Materials
- Proofgrade materials are encouraged. Non-proofgrade materials will need to be approved by a Forge staff member at the beginning of each reservation.
- Materials with glues or toxins cannot be used.
- We encourage the use of new materials with receipts/tags for fast and easy approval. Please feel free to ask a Forge staff member any questions.
- It is highly recommended that you bring extra material for testing.
- Remember to keep your materials down to a size that will fit in the laser cutter.
- Materials that will work in the Aura: Wood, ceramic, and solid-color acrylics
- Cutting: Materials up to 1/4" thick
- Engraving: Materials up to 3/4" thick
- Design Space: 12" x 12" (with a passthrough for slightly longer materials)
NOTE: This machine will not cut through or engrave on white, blue, clear or transparent materials.
Design
- It is recommended to create your own vector file in advance and attach your project to the Laser Cutting Reservation form. You can also create your file during your 2- hour reservation, time permitting.
- Forge staff are only able to help with basic Inkscape software guidance and encourage the use of supplemental materials like YouTube and Creative Bug to help with editing files.
- Only trained library staff can operate the laser cutter software.
File Types: .svg (preferred), .ai, .png (duotone)
Recommended Software: Inkscape (available in Forge) or Adobe Illustrator (available in the Digital Media Labs)
Free Files: Thingiverse and Glowforge community catalog
Contents
- The library has one Glowforge Aura desktop laser printer that can cut, engrave, and shape designs of a variety of materials. Please check out our Materials section of this page for more details. The maximum printable area is approximately 11.5 in deep and 11.5 in wide. It's reduced somewhat when the laser operates at high speed, as it can take space for the laser to decelerate.
- Glowforge Aura details and information
How It Works
- Anyone with a valid library card in our system, in good standing, can begin a project.
- Find or create a .svg, .ai, or png (duotone) file and submit a request for a 2-hour Laser Cutter Reservation here.
- Max of 1 reservations per person per week if there is availability.
- Materials need to be approved by Forge staff prior to a Laser Cutting Appointment.
- Print your design during your reservation.
Cost
There is no charge to use the laser cutter. Bring your own materials to cut or purchase limited items at the library during your appointment. Materials you bring must be approved by staff.
Warning
Staff is not responsible for any errors that may occur during printing.
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