Learn all about Glowforge Aura™ the first-ever Craft Laser™ from Glowforge®. Find out what it is and how to use it in this blog post!
I'm so excited to announce Glowforge's new laser cutter, the Glowforge Aura™!
The Glowforge Aura is a Craft Laser™ from Glowforge. The power of this laser is far more powerful than a blade and it can cut intricate, detailed designs in a precise way. No blades or mats are required!
This is a sponsored post written in partnership with Glowforge®. Glowforge provided me with this machine in order to review it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you're an experienced designer or an aspiring maker or want to start a small business, you're going to love this machine!
Table of Contents
What Can the Glowforge Aura Machine Do?
The Glowforge Aura machine can cut, score, and engrave.
- Cut: The Aura's laser can cut all the way through a 1/4" thick material.
- Score: The Scoring process is similar to drawing on material with a pencil.
- Engrave: Engraving carves away the top layers from the material to create contrast and add depth to your projects. It can engrave images such as photos, logos, or JPEGS.
The best part? This machine doesn't need any blade replacements or mats!
I made an adorable earring display using this machine! You'll see the final product later in this blog post.
Unboxing- What's Inside?
- Protective Foam Packaging
- Laserhead
- Glowforge Aura
- Power Cable
- Vent Hose
- Cutting Tray- Inside a Cardboard Sleeve
Laser Head Features
- Fan
- Head Body
- Carriage & Rails
This laser is a Diode laser- One of the most common lasers used in the laser cutting world. It's a semiconductor containing p-type and n-type materials. When these two materials join, they form a junction; and from this junction, a laser is emitted.
Laser Head Characteristics:
- Wavelength: 450nm (metric unit) CW
- Internal laser power: less than 6000 milliwatts peak
- Beam diameter: 0.1mm
- Original laser beam is .2 mm
- Beam divergence: 9mRad
If you're wanting to start a small business, this laser is for you. This laser is able to cut through many materials and is a great way to join in on the laser-cutting world of creativity!
Compatible Materials
The Glowforge Aura machine is compatible with hundreds of materials offering you limitless creativity!
Glowforge provides Proofgrade® materials that measure 12" x 12", are 100% compatible with this machine, and are laser-ready.
What sets the Proofgrade materials apart is how they are designed to be laser-ready with a useful QR code on the front of the material. The machine is able to read this QR code and automatically adjust its settings for perfect results. No need to play the guessing game! Just place the material into the machine with the QR code facing up, close the lid, let it scan, and begin the cut with perfect precision.
Glowforge Proofgrade materials are also covered in protective masking that can be taken off once the machine is done printing, so your projects are clean and burnt-mark free!
Pro Tip: An awesome pro tip from Glowforge is to use duck tape to take off the protective masking by sticking it onto the laser cut-outs and peeling it off to reveal the material.
Here is a list of Proofgrade compatible materials:
- Acrylic- non-translucent
- Thin Natural Leather
- Iron-On
- Wood such as Hardwoods, Plywoods, and Veneer.
One thing to note about this laser is that it can't cut through clear or translucent materials. You might be wondering, why? Because, a diode laser emits blue light, and this blue light can travel through the translucent material without making a difference.
You also want to ensure that you are using compatible materials because reflections could occur and damage the unit.
Non-Compatible Materials
- Acrylic- Clear, white, or translucent variations
- Chromium-Based Materials- for example, make sure your materials don't contain Chromium.
- PTFE/Teflon-Based Materials
- PVC-Based Materials
- PVB-Based Materials
- Beryllium Oxide
Compatible Devices
Macs, PCs, Tablets, and Phones are all compatible with the Glowforge Aura Machine.
Glowforge App
In the Glowforge software (browser-based app not a downloadable app), you are able to preview your designs on materials using the Aura Vision™ before printing- which definitely comes in handy! Learn more about Aura Vision down below!
The browser-based app is also free! You can create designs with the software you have or use the images, fonts, tools, & catalog designs (I talk more about the catalog below) Glowforge Premium provides!
What's Aura Vision™?
Aura Vision™ is an Onboard 8-megapixel camera. It lets you position your material exactly where you want it- all thanks to the live camera preview.
Glowforge Premium
Glowforge Premium is an optional upgrade to Glowforge's free print software. It offers free designs, features, and tools. Plus, you can get early access to these features before anyone else!
One of the features that comes with Glowforge Premium is the Magic Canvas. Magic Canvas is an Ai tool- just type in a description and quickly turn it into art!
