Glowforge Certification

The Glowforge is a laser cutter used to cut and engrave wood and acrylic sheets. The Makerspace has Baltic Birch wood and multiple colors of acrylic available for use. Any materials brought in must be approved by an employee before use. Log in to Glowforge's website to use the machine. Click "Create a New Design," and upload the file of your choosing. It must be in the svg, pdf, jpg, or png format. The svg format is best as we can then do different things with every color in the file. Set the material to "uncertified, 0.12 inch thickness" if using the provided wood. On the left, select each part of the design and set it to cut, score or engrave the material. Ensure the design is the size you want it to be. Turn on the Glowforge and the air filter using the switches on the machines. When ready, click print at the top right. Press the blinking button on the Glowforge when prompted. When the cut is finished, allow the Glowforge to reset before removing the material. 

Operation: risk of physical injury 

Control Measures:  

• Children require the supervision and assistance of an adult.  

• Do not use your Glowforge printer while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  

• Lasers are subject to regulations and standards, particularly when installed in an educational institution or place of work. Ensure that you comply with all applicable rules.  

• Do not touch the head or arm of the Glowforge unit while the power is on. If you do so by accident, turn it off, then back on again to prevent the possibility of damage.  

• Parts of this product are made of glass that could break under impact. Should that happen, be careful to avoid injury by broken glass pieces.  

• Only operate your Glowforge unit when it is exhausted outdoors or through the Glowforge Air Filter. Failure to exhaust will cause smoke and fumes to escape into the room, presenting a risk of health hazards or death.  

• If you exhaust outdoors, be sure that the exhaust location will not be bothersome to neighbors or passers-by, and do not forget to check your local rules for air quality regulations that may apply to you.  

• To prevent smoke and fumes from escaping the unit, do not open the lid until the fans stop.  

• Follow all the instructions in “Setting Up” carefully.  

• There may be some odor present while printing. However, if you detect a strong, sharp smell that also causes eyes, nose, or throat irritation, or if there is visible smoke escaping while the lid is closed, stop immediately and re-check your exhaust setup. If the irritation and/or smoke emissions do not abate, discontinue using your Glowforge and contact support.  

• Pro Users: There may be small openings around the edges of the passthrough slot. This is expected;  
  your Glowforge Pro’s powerful fans will whisk smoke and fumes away into the exhaust hose.  

• Safety Equipment Be sure carbon monoxide detectors are installed and tested in the building as recommended by local codes and manufacturer recommendations. 
  

Electrical Safety: risk of electrical shock 

Control Measures: 

• Do not try to service, repair, or modify the Glowforge unit  

• Never try to access the wiring of the Glowforge unit  

• Do not open the power supply or any other sealed portion of the Glowforge unit.  

• If the Glowforge unit is damaged, unplug the power cord and contact support@glowforge.com immediately.  

• In case of emergency or malfunction, unplug the power cord on the unit's back.  

• Use only a properly grounded outlet with at least 800 watts available.  

• The power cord is intended to serve as the disconnect device. Make sure the outlet is near the equipment and easily accessible, so you can unplug the unit if needed.  

• The maximum rating of the circuit breaker, also known as an over-current protective device, on this circuit feeding the outlet should be 15 amps.  
  
  

Fire Safety: risk of fire and burns 

Control Measures: 

• Do not put anything inside the Glowforge printer that is not laser-compatible, even if you do not intend to cut or engrave it. Learn more about laser-compatible materials below.  

• Do not stack materials; for example, attempting to cut two or more sheets of material at a time. Multiple sheets are more likely to burn.  

• Clean out leftover bits inside the Glowforge unit when it builds up. (See “Cleaning”)  

• Do not place things on top of the Glowforge unit. Do not store things that can catch fire above it.  

• Do not store sources of flammable vapors like paint, acetone, gasoline, or alcohol in the same room as your Glowforge unit. Flammable vapors could be ignited during operation.  

• When a print is complete, certain materials, like plastics, can remain hot. Allow them to cool down before you touch them.  

• Never leave the Glowforge unit unattended while operating – always stay within sight. Look inside frequently.  

• A small, candle-like flame where the laser beam strikes the material is normal. This flame should move with the laser and should not remain lit when the laser has moved past. If there is a lasting flame inside the Glowforge unit that does not extinguish when the laser has moved past:  

• Pull the plug on the back of the unit.  

• If it is safe to do so, extinguish the fire with a wet towel. Note that water may damage your Glowforge.  

• If that is not an option, then if it is safe to do so, extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. Note that fire extinguishers may cause damage to your Glowforge.  

• If the fire cannot be extinguished or if it spreads outside the Glowforge unit, call your local emergency number (for example 911), and evacuate the building.  

• Do not operate the unit further until you have contacted Glowforge for service information at support@glowforge.com.  

• PPE required:  

• Fire extinguisher on hand 
  
  

Laser Safety: risk of physical injury 

Control Measures:  

• Do not attempt service. All service must be performed only by the Glowforge factory or by factory-authorized technicians.  

• Do not attempt to alter or modify the unit.  

• Only use the front door or top lid to open the case. Do not try to open the case any other way, such as by drilling holes, removing fasteners, or removing coverings.  

• Do not try to disassemble or open sealed portions of the Glowforge unit, including any protective coverings or housings.  

• If the crumb tray is removed, use extreme caution to ensure that the laser only strikes laser-compatible material, and does not touch the metal bottom of the unit which could cause a reflection and damage the unit. 
  
  

Material Safety: risk of fire, burns, and damage to the machine 

Control Measures: 

• If you are not completely sure that your material is laser-compatible, do not put it in the Glowforge unit.  

• Materials that do not fit properly may obstruct operation, result in damage, and increase the 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, 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.