What is a laser cutter?
A laser cutter is a machine that uses a laser to cut, etch, or engrave on a variety of materials.
Equipment in Creative Experience
• Glowforge Pro at Barr Library’s Creative Experience
What you’ll need
• File, design, or image to create with the laser cutter
Acceptable File Types
• svg (preferred), jpg, png, pdf
Printing Dimensions
• Maximum material size is 12” x 20” and maximum printable area is 11” x 19.5”
Materials
• Creative Experience has wood and acrylic materials available for purchase
• Availability of the Library’s acrylic colors varies
• You may use your own material with the laser cutter. Materials must be approved for use with the Glowforge. Find out more about the approved materials and uses here.
• If you are using your own materials it is helpful to bring an extra piece of material for Library staff to test and determine the correct laser settings.
Cost
• There is only a charge to use the laser cutter if you purchase materials from the Library
• Materials available for purchase in Creative Experience are:
° ⅛” Baltic Birch 12” x 20” sheet: $4
° ⅛” Baltic Birch 12” x 10” sheet: $2
° ⅛” Opaque or Transparent Acrylic 6” x 12” sheet: $4
° ⅛” Opaque or Transparent Acrylic 6” x 6” sheet: $2
° ⅛” Speciality Acrylic 6” x 12” sheet: $8
° ⅛” Speciality Acrylic 6’ x 12” sheet: $4
• You can use your free monthly print credit towards laser cutter materials
How to Get Started
• Laser cutters are available for in-library use during normal business hours
• Laser cutters are available on a walk-in or reservation basis. Reservations are encouraged, but not required.
• Submit this form to request a laser cutter reservation
Things to Know
• If it is your first time using the laser cutter or if you need assistance using the machine, it is recommended that you make a Tech Connect appointment to ensure that there is a staff member available to assist you one-on-one.
• Library staff will operate the laser cutter once your design is ready.
• You will be notified by email or phone when your item is ready for pick up
• Completed items will be held for 14 days
• Staff reserves the right to deny any print job that violates the Library’s Technology Use Policy
Resources
• Glowforge App: web-based interface to upload or create your designs, prepare them for cutting/engraving, and send them to the laser cutter.
Need help getting started?
Check out our events calendar for upcoming Creative Experience programs or schedule a one-on-one Tech Connect appointment.
