Glowforge Alternative: 12 Cheaper Laser Cutting Machines in 2024 | Buying Guide
Introduction
Laser-cutting machines have brought a significant change in the way people create intricate designs, allowing them to bring their ideas to life effortlessly. Glowforge is one of the most popular laser-cutting machines because of how well it works and how reliable it is. This makes it a top choice for both professionals and hobbyists.
However, it is worth noting that the cost of owning a Glowforge is relatively high, which might not be affordable for everyone. Luckily, there are a lot of Glowforge alternatives on the market today that can do the same things but cost a lot less. In this post, we’ll look at 10 of the best cheap alternatives to Glowforge that are available in 2023, including their main features, pros, and cons.
Why You Shouldn’t Purchase a Glowforge?
Before we delve into the alternatives, it’s important to address why you might want to consider other options instead of purchasing a Glowforge. While Glowforge is an amazing solution for a range of tasks, as was mentioned before, it comes with a hefty price tag that might not be suitable for everyone. The base model starts at $3,995, and the Pro+ model goes up to $8,995.
Also, the filters in Glowforge need to be changed often, which adds to the cost of running the machine. The filters (which should be changed every single month) cost between $240 and $500. This can lead to significant expenses if the machine is often used.
Lastly, Glowforge is not designed for industrial-grade projects. While it is perfect for hobbyists and small-scale designers, it might not be the best option for larger projects that require a higher level of precision and speed.
12 Cheaper Alternatives to Glowforge
Now that we’ve addressed why you might want to consider alternatives to Glowforge, let’s explore some of the best options available on the market today.
1. Creality Faclon2 Pro 60W
The Falcon 2 Pro is a Class 1 certified cutting and engraving machine designed with safety and performance in mind, making it perfect for both beginners and professionals. Its fire-resistant metal enclosure and integrated auto-stop function ensure a secure working environment by automatically halting operations if the enclosure is opened or the bottom drawer is removed.
Powered by a 60W dual laser bundle, the Falcon 2 Pro can cut through 20mm wood and 30mm dark opaque acrylic in a single pass, offering a competitive edge with its speed and precision. With a cutting speed of over 500mm/s and an additional 1.6W light module, it delivers ultra-fine engraving results across various materials, making it an ideal choice for small businesses.
The built-in HD camera enhances efficiency by allowing batch work for both engraving and cutting, while also scanning drawings directly from objects without the need for additional software. The enclosed design, paired with a high-performance exhaust system, ensures that smoke and dust are effectively filtered, eliminating the need for protective glasses and reducing noise for a more comfortable work environment.
The Falcon 2 Pro is compatible with Creality’s Falcon Design Space, LaserGRBL, and LightBurn, providing flexibility in design software. Pre-assembled for quick setup, it’s user-friendly and supported by comprehensive after-sales service, including lifetime technical support, a 12-month warranty, and 24-hour customer service. Whether you’re just starting out or running a small business, the Falcon 2 Pro offers a powerful, safe, and efficient solution for your engraving and cutting needs.
Pros:
- Powerful and precise cutting
- Easy setup and use
- Strong safety features
- Sturdy construction
Cons:
- Expensive
- Potential assembly issues
2. xTool M1 Ultra
The xTool M1 Ultra is a powerful all-in-one crafting machine designed to unleash your creativity. Combining die cutting, embossing, laser engraving, and pen drawing, it handles a wide range of tasks with ease. The 20W laser module cuts through 10mm wood and 8mm acrylic in a single pass, making it twice as fast as standard lasers. With the riser base and rotary attachment, you can work on materials of varying heights and curved surfaces, allowing for more complex designs.
Switching between tasks is effortless thanks to the Easy Swap design, enabling you to change modules in just 3 seconds. The M1 Ultra also features snapshot preview and pin-point positioning for precise results. Whether you’re working with vinyl, cardstock, wood, or over 1,000 other materials, this machine is incredibly versatile, perfect for creating everything from custom t-shirts to intricate decorations.
