Glowforge

Glowforge manufactures and markets multifunction 3D laser printers that utilize sensors and software to cut, engrave, and shape custom designs from a variety of materials, including leather, wood, acrylic, paper, foam, fabric, glass, and metal. Glowforge serves customers in the United States and Canada.

Overview of Glowforge printers

Glowforge offers three printer variants: Glowforge Pro, Glowforge Plus, and Glowforge Basic. All models have the following features in common:

• Compatibility with various materials
• Live camera preview
• Free web-based software
• Autofocus and 3D engraving
• Mac, PC, tablet, and smartphone compatibility
• Exhaust hose ventilation kit

Glowforge printers can engrave materials at a resolution of 1,000 DPI.

Under FDA regulations, the Glowforge Basic and Glowforge Plus are categorized as Class 1 lasers and require no special precautions to operate. The Pro model, however, is a Class 4 and requires additional precautions.

The design catalog on the Glowforge website enables users to browse, purchase, and print premade, personalizable designs.

Glowforge printers are compatible with Mac, iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows, and Linux systems. Designs to be printed can be created with Inkscape, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, GIMP, Fusion 360, Corel Draw, PowerPoint, or Google Docs. Compatible digital image formats include JPG, PDF, PNG, and SVG.

Glowforge printers connect to the Internet through WiFi and are operated through a web browser; therefore, no software needs to be installed.

The table below shows each printer's distinct features and price.

Every model can be equipped with the company's proprietary air filter that enables users to print in unventilated spaces. The air filter is approximately the size of a recycle bin and costs $995. If the air filter is not used, the printers can be ventilated by being placed close to an open window.

GlowforgeEDU is a collection of creativity-oriented lessons with multiple difficulty levels for teachers that use Glowforge printers. These lessons are created and shared by teachers to teach students how to make things and devices of various kinds, such as motorized robots, balance scales, LED circuitry, and more.