge Basic Training and Safety

You must complete the online and in-person training before using the Glowforge. Visit the Maker Hub’s Training Website for information about the training (click on the “Enroll me” button). Once you’ve completed the Moodle training, you can sign up for an in-person training through the link provided when you finish the Moodle training.

Access

Once you complete the training, you can use the Glowforge during regular operating hours. It is first-come, first-serve.

Resources

  • Guide: Glowforge Laser Engraver (Elon login required) – This document outlines how to use the Glowforge in Colonnades.
  • Checksheet: Glowforge – Steps to complete before cutting/engraving with the Glowforge (Elon login required).
  • The Noun Project – icons and graphics free to use under Creative Commons. Tip – download the SVG version of the file to use in Illustrator.
  • Templatemaker.nl – create boxes from paper or chipboard

Materials

Only approved materials are allowed on the Glowforge.  Attempting to engrave or cut other materials could seriously harm your health and/or the tool and is not allowed.

Laser-safe materials for the Glowforge are:

  • paper, chipboard, cardboard, and poster board
    textiles (most woven fabrics, including cotton, felt, fleece, denim, linen polyester, lace, and silk)
  • leather (NEVER pleather or faux leather)

We have an assortment of these materials available in the Maker Hub for you to use for free (except leather). See the Maker Hub’s policies on materials for limitations on what the free materials can be used for. If you supply your own material, it’ll need to go through the material approval process. A link to the online form and more details are available on the Maker Hub’s materials policies page.

Technical details

  • Glowforge Laser Engraver, 40 watts. Accommodates materials up to 19” x 11” x 2” (tall)