Glowforge Catalog
The Glowforge Catalog features a collection of ready-to-print designs in sectioned categories such as Games & Activities, Jewelry & Accessories, and Education & Classrooms. It also includes thousands of creations to pick and choose from! It's quite user-friendly if I do say so myself.
Compatible Softwares
Illustrator, Photoshop, even Google Slides, and Powerpoint are compatible with Glowforge's software!
What Can You Make With Glowforge Aura?
Earring Display
This earring display measures 4.5" x 7" x 5.5" and comes with the cutest hangers with two circle cutouts to hang your earrings from!
I designed this earring display in Adobe Illustrator, uploaded it to the Glowforge app, and cut it out using the Glowforge Aura.
The display is made out 100% compatible, Proofgrade, teal acrylic material Glowforge provides, and all the earrings were cut by the Glowforge Aura as well.
The cutting process took about 40 minutes but went by quickly because I used that time to paint the earrings.
I hand-painted the earrings and hangers with paint markers and spray paint after they were cut to make everything really pop!
I had an absolute blast turning a 2-D design into a functional 3-D object using Glowforge's Aura Laser Cutter. It's a creative dream come true!
Download the FREE Earring Display SVG
If you would like to make this earring display, you can download the FREE SVG files here. There are two files, one for the Glowforge acrylic and one for the Glowforge wood.
This machine is impressive and is a great machine to have if you are a small business owner or an aspiring designer and crafter!
Do you have questions about Glowforge Aura? Post them below so I can answer them!
Stephen Grizanti says
I'm surprised it took Glowforge so long to come out with an affordable model. XTools offers something like this and more. Interesting to note that you broke the news and not Glowforge themselves. The only email from them most recently was from Bailey at Glowforge regarding her classes showing off the main laser.
Abigail Easterly says
Awesome idea
Diane Curtis says
I would love to have this! Looks amazing!
Evelyn Wieland says
I see there is an air filter. Does this need to be set up to send the “exhaust” to the outdoors?
Kimberly Coffin says
Hi Evelyn! Yes, there is an air filter, but it's sold separately. You can connect the Glowforge Air Filter to the Glowforge machine using the Vent Hose that's included with the machine and leave it indoors as it filters through the air filter. If you don't purchase the Air Filter, you will need to be sure to place the Vent Hose outside (out a window or door) to send the exhaust outside. Hope this helps!
Janette says
Can it cut fabric? If yes, can it cut more than one layer at a time?
Courtney says
I assume it will not be able to etch glass?
Angie Pierce says
You could make something similar - a Barbie clothing rack with hangers...
Michael says
Is a computer needed to use this laser cutter?
Shirl says
Will you be testing out non-Glowforge materials on this? I would be interested in, for example, Cricut's wood, poster board, chip board, felt, etc. I loved your article!
Julie says
I am also wondering if it will etch glass. If the glass is opaque, and 1/4 inch or less.
Linda S. says
I want one, waiting for a good sale!
Kathleen B says
Looks like fun
Kmarie says
This machine is amazing. I can already thing of a few projects, I would love to do. I'm excited to see more of your project as well!
Kathleen B says
The kids would love this
Jennylyn Gross says
would love to try this
Ericka La Tour says
I would LOVE one of these!!
Dianna D. says
Your project is adorable! I would love to have a Glowforge!
Carolee Cucinella says
I love this!
Elspeth says
Honestly, just take my money
Phyllis Huebbe says
If I could afford to buy one I would!
Sam says
Another very cool tool
Kathleen B says
I definitely would like one
Jack Gregory says
Looks great for crafting!
Tiffany S says
This is so going on my wish list!
Darlene rank says
It looks awesome and would love to have one day.
Michelle says
My next big purchase!
Darlene rank says
Love this
Kathleen B says
Such a helpful tool
Sharon A says
I would absolutely love that!
Connie says
If I wants to just engrave on a cutting board or sign how thick can wood be?
Sheila Ciechoski says
I would love to start with a Cricut and work my way to Glowforge! I think it looks like it would be fun to have.
Charissa Henderson says
Love it!
Kathleen B says
Love the earrings.
Phyllis Huebbe says
This machine is amazing! Wish I could afford to buy one.
Dawn Curtis says
I will have to start saving my pennies!
Phyllis Huebbe says
Imagine the projects you could make!
