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Pick up to three laser cutters, engravers or 3D printers. Every figure comes from the maker’s own pages; blank means the maker doesn’t say.

Specifications compared
Diode laserGlowforge Aura
TypeDiode laser
Technology6W blue diode laser, 450 nm, enclosed craft laser with Passthrough — Glowforge Craft Series
Laser power6W diode
Work area305 × 305 mm — Max cutting area 12 x 12 in (converted ≈ 305 x 305 mm); 12 in x unlimited with Passthrough
Max cut (maker’s claim)"Both Glowforge Spark and Glowforge Aura can cut materials up to 1/4" thick, and engrave materials up to 3/4" thick with the cutting tray removed." (glowforge.com/b/craft FAQ)
EnclosedYes — fully enclosed
Laser classClass 1 laser product containing an embedded Class 4 laser
CameraLid-mounted wide-angle camera plus head-mounted macro camera for autofocus; live camera view and Preview Mode
Air assistbuilt-in
SoftwareGlowforge app (free, web-based, internet required); optional Glowforge Premium subscription
ConnectivityWi-Fi (2.4 GHz b/g/n)
Weight8.6 kg
Released2023
Strengths
  • Class 1 enclosed design with lid interlocks
  • 12 × 12 in (about 305 × 305 mm) cutting area plus a Passthrough for longer pieces
  • Cuts materials up to 1/4 in thick; engraves objects up to 3/4 in tall with the tray removed (Glowforge)
  • Weighs 8.6 kg (19 lb)
  • Glowforge says it is certified to EN/IEC 62368-1 and EN/IEC 60825-1 by TÜV Rheinland
Things to consider
  • Diode laser: Glowforge lists glass, clear, white and blue acrylic, vinyl and Draftboard as incompatible
  • Warranty covers normal single-family household use, not business or continuous use
  • Needs Wi-Fi and an internet connection to start prints
  • Vent through a window or use Glowforge’s optional Craft Laser Filter
Who it suitsHome crafters who want an enclosed, camera-guided laser for wood, leather, paper and opaque acrylic projects.
Where to buyView on glowforge.com (official site)

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