Tutorial
Sending a Glowforge Print
- Launch the Glowforge App
The Glowforge App is a web platform used to design your project and send it to the Glowforge.
To access the Glowforge App, log on to an Idea Lab computer and navigate to https://app.glowforge.com/
Ask Idea Lab staff to login to the site for you.
Users should ensure their design files are saved to an external drive (SD Card, USB) or cloud account (Google Drive, OneDrive) and make note of any settings used in the app.
Note:
The Idea Lab does not link personal Glowforge accounts to its account.
Staff will only log users into the app on an Idea Lab computer.
Projects cannot be saved for later and are deleted regularly.
2. Mask Your Material
Do I need to mask my material?
Masking refers to covering your material with a layer of paper masking tape to protect it from scorching, residue, and other potential damage during the laser cutting or engraving process.
In most cases, it is recommended that you apply masking tape to both sides of your material.
Some materials come with masking tape already applied. If your material does not come masked, Idea Lab staff can provide you with laser-safe masking tape to apply to it.
When applying masking tape:
Use a lint-free cloth to clean the surface if necessary
Cut the masking tape to fit your material
Align it carefully with one edge of your material and gradually smooth it onto the material's surface
Use a squeegee or a scraper tool to press out any air bubbles and ensure a smooth, even application
Carefully trim any excess masking tape that extends beyond the edges.
3. Place Your Material
Turn on the Glowforge and place your approved material on the tray. For best results, align your material with the front right corner of the grid area.
The Glowforge uses a wide-angle camera to take a photo of the material. This lets you place your design exactly where you want it from the Glowforge app.
If your material is not sitting perfectly flat, or for lighter materials that may shift from the air flow from the internal fan, use the honeycomb pins or magnets to secure them in place. Be sure to place them in an area that will not be cut or engraved.
4. Start Your Project
There are several ways to create a project in the Glowforge App:
Select a project from the Glowforge Catalog
Start a blank design and use the design features embedded in the app (e.g., text, simple shapes, image library).
Use the trace feature to trace a hand-drawn image.
Upload a design or image.
Glowforge is compatible with JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF or DXF file formats. Vector files are the easiest type of file to work with, however you can also engrave raster images.
You can create your own Glowforge-compatible files from a variety of software applications such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Inkscape, Canva, Sketchup and others.
You can find free or paid designs online which have been created for laser cutting or are laser cutting compatible.
Maker community websites like Thingiverse and Instructables have free laser cutting files uploaded by users.
Many designers offer free laser cutting files in exchange for signing up for an email newsletter, or you can purchase cutting files from sites such as Etsy, Creative Fabrica, Design Bundles and others.
Some sites where you can search for free SVGs include LoveSVG, Laser Ready Templates, Vecteezy.
When downloading and using free or paid laser cutting files, make sure to check the licensing terms and usage restrictions for each file.
4. Place Your Design
When your design is selected, traced, or uploaded, place it where you want it on your material.
Check the dimensions and resize, if necessary, by entering the correct dimensions in the measurements field or by clicking and dragging the nodes at each corner of the object.
5. Set Up Your Operation(s)
You must specify what parts of your project will be cut, scored, engraved, or ignored. The steps of your design will appear color coded based on which action you select.
Cut: The laser will travel the path of a line defined as a cut to separate the print from the rest of the material.
Score: The laser will travel the path of a line defined as a score to burn the line into the surface of the material.
Engrave: The laser will use areas defined as engrave to carve the silhouette of the area into the material.
Sometimes you may need to reorder the steps. You can do this by clicking and dragging each step into the order you want. For example, in most cases it's best to engrave or score first, followed by internal cuts, and ending with the final cut operation.
6. Select the Settings
Proofgrade Material
Proofgrade materials supplied by Glowforge are encoded with a QR code which the Glowforge scans and registers the appropriate power and speed settings for. Proofgrade materials are difficult and expensive to acquire in Canada, however. For this reason, the Idea Lab does not keep Proofgrade materials in stock.
Non-Proofgrade Material
The Idea Lab has saved recommended custom settings for frequently used non-proofgrade materials in the Glowforge app. Alternatively, you can choose a similar Proofgrade material profile and modify the settings as needed.
For uncertified material, you will need to enter the material’s thickness and manually enter the power and speed settings. The Idea Lab has digital calipers available to take an exact measurement. This may take some trial-and-error. If you’re not sure where to start, the Glowforge forum is a good resource to check. You can search for the type of material you are using to see if a user has shared the settings that worked for them.
The Forge Armory is another crowdsourced guide to Glowforge settings for many different types of materials. It’s also a good starting place if you are a material not provided by the Idea Lab.
The supplier of your material may provide recommended laser cutting settings. Check the packaging or supplier website.
If you are not sure what settings to use for your material, ask Idea Lab staff for help.
Always bring extra material so that you can do some tests to dial in your settings before executing your final project.
Refer to Working with Manual Mode to learn more.
7. Print Your Design with Staff Assistance!
When you are satisfied with the placement and settings for your design and ready to send your project to the Glowforge, request assistance from an Idea Lab staff member.
Staff will review your project settings with you and confirm that your material is laser safe and placed correctly in the Glowforge.
Once approved, staff will turn on the Air Filter and give the “green light” for you to hit print from the app. When the button on the Glowforge machine starts glowing, press it to start the job.
Note:
Remember, you must remain in the studio while the Glowforge is operating. Do not leave the Glowforge unattended! If you need to step away, you can pause the Glowforge by pressing the button. Press the button again and the job will resume where it left off. Opening the Glowforge lid or clicking “Cancel” from the Glowforge app will cancel the print.
Final Knowledge Check
Introduction | What is Laser Cutting/Engraving | Why Use a Laser Cutter | What Materials Can I Cut/Engrave | Safety | Booking the Glowforge | Sending a Glowforge Print | Get Certified