About
Glowforge is a cutting-edge laser cutting and engraving machine that empowers users to create intricate designs on a variety of materials, including wood, acrylic, leather, and more. It operates with precision and versatility, allowing users to bring their creative visions to life with stunning detail. Whether you're a hobbyist, artist, or entrepreneur, Glowforge offers a platform for innovation and craftsmanship, enabling you to produce custom jewelry, personalized gifts, home décor, and prototypes with professional-quality results. With its intuitive software and powerful laser technology, Glowforge unlocks a world of creative possibilities, inspiring users to explore new avenues of design and fabrication
Safety
Safety
This documentation is not a substitute for proper training and sign-off. If you don't know how to do something, don't guess! Ask someone who is trained and cleared for use on the machine for help.
- NEVER LEAVE THE LASER CUTTER UNATTENDED. If you see the material begin to catch fire, pause the job and the fire should go out. If it does not, open the lid and use the fire blanket (located on wall next to the machine).
- Red button is the emergency stop.
- Use both vents when laser cutting EVEN if you are only using one machine. If you do not use both, exhaust will enter the room!
Switches for the vents (May look different)
Fire blanket
Emergency stop
Do not leave the Glowforge unattended.
Keep an eye on your job. When jobs are running, stay within the glowforge boundaries.
If you must leave for an emergency pause job and notify staff.
Caution. Possible fire hazard. Do not use Non Proofgrade Materials.
Only materials with QR codes (preset material settings) are allowed in the Glowforge. Guessing settings may result in a fire.
In case of fire, hit the emergency stop button, notify staff to use fire blanket and exit building if instructed to do so.
Always make sure the exhaust is on. Flip BOTH switches on the wall.
Smoke in the air is a sign that the exhaust is not on or clogged. If unsure ask staff.
Equipment and Tools
Glowforge
Glowforge is a cutting-edge laser cutting and engraving machine. It can cut, score, or engrave intricate designs on a variety of materials, including wood, acrylic, leather, and more.
For a detailed look at the various parts of this machine, check below:
Vent Switches
Ventilation is critical to keep smoke and other fumes out of the air and away from your laser cut.
Both vents need to be turned on
They are located next to the Glowforge, except for the blue classroom, where the second vent is a little to the right.
Fire Blanket
A fire blanket is a blanket made of fire-resistant material, often fiberglass, that can be used to smother small fires.
By covering a fire with the blanket, it cuts off the oxygen supply, thus suffocating the flames.
Only use the fire blanket if it is safe to do so. Do not use the fire blanket if it will put you in danger.
Emergency Stop
The emergency stop button is a failsafe if your print catches fire or there are other mechanical errors with the machine that canceling the print will not fix.
In the event of any of these things, you may press the giant red OFF button to quickly power down the machine.
Allowed Materials
Glowforge offers specially designed materials, called Proofgrade Materials, that streamline the cutting and engraving process, tailored for easy use with precise sizing for Glowforge machines and featuring a QR code for automatic optimal settings, ensuring effortless and precise results.
Only use Proofgrade Materials with the Glowforge.
List of available materials
- Plywoods: Walnut, Maple, Cherry and Basswood
- Acrylic: clear blue, yellow, white, teal, red, purple, orange, green, glass green, frosted clear, fluorescent pink, fluorescent green, clear, blue, black
- Hardwood: Walnut, Red Oak, Poplar, Maple, Cherry, Basswood and Ash
- Veneers: Walnut, Maple & Cherry
- Full-Grain Leathers: Natural Leather
- Draftboard
Machine Toolkit
The machine toolkit lives in the cabnet underneath the glowforge. It has all the tools used for regular machine operations and maintenance.
The toolkit includes safety glasses, the lens remover, Q-tips, lens tissue, and lens cleaner.
Getting a Sticker
[Student & TPZ Staff]
Intro: No Stamp
This is a basic overview of the equipment. In Intro you will understand what the equipment is used for and how to be safe with the tool. No stamp is earned for basic understanding but it is a great first step! Open to TPZ Students and Staff
Guided Access [GA]: Stamp
Guided Access means that you have earned a stamp and the ability to use equipment with a trained staff member to practice building skill fluency. This skill level is open to TPZ Students and Staff.
Students
How to get a Sticker (Students)
Skill RequirementsProject Tutorials
Using the Glowforge requires that you make a design in advance. The Glowforge can use designs that are hand drawn, or SVG files.
Designs can be hard to create, so below you can find links to several design resources that can be used for the Glowforge or any other process that requires design!
For design resources for Illustrator, Canva, and Procreate:
Designing a File for the GlowforgeAdditional Tutorials
Manual + 3 Pager + PDFs
Maintenance + Cleaning
Cleaning and Maintenance
Storage and Tools
There are critical tools that should never leave the cabinet under the Glowforge, since they are used for regular machine operations and maintenance.
Pegboard
Toolkit under machine
Contents of toolkit
Cleaning
Inventory
Glowforge Info
Machine Name | Factory Name | Serial Number |
GFP - Orange Classroom | YBC-887 | YBC-887-4 |
GFS - Green Classroom | KCY-339 | KCY-339-3 |
GFP - Blue Classroom | QTF-236 | QTF-236-4 |
GFP - Blue Stairs | TFW-763 | TFW-763-4 |
Inventory
Glowforge
Other tools
Glowforge | Link |
12" metal bar | |
Fire blanket | |
Lens tissue | |
Tape | |
Dust pan | |
24 x 18 cutting mat | |
Straight edge | |
Caliper | |
Lens cleaner fluid | |
IR Glasses | Have to custom order |