Desiree G says
What a neat tool! My mom has a smal business where she makes things and this is right up her alley! I’m gonna send her this link!
Heather Eleo says
Omg! This looks like a total game changer!
Nicole Watson says
Awesome game changer
RICHARD SKUSE says
to much for me
Anita L says
The crafting ideas would be endless!
Colleen Debs says
Looks easy and fun
Nahomi Bench says
I'd love one of these!
Kristi says
I had no idea a machine like this existed! The things you can do is impressive!
Hannah G says
This would be a wonderful tool for homeschooling!
Shannon Hendee says
Love this! Very cool product
Carol Cole says
Interesting
Wade M says
I want one of these amazing things so bad lol
Danny says
There's so many cool things we can make with that! Very nice
Mari says
Powerful
Betty S says
Always love to see new ideas, of ways to organize.
kathie hoehn says
This is so cool!
vkelly says
Looks like fun
Mindy says
I would love to win this !
Emes says
I absolutely don't need another craft, but this looks so fun!
Danny says
I haven't done crafts in a while, now i must have one haha
Frank Stuart says
Thank you for sharing such a detailed review. It is a very interesting machine!
David Smith says
This is amazing!!!!
Vickie Gallo says
This is so helpful for a complex process to a beginner like me! Thank you!
Jodi Bouier says
This is pretty cool. I'll need one for my crafting room!!! I need all the help I can get.
Anita Duvall says
What a great cutting machine! Love the earrings.
Jesse says
Wow where was this years ago? I can think of several projects I would make.
Melissa Shirley says
I love that thing
Patty Bersch says
I really want a Glowforge, you can do so many neat things with them. I wish they weren't so expensive.
Stephanie Stewart says
I need this
Jack Keller says
WOW! I want this!
Joy Chadwick says
Technology is amazing, my mother would have loved this.
Rochelle L Boucher says
super cool!
rosalyn duvall says
This is so neat! Thank you for sharing!!
Cathy says
What a great machine!!!
wen budro says
I love that this product uses a laser instead of blades. It sounds so much more precise.
Sarah K says
I need this in my life!
Paula says
I am focusing on starting a card business but maybe one day this will be my new learning project.
Tom Bellamy says
Great machine!
Karla says
My daughter is showing interest in creating art. I have to see what all this can do!
Jean says
What an amazing machine!
Jack Keller says
I want this!
Amanda says
I gotta get one!
Tammy Jewell says
I want one, but don't need to add more to my craft list. 🙂
Bill Webb says
I want one of these Glowforge's REAL bad, I could make so many cool thing's.
Mary says
What a cool tool!
Lucie says
Interesting but I ‘m not ready for this
Jamie says
Wow, this looks like my new craft interest!
Julie Schoonover says
Love this idea! Great machine!
June says
these items look interesting and affordable
Jinger says
This looks a lot quicker and easier than trying to do the same type of project with my cutting machine!
Jen says
what a great machine!
Jenifer says
I NEED this in my life!!
Cecie Haxton says
I love this machine! If only finances would allow…
Jodi Hunter says
This is freaking cool.
Sally Long says
This machine looks great!
Erin says
This is cool!
Dona-Marie says
Great idea but way out of my price range.
Debra Williams says
This thing is awesome!
Katie says
I love that it doesn't need replacements for blade or mat.
Mary Dickens says
I need this in my live. I love your earring hanger.
Polly Locklin says
Now I am curious. I haven't gotten great reviews from friends who have the more expensive GlowForge. I have heard that the design software is not exactly user-friendly and has a very long learning curve.
Jeff J. says
Cool machine! I know some people who would like one
Erika says
So fancy!
Julie Light-Copper says
I think this would be great to learn how to use but I still am not sure how much I would use it. I am more of a card and quilt kind of girl at my age. If this would have been around when I was teaching special needs kids, I would have been using it all the time.
Chloe says
Looks cool!
Penny says
I am actually going to take more time to go back over all the features. Looks phenomenal
Michelle Prenger says
Awesome!
Josey Keep says
I really want one of these.
Tami Vollenweider says
Loved the way your earring display turned out!!!
Kristin Morton says
I want to know if it'll etch glass?? I put it on my wishlist!!
Thomas batanglo says
Great ideas. Pretty lady too.
laurie2cats says
Looks like a fun tool!
Kaylin says
Adding this to my wishlist!
Cheryl says
I’ve been waiting for something like this !
Diane R. says
Nice machine, but can't afford.
