Laser Cutting & Engraving

We’re excited to offer members access to the Glowforge Laser Performance Printer, one of the most user-friendly and versatile laser cutters available. Whether you're a hobbyist, student, entrepreneur, or artist, the Glowforge helps you transform your ideas into physical reality with incredible detail and speed. With the Glowforge, you can cut materials such as wood, acrylic, leather, fabric, and paper, and engrave detailed images, logos, and text on a wide variety of surfaces. It's ideal for creating prototypes, custom signage, personalized gifts, home décor, and much more. This powerful tool is perfect for product development, artistic projects, STEAM education activities, makerspace workshops, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Learn more by booking a session with our staff in the maker's space or check out the official site for videos, materials, and project inspiration - https://glowforge.com

Supported File Types: SVG, PDF, PNG, JPG

Supported Software: Use Glowforge’s web app or design with tools like Illustrator, or Canva.

Cost & Payment

Fee Chart for Machine & Material use

Material	Cost $	Notes
Use of Machine (bring you own material)
Glowforge; Minimum	1.00	1 minute cut
Glowforge; additional 30 seconds	0.50	*rounded up to the nearest 30 sec increments.
Materials in Maker’s Space - limited
⅛ Wood Sheet 12" x 19" x ⅛	8.00	Maple
¼ Wood Sheet 12" x 19" x ¼	8.00	Birch
Cardstock	2.00	65lb or less

Approved Cutting/Engraving Materials:

Woods

- Proof grade plywood & hardwood (pre-treated for laser cutting)
- Baltic Birch plywood
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
- Bamboo
- Solid hardwoods (oak, maple, cherry, walnut, etc.)
- Veneer (adhesive-backed and non-adhesive)

Plastics

- Acrylic (PMMA, Lucite, Plexiglas) Available in clear, frosted, opaque, and mirrored finishes
- Delrin (Acetal)
- Mylar (thin sheets)

Leather & Fabrics

- Vegetable-tanned leather (non-chrome-tanned only)
- Faux leather (PU-based, but not PVC-based)
- Denim
- Cotton
- Wool
- Felt (natural wool felt works best)

Paper

- Cardstock
- Chipboard
- Paper (thicker stocks work best)

Metals (Engraving Only, cannot be cut)

- Anodized aluminum (can be engraved but not cut)
- Painted/coated metals
- Stainless steel (requires special marking sprays like CerMark)
- Titanium (with marking sprays)

Materials that cannot be used (Toxic or Dangerous):

- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – Releases chlorine gas, which is extremely toxic
- Polycarbonate (Lexan, PC) – Produces yellowish burns and emits harmful gases
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) – Produces cyanide gas and melts
- Fiberglass – Contains glass fibers that ruin lenses and optics
- Carbon Fiber – Releases harmful particulates
- Chromed or Galvanized Metals – Emits toxic zinc fumes
- Foam Core Board – Tends to ignite easily

Disclaimer:

CLMA reserves the right to request verification or proof of the material makeup of items used in the Glowforge. Members bringing their own materials for cutting or engraving must be prepared to present information such product receipts. If the material type can not be determined, CLMA reserves to right to deny cutting or engraving of that material in the Glowforge.

Sewing Machines

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Button Makers

The button badge maker kit is perfect for making personalized, unique, and fashionable badges.

Paper & Vinyl Cutting

Create custom designs for projects like signage, stickers, and paper crafts, making precision cutting accessible for both beginners and advanced creators.