glowforge aura craft laser settings equivalent chart
The Glowforge Aura is a compact diode laser cutter designed for crafters and hobbyists. Understanding its settings is essential for achieving precise and efficient results across various materials. This guide provides an overview of the Glowforge Aura’s key settings, recommended configurations for common materials, and guidance on converting settings from other laser models.
Understanding Glowforge Aura Settings
Glowforge Aura operates using specific parameters that control its laser functions:
- Power: Determines the laser’s intensity. Higher power results in deeper cuts or darker engravings, while lower power is suitable for lighter engravings or thinner materials.
- Speed: Controls how quickly the laser moves over the material. Slower speeds allow deeper cuts, whereas faster speeds are ideal for surface engravings.
- Lines Per Inch (LPI): Specifies the resolution of engravings. A higher LPI results in more detailed engravings but may increase processing time.
Recommended Settings for Common Materials
The following settings serve as a starting point for crafting with the Glowforge Aura:
| Material | Process | Power | Speed (mm/s) | Passes | LPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basswood (1/8″) | Cutting | 100% | 5 | 1 | N/A |
| Engraving | 70% | 6 | 1 | 270 | |
| Acrylic (1/8″) | Cutting | 100% | 4 | 1 | N/A |
| Engraving | 80% | 5 | 1 | 340 | |
| Cardstock (65 lb) | Cutting | 50% | 10 | 1 | N/A |
| Engraving | 30% | 12 | 1 | 225 |
These settings are approximate and should be adjusted based on specific project requirements. Always perform test cuts or engravings on scrap pieces to fine-tune the settings.
Converting Settings from Other Laser Models
If transitioning from another laser model to the Glowforge Aura, replicating familiar settings may be challenging due to differences in laser power, speed capabilities, and other factors. The Glowforge Pro, for instance, utilizes a 45-watt CO₂ laser, whereas the Aura employs a 6-watt diode laser, leading to variations in performance and optimal settings.
To approximate settings:
- Assess Laser Power: Compare the wattage of your previous laser with the Aura. A lower-powered laser like the Aura may require slower speeds or multiple passes to achieve similar results.
- Start with Conservative Settings: Begin with lower power and speed settings, then incrementally adjust based on results.
- Utilize Available Resources: Community forums and user-generated spreadsheets offer insights into effective settings for various materials. The Glowforge community has compiled a spreadsheet of settings that can serve as a reference point.
Testing and Documentation
Given the variability in materials and individual machine differences, it’s essential to:
- Conduct Test Runs: Before finalizing a project, perform tests on similar material scraps to ensure the settings yield the desired outcome.
- Document Successful Settings: Maintain a log of settings that work well for specific materials and projects. This practice streamlines future projects and reduces the need for repeated testing.
Conclusion
While there isn’t a universal chart for laser settings, understanding the fundamental parameters and systematically testing and documenting your findings will enable you to achieve optimal results with your Glowforge Aura. By leveraging community resources and refining your process through experimentation, you can maximize the potential of your craft laser projects.
Bob learned about farming from his grand dad. So, the decision to leave the city and start homesteading was not a difficult transition. He now lives with his wife and two kids on their 30 acre property in Ohio.
