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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
CO2 laserGlowforge Pro HD
TypeCO2 laser
Technology45W CO2 glass laser tube (10,600 nm), enclosed desktop laser with Pro Passthrough slot — Glowforge Performance Series
Laser power45W CO2 (rated)
Work area495 × 279 mm — Cutting area approx. 19.5 in (495 mm) wide x 11 in (279 mm) deep; max material width 20 in (515 mm); Passthrough allows material up to 1/4 in (6.3 mm) high, 20 in wide and 'as long as desired'
Max cut (maker’s claim)"Glowforge Pro and Plus perform well with many materials 1/4 in (0.6 cm) and less on a single pass. They can accommodate material as thick as 1/2 in (1.2 cm), but may require multiple passes or flipping the material over." (glowforge.com/b/materials FAQ)
EnclosedYes — fully enclosed
Laser classClass 4 laser product (because of the pass-through slots), per the Glowforge HD manual; LSO training materials supplied
CameraLid-mounted wide-angle camera plus head-mounted macro camera (autofocus); 'Live Camera View HD' and Preview Mode (HD models)
Air assistbuilt-in
SoftwareGlowforge app (free, web-based, internet required); optional Glowforge Premium subscription
ConnectivityWi-Fi (2.4 GHz b/g/n); no wired Ethernet port
Released2024
Strengths
  • 45W CO2 laser — the most powerful current Glowforge
  • Pro Passthrough slot for material of unlimited length (up to 1/4 in thick and 20 in wide)
  • Dual cameras with HD live view, Preview Mode and autofocus
  • CO2 laser handles clear acrylic and engraves glass, unlike the diode Craft models
Things to consider
  • Class 4 laser product because of the passthrough slots; Glowforge supplies Laser Safety Officer training materials
  • Needs Wi-Fi and an internet connection to start prints; no Ethernet port
  • Large: 965 × 527 × 210 mm
  • Vent outdoors (hose to a window) or use Glowforge’s optional Performance Laser Filter
  • Glowforge doesn’t publish a weight for the HD models
Who it suitsSmall businesses, schools and makers who need the fastest Glowforge and long-format work via passthrough.
Where to buyView on glowforge.com (official site)

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