The Digital Union Prototyping Studio has a Glowforge Plus which can be used to engrave, etch and cut a variety of materials. The machine is operated by staff only, but anyone at Ohio State can request a project be produced.
- Files for cutting and scoring should be delivered in vector format, preferably in .svg format.
- Files for engraving can be vector (svg) or bitmap (png) format.
Request Laser Cutting/Engraving
Laser Cutting and Engraving Materials
The Digital Union has some materials on hand, but anyone making multiple projects or exceptionally large projects may be asked to provide their own materials.
All materials must be no larger than 18” x 20.5” x 2”. The following is a general list of approved and unapproved materials, but is not all inclusive. Materials should be flat, not cylindrical.
If you wish to produce an object using your own materials, you MUST get prior approval for the material with the material request form.
Approved Materials
For Glowforge, materials that will likely be approved include:
- Cardboard (not all will be approved)
- Acrylic, Lucite and Plexiglas
- Wood
- MDF
- Fabric, except plastic-backed (please use the material approvals form for information on the suitability of a particular fabric)
- Leather (Genuine only, NOT pleather or vegan leather)
- Glass (can be etched only)
- Ceramic Tile (can be etched only, cannot have adhesive backing)
Unapproved Materials
The following materials can NEVER be used in the Glowforge. This list is NOT all inclusive. Any materials not on the approved list should never be cut without approval, due to the potential to damage the laser or create toxic fumes.
- Vinyl/PVC (We do have a vinyl cutter if your project involves vinyl)
- Adhesive backed products
- Styrofoam/Polystyrene
- Foam of any type
- Resin/Epoxy
- Pleather/faux leather
- Plastic (3D prints cannot be put into the Glowforge)