Creators and crafters often ask, “What can a Glowforge do to metal?” As you’ll see, it can do a lot. We’re eager to show you just a few of the possibilities.
Glowforge entrepreneurs constantly push the envelope, really showing what you can make with a laser, on a wide range of materials, from wood to plastic to acrylic to even chocolate. And yes, you can use your Glowforge on metal. That means your Glowforge can make everything from personalized gifts to seasonal ornaments, even out of metal.
What Is Glowforge?
So, first, what does a Glowforge do?
Glowforge is a 3D laser printer that lets you create beautiful things at the touch of a button. It’s a dynamic, versatile tool for working with dozens of materials, including metal. You can learn more about how it works by watching this video.
What does a Glowforge do to metal?
When people ask, “can Glowforge engrave metals,” we explain that it’s useful to understand how the Glowforge laser works with different metals. Your Glowforge can directly etch some metals, such as anodized aluminum; in that case, the laser actually removes the coating on the metal, leaving your design The MacBook, for example, is built with anodized aluminum and has become a favorite object for Glowforge creators to customize. (Definitely check with the manufacturer before trying this with just any laptop.) One creator used pre-cut paper templates over anodized metal dog tags to create fun, personalized Halloween gifts for his children. Glowforge entrepreneurs have also made aluminum business cards and personalized keychains for friends.
Other metals, such as stainless steel, are best etched after being sprayed with Cermark, a spray-on liquid that lets lasers make marks on metal. In this case, your Glowforge doesn’t remove any material from the metal; instead, the laser colors the metal with your design, leaving the surface smooth to the touch. Glowforge lets you mark a permanent design without cutting into the metal.
One Glowforge creator made an intriguing stainless steel ornament on their first try working with metal. Needless to say, they were delighted with the results.
Knowing your metals is key to using them successfully with Glowforge. To learn more about how to use your Glowforge as a laser engraver for metal, visit our vibrant Glowforge Community.
Can Glowforge Cut Metal?
The Glowforge laser doesn’t cut through galvanized or soft metals, but that doesn’t mean metal projects are impossible. We’ve already talked about using the Glowforge to create designs on metal, but it can also carve templates or jigs. After making a template on your Glowforge, you can use it over a piece of metal to guide a blade or saw.
Non-Proofgrade Metals
Glowforge offers Proofgrade materials that are sourced, encoded, and lab-tested for a perfect printing experience. Our Proofgrade selection includes hardwood, acrylic, leather, veneer, and more.
That said, we don’t offer Proofgrade metal. Glowforge makers interested in metal will have to use what we call non-Proofgrade materials. As mentioned, anodized aluminum is suitable for use on Glowforge, but galvanized metals are not laser compatible.
Read through our non-Proofgrade materials FAQs for more information.
Examples of Glowforge Metal Creations
Now that we’ve explained how Glowforge works with metal, you’re probably wondering: what can you make with a Glowforge?
You’ve seen a few examples already, but we’re always amazed to see what Glowforge creators bring to life. One ordered a selection of blank metal business cards, only to find they were too thin to electro-etch. They were perfect, though, for using with a Glowforge. From that mix-up came a delightful design for personalized metal business cards. Another creator used a brass sheet to create a personalized laser-etched journal for Mother’s Day.
Glowforge creators are a varied bunch, from all walks of life, and they all find different reasons to make beautiful things with their Glowforge. Some are entrepreneurs starting a new business (or expanding their existing one), while others love making personalized gifts for their friends and family. We love to see what they do with Glowforge, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll do with it, too.
Schedule a Glowforge Demo
To learn how to use Glowforge as a laser engraver for metal, schedule a product demo.