Safety and ease of use are key features of the M1 Ultra. It comes pre-assembled and ready to use, meeting Class 1 safety standards for home use. Compatible with xTool XCS software, it offers access to thousands of design templates, AI-generated images, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the xTool M1 Ultra is your go-to tool for bringing creative ideas to life.
3. Snapmaker 2.0 A350T
The Snapmaker 2.0 A350T is a 3-in-1 machine that can be used for laser cutting, 3D printing, and CNC carving. It comes with a 350mm x 350mm x 330mm workspace, making it ideal for larger projects. It has a 40W powerful laser that can cut through a huge range of materials, starting from wood and leather, continuing with acrylic, etc.
Pros:
● Multi-functional machine
● Large workspace
● Easy-to-use software
● Comes with a user-friendly touchscreen
Cons:
● Expensive
● Assembly required
● Limited material-cutting speed
4. Ortur Master 2 Pro
The Ortur Laser Master 2 Pro is a budget-friendly option that is perfect for beginners. It comes with a way less powerful 15W laser despite it easily cuts through a range of materials such as wood, leather, and acrylic. It also has a 400mm x 430mm workspace, which is larger than most entry-level machines.
Pros:
● Affordable
● Large workspace
● Easy-to-use software
● Adversarial with the biggest part of operative systems
Cons:
● Limited cutting power
● Assembly required
● Limited customer support
5. OMTech 40W
The OMTech 40W is a compact and affordable laser cutting machine that is perfect for hobbyists and small businesses. It comes with a 40W laser that can cut through wood, acrylic, leather, and more. It also has a 300mm x 500mm workspace, making it ideal for small projects.
Pros:
● Affordable
● Compact design
● Easy-to-use software
● Compatible with a variety of operating systems
Cons:
● Limited cutting power
● Limited customer support
● Assembly required
6. xTool D1 10W
The xTool D1 10W is a portable and affordable laser engraving machine that is perfect for beginners. It comes with a 10W laser that can engrave on a variety of materials, including wood, leather, and acrylic. It also has a compact design, making it easy to transport.
Pros:
● Affordable
● Portable
● Easy to use software
● Compatible with a variety of operating systems
Cons:
● Limited cutting power
● Limited workspace
● Assembly required
7. Creality Falcon2 22W
The Falcon2 22W is a high-quality laser cutting machine that is perfect for small businesses and hobbyists. It comes with a 22W laser that can cut through wood, acrylic, leather, and more. It also has a 400mm x 300mm workspace, making it ideal for small to medium-sized projects.
Pros:
● High cutting power
● Large workspace
● Compatible with a variety of operating systems
● Comes with a user-friendly touchscreen
Cons:
● Expensive
● Assembly required
● Limited customer support
8. Flux Beamo
Flux Beamo is another popular option for those seeking a cheaper alternative to the Glowforge. This compact and portable laser cutter has a maximum cutting area of 300mm x 210mm and is capable of cutting a variety of materials, including wood, acrylic, and leather. The Beamo also features a built-in camera for easy alignment and a software package that includes both Beamo Studio and LightBurn.
9. ATOMSTACK A20 Pro 20W Laser Engraver and Cutter
The world’s first quad-core diode laser engraving and cutting equipment is the ATOMSTACK A20 pro. Even 0.05 mm stainless steel sheets, 25 mm wood, and 30 mm Plexiglas can be cut with it. With the F30 Pro’s upgraded air assist kit, you can really hear how clear it is. It can improve laser cutting productivity to help you save time. During the engraving and cutting processes, the edges of things will be cleaner and clearer if the surface temperature is lowered quickly and effectively. The ATOMSTACK A20 Pro laser engraver works more steadily and smoothly now that the 32-bit motherboard has been updated.
With a 0.08 * 0.1mm ultra-fine laser focus area and an advanced built-in 256-bit color scale, finer engraving results and greater contrast effects are achieved. The completed design resembles a paper sketch. The addition of black and white makes the impact more subtle and organic. The ATOMSTACK A20 PRO is set up with a touch control screen, and offline engraving is possible.
