# Glowforge Laser Cutter

{% hint style="success" %}
The Glowforge is fully operational!
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<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th></th><th width="419.3333333333333"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>File input type:</td><td>From CAD: SVG, PDF<br>For engraving: JPEG, PNG, GIF (static), BMP, TIFF</td></tr><tr><td>Strengths:</td><td>Accuracy, speed</td></tr><tr><td>Best used for:</td><td>Flat parts, boxes, etc</td></tr><tr><td>First party manuals:</td><td><a href="https://glowforge.com/manual">https://glowforge.com/manual</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Cut Recommendations

For just cutting: Get an SVG file of the design you wish to cut.

For just engraving: Get an image file of the design you wish to engrave and upload it to [app.glowforge.com](https://app.glowforge.com)

For both: Create a file in [Inkscape](https://pilotspace.gitbook.io/knowledge-base/wiki/software/machine-agnostic/inkscape) with images and vectors for cut paths, then export as a PDF

## How-to

{% content-ref url="glowforge-laser-cutter/inkscape" %}
[inkscape](https://pilotspace.gitbook.io/knowledge-base/wiki/machine-documentation/laser-and-cnc-machines/glowforge-laser-cutter/inkscape)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## How to use custom materials

{% content-ref url="glowforge-laser-cutter/custom-materials" %}
[custom-materials](https://pilotspace.gitbook.io/knowledge-base/wiki/machine-documentation/laser-and-cnc-machines/glowforge-laser-cutter/custom-materials)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Troubleshooting

{% content-ref url="glowforge-laser-cutter/troubleshooting" %}
[troubleshooting](https://pilotspace.gitbook.io/knowledge-base/wiki/machine-documentation/laser-and-cnc-machines/glowforge-laser-cutter/troubleshooting)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Networking & Software

{% content-ref url="glowforge-laser-cutter/software-and-networking" %}
[software-and-networking](https://pilotspace.gitbook.io/knowledge-base/wiki/machine-documentation/laser-and-cnc-machines/glowforge-laser-cutter/software-and-networking)
{% endcontent-ref %}

<details>

<summary>Test cut path (very light outline)</summary>

This is useful for verifying cut placement on a material when the camera isn't entirely accurate enough. This is specifically for draftboard with paper on it but it should work for many materials. Test on scrap before you use it on an important piece, though.&#x20;

Under the "Score" tab, create this preset:

![](https://2007806172-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnSIuVcuxe9oehgzKQP7L%2Fuploads%2F1xAYpEBPz1Q2s6IkiQM7%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=e0517e39-f93c-4bc9-b171-fd81d0ba7b21)

</details>

### Cutting from a SVG

From Solidworks: [#exporting-an-svg](https://pilotspace.gitbook.io/knowledge-base/software/machine-agnostic/solidworks#exporting-an-svg "mention")

[youtube tutorial for solidworks -> glowforge walkthrough](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sAjQCnTtX8)

From Fusion360:  \[add]

{% hint style="info" %}
\[line color info] / how to
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\[how to import to glowforge web]

expand on all this:

choose material \[explain]

select material type in webapp

* Select your material using the button in the upper left
* Turn on Glowforge with the button on the back of the machine
* Place your drawing in the workspace where you want it
  * Place on the side or corner to conserve material, check visually that it is on the material
* On the left hand side make sure the cut option is selected (or engrave if the student wants to engrave a part)
  * \[EXPLAIN COLOR] Different steps can be added to do engravings as well as cuts on the same piece.
* **!!!! Turn on the fan next to the Glowforge !!!!**
* Start the print from the Glowfroge app
* press the glowing Print button on the Glowforge
* **Stay by the printer while the cut is happening**

### Fire/saftey

If a fire starts in the laser cutter, **leave lid closed and turn off the machine**, leave the fan running, and immediatly tell TA, Instructor, or Pilot Space Assistant if you are unsure

18\. Once the cut has been made, the cutter returns to home, and you hear the machine power down, open the top of the Glowforge, then the bottom panel, and remove your piece and any remaining feedstock. Be careful not to hit the laser engraver head.

Created: 9/28/23, Tyler Kreipke, CSC, Ace Burton&#x20;

Heavily updated (draft): 10/2/23, Skyler Asher
