CO2 laser · Enclosed · Glowforge
Glowforge Pro HD
Small businesses, schools and makerspaces that will pay a large premium for the easiest browser-based CO2 workflow
from $7,999 at Glowforge, checked Oct 2
Image: Glowforge. Prices change often; the shop shows the current price.
Quick verdict
The Glowforge Pro HD is Glowforge's top model: a 45W CO2 laser with a 495 x 279 mm bed, a passthrough slot for long stock, and an HD camera system with Preview Mode and full autofocus. It is the least intimidating CO2 laser to learn, because everything happens in a browser app with a live camera view. At $7,999, though, it costs several times as much as enclosed 50 to 55W machines from OMTech, xTool or Gweike that also run LightBurn and take a rotary. Glowforge also keeps its speed figure vague, and your workflow depends on its cloud service staying up.
What you still need
An openable window within 8 feet for the exhaust hose or the $1,295 Performance Laser Filter, a reliable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network with internet access, CO2-rated safety glasses for maintenance, and materials: Proofgrade sheets come with preset settings but cost more than generic stock. There is no rotary to budget for because none is offered.Material reality check
Cuts wood, plywood, MDF, acrylic (including clear), leather, paper, card, fabric and cork, about 6 mm in one pass; engraves glass, stone, anodized aluminum and coated metal. It cannot cut metal or mark bare metal without a marking product. Never cut PVC or vinyl: the chlorine gas is toxic and corrodes the machine.Better alternative if
you want an enclosed 55W CO2 with camera, autofocus and LightBurn support for under a third of the price: OMTech Polar Lite 55WScores
Scored on the same scale for every laser on this site. See all lasers ranked.
Specifications
| Laser type | CO2 laser |
|---|---|
| Form | Enclosed |
| Optical power | 45 W |
| Other modules | None |
| Wavelength | 10,600 nm |
| Work area | 495 × 279 mm |
| Max speed | not published |
| Cutting (maker claim) | About 6 mm (1/4 in) in one pass for most materials, up to 13 mm (1/2 in) with multiple passes or flipping (maker FAQ) |
| Precision | 0.025 mm (0.001 in), engraving up to 1355 DPI |
| Air assist | Built in |
| Camera | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Rotary support | No |
| Safety | Enclosed with lid and rear door interlocks, but rated Class 4 because of the passthrough slot; UL certified, no emergency stop button |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Software | Glowforge app (browser-based, cloud) |
| Weight | 25 kg |
| Price | from $7,999 at Glowforge, checked Oct 2 |
Pros and cons
Why we like it
- The simplest CO2 workflow around: drop a file into the browser app, place it on the live camera view and print
- Dual cameras, Preview Mode and full autofocus make alignment on scrap and odd items easy
- Passthrough slot takes stock up to 20 in wide and longer than the bed
- Cuts and engraves clear acrylic, wood, leather and glass like any CO2 laser
- Large design catalog and Proofgrade materials with tested settings
Watch out for
- At $7,999 it costs several times as much as enclosed 50 to 55W CO2 rivals
- Cloud-only software that needs an internet connection: no LightBurn and no offline mode
- No rotary option for tumblers and other cylinders
- Glowforge publishes no speed figure, only a multiple of its own diode Spark
- Only 1/2 in clearance with the tray in, and 2 in maximum without it
Compare with
Frequently asked questions
What materials can the Glowforge Pro HD cut and engrave?
Cuts wood, plywood, MDF, acrylic (including clear), leather, paper, card, fabric and cork, about 6 mm in one pass; engraves glass, stone, anodized aluminum and coated metal. It cannot cut metal or mark bare metal without a marking product. Never cut PVC or vinyl: the chlorine gas is toxic and corrodes the machine.
What else do I need to buy with the Glowforge Pro HD?
An openable window within 8 feet for the exhaust hose or the $1,295 Performance Laser Filter, a reliable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network with internet access, CO2-rated safety glasses for maintenance, and materials: Proofgrade sheets come with preset settings but cost more than generic stock. There is no rotary to budget for because none is offered.
How much does the Glowforge Pro HD cost?
From $7,999 at glowforge, checked oct 2.
How we rank: by our own scores for power, speed, ease of use, safety and value, from the maker's published specs and independent tests where they exist. Some links earn us a commission (for example TwoTrees, SainSmart, Gweike and Amazon). That never changes a score or the order of a list (disclosure).
Sources
- Glowforge Pro HD product page
- Glowforge Pro HD store data (price)
- Glowforge Performance series overview
- Glowforge tech specs
- Glowforge Pro HD Certified Rebuilt store data
- Glowforge support: Cleaning your air assist fan (Performance series)
- Glowforge support: Operating environment
- Glowforge community: Cut thickness (quotes Glowforge FAQ)
- Glowforge community: How much does a Glowforge weigh
- Glowforge community: Why no E-stop button
- JP Plus: Glowforge Pro HD listing
- CNCSourced: Gweike Cloud Pro vs Glowforge Pro