Ren says
Love your informative blogs. Going to add this to my list of desired items for new pre-retirement career.
Skylie says
I need this in my life!!
Diana says
So many fun ways to craft! This is cool
Wendy Browne says
So many cool uses for makers.
Monica says
I think it's great Glowforge came out with this size machine. Takes up way less space. Definitely planning on getting one.
Cheryl Verde says
Amazing product!
Colleen Debs says
So cool!
Jack Keller says
Interesting
Chantel Kruger says
Wow this looks awesome
Hannah Thjn says
Brb retiring my cricut machine hahaha. But forreal. The possibilities are endless with this!
Connie Merritt says
I need this in my life!
Katie says
I would love this for my mom, she's always been super creative.
Martha Gallo says
It is truly amazing the various things you can do with this one machine!
Louanne Baelde says
This looks incredible!!! I would LOVE!!!!
Martha Gallo says
It is really wild and truly amazing the various things you can do with this one machine!
John Gusswein says
Love to win this for my grand kids!
Jodi Boulier says
Love to learn hands on with help seeing things being done! TY
Neosha says
Aaaah I want one! ❤️
Tina Lusby says
Super cool!! Thanks for sharing!
Tina Lusby says
I just started using a cricut. This looks amazing and I’d love to win one.
Nancy says
That's incredible!
Shawn says
How fun are those earrings!
Piroska says
The Glowforge Aura looks like a fantastic product!
Paula Gillespie says
This new laser cutter, the Glowforge Aura, is so cool!! Amazing~
sandra says
i like that this can cut intricately
Antoinette M says
Very nice product. I like the earring display!
Lin pieper says
Do you need a computer for the laser cutter? Thanks !
AJ says
Love this! I could make so many cute projects! Thanks for sharing!
Amanda Perow says
This looks like amazing technology!
Shelly Lisano says
My dream is to own a Glowforge someday!!
Catrina H says
I did not know this existed and now I need one!
Stepanie Walters says
So cool!
Melanie centis says
Thank you for sharing. Great info
Kathleen B says
Would love one of these
Denise Bryant says
I hadn't seen this before. It looks awesome!
Mo says
Such a fun tool! Definitely going on my wishlist!
Melony Moore says
This machine is perfect. I have wanted one for so long and it is just the right size and price.
Yvonne says
Looks like this is nice and compact.
Kmarie says
Love how small and easy it would be to store.
Jenn koziol says
This machine sounds awesome! I've been wanting to invest in a Glowforge for a while, I just don't have the room. Thanks for sharing this!
Elaine Lozano says
Cool machine..Wil have to save up my pennies to buy it!
Polly Locklin says
I have been looking into the laser cutters. This sounds like the one!
Betty S says
This has been added to my Must Have List, knowing you are here to help me learn how to operate
Cynthia Espinoza says
This is a really cool tool
Donna F Doyle says
This is awesome.
Shelly Lisano says
Some day I hope to have one!!!
Karine says
I dream of having a glowforge for a long time. It's a great tool
Diana C says
I would love this!
Catherine Brown says
This would be great for my Christmas ornaments to cut out
Sandra says
The earring holder is adorable. Hope to own a laser cutting machine someday.
adam charpentier says
really cool tool
Kathy says
I need need this!!!
Irene says
I'm thinking of all the things I can do with this. I want one.
Irene says
I want this so many possibilities.
Kathleen B says
I had never heard of this before your post
Marty Harris says
This could be a hobby that I could get into.
Hannah Priem says
This looks like so much fun
Catherine B says
What an amazing machine!
Dana says
How do people find the time to learn this?!
Kelly Freeman says
good luck y'all
Stepanie Walters says
Love that it’s a more affordable option
Cathy F. says
What an amazing machine!
David S says
Amazing tool. Would definitely make crafting easier.
Vickie Gallo says
What a great machine! My husband is the artist and would have a lot of fun with this!
Garrett Ruark says
I really want one of these.
Sharon Aurora says
Amazing!
Jon Rider says
Fun!
Kathleen B says
The kids would love this.
Elaine Lozano says
Great tool--so much you can do..just let your imagination go!
Shellie Clark says
I would LOVE a Cricut!!
Shellie Clark says
Awesome tool!
Karine says
This machine is incredible !!!
Kathleen B says
Amazing!
Melony Moore says
I am saving for this machine. It is just perfect size.
Shirley O says
So many wonderful craft project options with this laser cutter. I love your finished earring display project.