Unlike standard 3D printers, Glowforge doesn’t print with additives, but rather cuts the design of your choosing, uploaded via their web / smartphone app, onto the supplied materials. You could even create a leather wallet by having the printer etch a design into the material while also cutting it into a foldable shape. The machine also accepts wood, fabric, felt, acrylic, paper and more. Once the material is placed inside the printer, Glowforge begins the carving and etching process using extremely precise laser light, with a ccuracy of up to the width of a human hair. Continue reading for a live test video and more information.
“Outside of the innovative hardware native to Glowforge’s printer, the compatible software allows even the most amateur of artists to create stunning projects. Whether it be uploaded image files, hand drawn sketches, or one of Glowforge’s many available templates and designs, it’s capable of handling almost anything thrown at it. Moreover, users have the ability to customize or create new images and templates via Glowforge’s Web application, or by using their smartphone. If using a computer program isn’t ideal, the printer has the ability to analyze drawn images, then cuts or etches the materials accordingly,” according to Digital Trends. You can pre-order one now here.
