3D printing is no doubt Disruptive Bleeding Edge Technology. But will it ever become mainstream? Despite many questioning , the application of 3D printing technology is ever increasing. Whether it be 3D printing replacement parts, fashion accessories or prototype development, we are seeing more and more application of this high tech tool.
From a consumer standpoint, 55% spent more in 3D Printing services and solutions in 2017. Worldwide spending in the 3D printing market is predicted to almost double in 2018 from $12 billon to 20 billion in 2021. This can be seen in large cities and even small rural towns where libraries are jumping on the 3D printing bandwagon and enabling their patrons to utilize the printers to unleash their creativity.
One area that there is a lot of growth opportunity for 3D printers is within the home market. Consumers have embraced the concept but still are looking for easy real life opportunities in which they can apply the technology to. Our friends at Glowforge have launched their much-anticipated line of 3D laser printers enabling families and small business to unleash their creative ideas. What makes these printers different than standard 3D printers is the ease of use and the ability for consumers to utilize different products from leather, wood, fabric, paper as their medium. Great for making those custom gifts for birthdays, Christmas and even weddings.
With Glowforge users can create and print from well known software including Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, CorelDraw, Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Autodesk 360, and Sketchup. For users that are not technically inclined, you can bypass software altogether by leveraging the onboard cameras which can scan a drawing and transform it directly into a beautiful print on almost any material.
Glowforge has unveiled 3 products, the Basic, Plus and Pro,
- At the approximate size of a laser printer (38” x 20.75” x 8.25”) the Glowforge Basic is targeted to home, hobby and craft consumers.
- Similar in size, the Glowforge Plus offers upgraded components and a more powerful laser to print up to 20% faster, plus a double warranty.
- Glowforge Pro is targeted towards more serious makers, home entrepreneurs, and small businesses. It is designed for all-day use. The Pro Passthrough allows printing large projects, including home décor and furniture.
Glowforge works through a standard web browser and is compatible with any Mac, PC, Linux, tablet or mobile device. Connectivity is through Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz b/g/n and WPA2, WPA, WEP, or open).
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions: 38” x 20.75” x 8.25”
- Material Capability:
- 19.5” by 11” (Glowforge Basic and Plus)
- 19.5” by ∞ (Glowforge Pro)
- Laser: CO2 Laser
- Power: 110/220 VAC, 50/60 HZ
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz b/g/n and WPA2, WPA, WEP, or open)
- Cameras:
- Wide Angle Camera — Mounted on the lid, provides a view of the entire printable area, accurate within 0.25″ (6mm)
- Macro Camera — Mounted on the head, provides extreme up-close information for autofocus, accurate within 0.004″ (0.1mm)
- Material Capability:
- Cuts & Engraves: wood, fabric, leather , paper, cardboard, plexiglass (acrylic), Delrin (acetal), mylar, rubber, cork, sandpaper, foods …and more
- Engraves Only: glass, marble, rubber stamps, stone, ceramic tile, anodized aluminum, titanium, corian …and more
- File format compatibility: JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF
For more information or to acquire the: Glowforge 3D Laser Printer
About Glowforge
Glowforge is a Seattle-based startup that makes a 3D laser printer. Glowforge’s wireless desktop laser makes it simple for designers, artists, and makers to take products directly from digital design to reality.
