Materials used in the Glowforge must be CO2 laser compatible. CO2 laser compatible means the material is safe to use with a laser. Glowforge sells its own line of compatible materials called Proofgrade materials, but you can also purchase laser safe materials from other vendors.
Library staff must approve your materials if you want to use anything other than the Proofgrade materials sold by Glowforge. You must provide a receipt or tag that states what the item is made of. We reserve the right to refuse material if we deem it to be unsafe, inappropriate, or we cannot confidently identify what it is..
The typical cutting area is 11″(width) x 19.5″(length) x 1/4″ (height). However, you can remove the crumb tray and work with items up to 2″ in height using supports. The Glowforge can cut some ½” (13mm) hardwood and acrylic; for best results, ¼” (6mm) or thinner materials are recommended. Unfortunately, there are no rotary abilities so it cannot engrave on rounded objects.
It is highly recommended that you bring extra material for testing so that your final item comes out correct.
Approved Materials
Cut & Engrave
- Wood (Unstained, Untreated, Unpainted, No Glues)
- 100% Acrylic
- Leather (Vegetable Tanned Only)
- Mylar
- 100% Natural Cork
- Glowforge Proofgrade Materials
Engrave Only
- Glass
- Ceramic Tile
- Anodized Aluminum
- Marble
- Stone
- Titanium
Prohibited Materials
- PVC
- ABS
- HDPE (milk bottle plastic)
- PolyStyrene Foam
- PolyPropylene Foam
- Corian
- Delrin
- Epoxy
- Electronics
- Fiberglass
- Painted or treated materials
- Stained woods
- Mirrors or reflective surfaces
- Electronics
- Artificial leather
- Food products
- Vinyl
- Fabric
- Paper & Cardboard
- Bamboo
- MDF
- Anything not on the Approved List!