Glowforge Laser Cutter

glow forge

What I am: The Glowforge is a desktop carbon dioxide (CO2) laser cutter with a 40-Watt laser beam generated by a glass tube attached to the machine's framework. The beam exits the tube and bounces through a series of mirrors, where it focuses into a tiny beam. The laser is the width of a human hair that cuts, engraves, and shapes designs from a variety of materials. It also contains a camera that can digitize a design for engraving (but not for cutting).

Where I am: Grand Library

What I do: Use a laser beam to cut and engrave acrylics by way of vector graphic files (.svg files)

What I can teach you: Project design, vector graphics, laser safety

I'm recommended for ages: Makers under 10 must have adult supervision

Materials Provided: The Library provides materials (acrylics) which are safe to use within the Grand Avenue Library Classroom

Information and Resources:

  • Search for SVG files
  • Use Adobe Illustrator to make SVG files. Adobe Illustrator is available for use in the Main Library's second floor digital lab.
  • Alternatively, use Inkscape to make SVG files. Inkscape is available at the Grand Avenue Library, on its laptops (ask at the front desk to borrow a laptop)
  • Be sure to turn letters into paths and save as plain svg, not Illustrator svg or npt.
  • Watch this video to learn more about vector graphics. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAhVqLyKk4U
  • Glowforge Manual (PDF)

     

Earrings

Program Photos

Program photos

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