GlowForge Pro Introduction

The GlowForge (GF) is a 45W CO2 Laser. A CO2 laser produces intense laser beams with enough energy mark, engrave, and cut through materials.

There are 4 main classes of lasers. The GF is a class 1 (safest).

Cut Volume: 19.5" x 11". Materials must be no more than 21" wide and must not be so long as to touch the end of the GF unit.

The GF PRO has a slit to allow larger material to stick out of the laser. DO NOT OPEN THIS SLOT AS IT TURNS THE GF PRO INTO A CLASS 4 LASER.

A laser utilizes a large amount of energy and is a serious fire hazard. Always monitor the GF while it is running.

A small, candle-like flame may occur where the laser beam strikes the material. This is normal and the flame should move with the laser and should not remain lit when the laser has moved past.

If there is a large or lasting flame in the GF, pull the plug on the back of the unit immediately. If it is safe to do so, extinguish the fire with a wet towel, or fire extinguisher if necessary. Call UMPD or 911 if the fire spreads beyond the GF unit.

The GF can cut and engrave (including but not limited to) paper, wood, MDF, acrylic, rubber, fabric, leather, Delrin, mylar, and Corian. The GF cannot cut, but can engrave glass, coated metal, marble, anodized aluminum, and titanium. Visit https://glowforge.com/faq/materials-and-... for more details.

While the GF does have the capability to cut/engrave food items, this specific machine is not to be used for that purpose.

The GF can do cuts up to 1/4" thick in a single pass, for most materials.

Proofgrade Material Thickness Classifications: 1/48" = Thin; 1/8" = Medium; 1/4" = Thick. Material must be less than 1⁄2" tall if the crumb tray is in, or less than 2" tall if it is removed.

Lightweight stock may need to be secured in place so the fan/air assist does not blow it away. In these cases, magnets are a good way to hold stock in place.

Assure the magnets are thin so the laser head does not run into them. Assure there is adequate space between your design and all magnets (placing magnets at least 1" away from your cut path is a good rule of thumb).

Stock that is blown out of place can create a serious fire hazard. Always monitor the GF while it is running.

Make sure you only put things in the GF that you intend to cut, and always check before a cut to assure anything else is removed (e.g. don't set your phone in the GF ... it does happen).