Glowforge is a manufacturer of 3D laser printers that use software and sensors to cut, engrave, and shape designs using a laser. It works with hundreds of materials, including wood, leather, acrylic, and cardboard.
Previously thought of as “a geeky tool for the tech elite or a garage workshop”, Glowforge’s customers now include “consumers, digital designers, crafters, engineers, teachers, artists, and more.” They aim “to build a future where printing a wallet (or a lamp, or a birthday card, or a stunning sushi wrap) is just as easy as printing a resume.”
How is Glowforge Different from a 3D Printer?
While traditional 3D printers use additive manufacturing to build up material (like plastic filament) layer by layer, Glowforge uses subtractive manufacturing. In this case, you’ll place your material inside the machine and it uses a laser light to carve out the design on your product. Although technically called CNC laser cutter engravers, “3D laser printers” is much easier to say.
There are hundreds of ways to put your Glowforge to use, and these tips will help you make the most of every project.
Setup and Maintenance
Right out of the box, the Glowforge machine sets up in under 30 minutes. The web interface, point-and-click software, and one-button hardware make it easy to learn and use. A detailed manual is also included for deeper understanding.
Glowforge is compatible with hundreds of materials, but be sure to double-check if what you’re planning to use is safe for your machine. For example, when cut or engraved with the CO2 laser, vinyl releases hazardous gasses that hurt users and damage the machine. Also be aware that not all hard plastics are suitable. Acrylic is usually a great substitute to other 3D printing technology supplies.
Keeping your unit working properly for years is simple to do with some easy maintenance. It is recommended to clean the cameras, laser lens, and windows after every 40 hours of printing. The printer-head mirror should be cleaned after every 120 hours of printing.
Using the Glowforge
The Glowforge has three main functions: cut, engrave, and score. The “cut” function will literally cut right through your material. Engraving will burn a layer of the material off, but won’t go all the way through like with “cut”. “Score” creates an outline of your design that also goes partially through a layer of the material, not fully through.
If you opt for the Glowforge Premium, you get access to a variety of Creative Tools. With these, you can make a puzzle, ink stamper, bubble wand, cake topper, custom photo frame or sign, garden stake, keychain, leather luggage tag, holiday gift tag, napkin ring, and more!
A Glowforge is a great investment for school tech supply and easy for anyone to learn. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t want to practice using it or minimize material costs. One way to do this is to practice your prints on a piece of cardboard. Once you’ve nailed down what you want the final product to look like, you can use the real material for the project. This way, you’re not using up valuable material on misprints that will be thrown away.
Online Resources
There are many resources available on the Glowforge website to learn more about the 3D laser cutter and connect with other users.
Curriculum resources can be found at education.glowforge.com. There are projects and lessons here to get you started, and more are being added all the time.
Design templates are available at catalog.glowforge.com. These work within the Glowforge app, but do cost extra.
You’ll find a discussion forum at community.glowforge.com. Here is where you can connect with other educators to learn their tips and tricks as well as getting new ideas for how to incorporate the Glowforge into your Makerspace.
Bring a Glowforge 3D Laser Cutter to Your Classroom
A Glowforge machine is a great way to get going on your Makerspace starter kit. There are hundreds of ways to use it; the only limit is your imagination! Contact us today to learn more about bringing one of these great devices to your school!