Laser-compatible materials from other suppliers
Other suppliers like Inventables.com sell material that they indicate is laser-compatible. If you are
uncertain, ask the supplier if the material may be processed safely with a CO
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laser.
Food Safety
Many food products can be engraved, and some can even be cut. However, residue from prints on
acrylic or other materials might be present in your Glowforge and could contaminate food that you put
in your Glowforge. For that reason, if you use your Glowforge for materials other than food, then don’t
eat any food you put inside it.
What if I’m not certain whether my materials are laser-compatible?
If you aren’t completely sure that your material is laser-compatible, do not put it in the Glowforge unit.
● Some materials look similar to laser-compatible materials, but are different. For example,
vinyl can be mistaken for some laser-compatible materials but emits harmful smoke and fumes.
● Materials may have contaminants, coatings, or additives that are not laser-compatible.
For example, certain plywood glues, inks, adhesives, dyes, and paints may not be
laser-compatible.
● Some materials can reflect the laser and damage your Glowforge unit. For example,
copper and chrome can reflect the infrared laser light.
Materials must fit
Materials that do not fit properly may obstruct operation and result in damage and increased risk of fire.
● Materials must be no more than 21 in. wide and must not be so long as to touch the end of the
Glowforge unit. Material must be less than ½ in. tall if the crumb tray is in, or less than 2 in. tall
if it is removed.
● Materials must not extend past the side of the crumb tray (if it is being used) or the metal bottom
of the print area (if not).
● Do not place rolled-up material in the Glowforge. It may be too tall, or unroll during printing,
obstructing operation.
Materials must be flat
● Materials must be flat so they rest on the crumb tray.
● While a bulge is acceptable, for example from warped wood, the highest point of the material
may not extend more than ½ in. above the crumb tray.
● Material must never double back on itself, for example curling up.
● Should material curl or bend so it reaches more than ½ in. above the crumb tray during a print,
turn off the power immediately.
● If the material has a protective paper or plastic coating, that coating must be firmly affixed to the
material. If it begins to peel off, discard the material and do not print on it.
Copyright Glowforge, Inc. 2020 8