Glowforge Manual page 3

Fire Safety
The Glowforge unit's laser cuts and engraves with a beam of high-intensity infrared light. The
laser can generate extremely high temperatures in the material being cut or engraved. Under
some circumstances, it is possible for the material inside the Glowforge unit to ignite and for the
flame to spread outside of the area being cut or engraved. If ignited, the flame could destroy
your unit and spread, potentially setting fire to the building.
Fire Risk
● Do not put anything inside the Glowforge printer that is not laser-compatible, even if you
do not intend to cut or engrave it. Learn more about laser-compatible materials below.
● Do not stack materials; for example attempting to cut two or more sheets of material at a
time. Multiple sheets are more likely to burn.
● Clean out leftover bits inside the Glowforge unit when it builds up. (See "Cleaning")
● Do not place things on top of the Glowforge unit. Do not store things that can catch fire
above it.
● Do not store sources of flammable vapors like paint, acetone, gasoline, or alcohol in the
same room as your Glowforge unit. Flammable vapors could be ignited during operation.
● When a print is complete, certain materials, like plastics, can remain hot. Allow them to
cool down before you touch them.
Keep watch during operation
● Never leave the Glowforge unit unattended while operating – always stay within sight.
Look inside frequently.
● A small, candle-like flame where the laser beam strikes the material is normal. This
flame should move with the laser and should not remain lit when the laser has moved
past. If there is a lasting flame inside the Glowforge unit:
1. Pull the plug on the back of the unit.
2. If it is safe to do so, extinguish the fire with a wet towel or a fire extinguisher.
3. If the fire cannot be extinguished or if it spreads outside the Glowforge unit, call
your local emergency number (for example 911) and evacuate the building.
4. Do not operate the unit further until you have contacted Glowforge for service
information at ​
Copyright Glowforge, Inc. 2017
DRAFT
s upport@glowforge.com​ .