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Pollak Library

Makerspace: Laser Cutter

This guide is for the Pollak Library Makerspace, found on the second floor of Pollak Library North at Cal State Fullerton.

laser cutter icon

GlowForge Laser Cutter

Produce incredible products with a GlowForge laser cutter! Create personal or professional projects by cutting or engraving through materials such as wood, cardboard, acrylic, etc. 
The Pollak Library Makerspace has some material available for use (plywood, cardboard, etc.), but availability is on a first-come-first-served basis and while supplies last. We cannot guarantee we will have material available for every project. If you have a specific project in mind please bring your own material. 
To make a reservation click here.
 

 

Suitable Materials:
Plywood, Fabric, Leather, Paper, Plexiglas (acrylic), Delrin (acetal), Mylar, Rubber, Corian, and more
Materials for Etching ONLY:
Metal, Glass, Marble, Anodized aluminum, Titanium, Some phones, tablets, and laptops, and more

Before You Go

YOU MUST MAKE AN ACCOUNT BEFORE USING THE GLOWFORGE
To use the Glowforge Laser Cutter you need to make a personal Glowforge account. This account gives you access to several pre-made designs and the design platform. If you are a new user please complete the following steps before coming to the makerspace: 
1) Click here to make an account free of charge. 
2) Email makerspace@fullerton.edu the following message: “I am a new Glowforge user. Please add my account to the system. The email I used to make an account is (insert the email address you used to create your Glowforge account)” 
Please complete these steps before you come in to use the equipment. 

Tutorials

Creating SVG files in Adobe Illustrator

Adding Text to Design with Adobe Illustrator 

Design Before You Visit

DESIGN BEFORE ARRIVING 

After you complete the "Before You Go" steps and are added to our Glowforge system (this is could take up to 24 hours), you will have access to the Glowforge design platform. Try to create your design prior to coming into the space. 
Print and cut jobs can take longer than you might think. When you select "print" in the design space you will be given an exact print time. This time is accurate and you must be prepared to be in the space during the duration of the print. Be mindful of other reservations and our closing time. If your job is not complete by our closing time or a reservation is booked after your allotted time, we will have to stop your print before it is finished. Please consult Makerspace staff if you have any questions about this.

Free SVGs!


Needing some inspiration? Want to design using some basic shapes? Click here to find collection of SVGs you can download for free to use in your designs. 

Cutting, Scoring, and Engraving

In a Glowforge laser cutter, cutting, scoring, and engraving are distinct operations used to create different effects on materials:
  • Cutting: The laser uses high power to cut entirely through the material, following a vector path. This is used to create separate pieces or intricate designs.
  • Scoring: The laser moves along a vector path but at a lower power than cutting, creating a thin, shallow line on the surface without cutting through. This is useful for fine details and outlines.
  • Engraving: The laser removes material in a filled area rather than following a line. It works like shading or etching, producing images or text with varying depths based on the power settings.
Each technique serves a different purpose, allowing for a combination of precision cutting, detailed line work, and artistic engraving.

For more details check out "Hey, Let's Make Stuff by Cori George"