10. TEN-HIGH 3020 40W
The TEN-HIGH 3020 40W laser cutter is a budget-friendly option that is perfect for hobbyists and small businesses. With a maximum cutting area of 300mm x 200mm, it can handle a variety of materials, including wood, acrylic, leather, and more. The 3020 features a 40W CO2 laser tube and can be controlled with a variety of software, including LaserGRBL and CorelLASER.
11. LaserPecker 2
The LaserPecker 2 is a compact and portable laser engraver that is perfect for those who need a small and affordable alternative to the Glowforge. With a maximum engraving area of 100mm x 100mm, it can handle a variety of materials, including wood, leather, and more. The LaserPecker 2 also features a built-in camera for easy alignment and a software package that includes both LaserPecker and LightBurn.
12. Gweike Cloud 50W
The Gweike Cloud 50W laser cutter is a powerful and affordable option for hobbyists and small businesses. With a maximum cutting area of 500mm x 300mm and a 50W CO2 laser tube, it can handle a wide range of materials, including wood, acrylic, and leather. The Gweike Cloud also features a red dot pointer for precise alignment and can be controlled with a variety of software, including LaserGRBL and RDWorks.
Overall, there are many affordable alternatives to Glowforge on the market today. When choosing a laser cutter, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget to find the machine that is right for you. By comparing the features and specifications of different models and reading reviews from other users, you can find a high-quality laser cutter that will help you bring your creative ideas to life.
4. What to Think About When Purchasing a Cheap Glowforge Alternative?
Before purchasing a cheap Glowforge alternative, there are some important factors to consider to make sure you get the best value for your money. Here are some things to think about when selecting a laser cutting machine:
● Cutting area: Consider the size of the cutting area and make sure it can accommodate the projects you plan to work on.
● Power: The power of the laser determines the thickness of materials that can be cut. If you plan to cut thicker materials, you will need a higher-powered laser.
● Software: The software that comes with the laser cutter can greatly affect your experience. Look for software that is easy to use and has a variety of features.
● Support: Look for a manufacturer that offers good customer support and a warranty in case anything goes wrong with your machine.
● Price: Obviously, price is an important consideration when looking for a cheaper alternative to Glowforge. However, keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best value in the long run.
5. A Brief Overview of Glowforge Laser Machine
Glowforge is a popular desktop laser cutter and engraver that has gained a lot of attention in recent years. It is known for its ease of use, sleek design, and high-quality output. Glowforge offers three models: the Basic, the Plus, and the Pro. The Basic model has a 40-watt laser and can cut and engrave a variety of materials. The Plus and Pro models have more powerful lasers and can cut through thicker materials.
Glowforge also has software that runs in the cloud and lets users upload designs and control the laser cutter from anywhere. The software has many features, such as the ability to change settings for different materials, trace images, and more.
6. When Is a Glowforge Still an Excellent Choice?
Although there are plenty of cheaper alternatives available in the market, the Glowforge remains an excellent choice for certain situations.
First, if you are looking for a laser cutter that is easy to use and does not require much technical knowledge, then the Glowforge is a great option. Its software is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for beginners to start using it right away.
Second, if you are looking for a laser cutter that is versatile and can handle a wide range of materials, then the Glowforge is a good choice. It can cut and engrave a variety of materials, including wood, acrylic, leather, and fabric.
Third, if you value high-quality customer support and a large community of users, then Glowforge is an excellent option. The company provides exceptional customer support and has a large and active user community that can help you troubleshoot any issues you may face.
Overall, while there are plenty of cheaper alternatives available, the Glowforge remains a solid choice for those who value ease of use, versatility, and exceptional customer support.
7. Select the Correct Machine for Your Needs!
When selecting a laser cutter, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and requirements. Here are some factors to consider:
● Material compatibility: Different laser cutters can handle different materials. Make sure the machine you select can cut and engrave the materials you need.
● Power and speed: The power and speed of a laser cutter determine how quickly and efficiently it can cut through materials. Think about how thick and hard the materials you’ll be working with are, and choose a machine with enough power and speed.
● Bed size: The size of the laser cutter’s bed determines the maximum size of the material you can work with. Consider the size of the projects you will be working on and select a machine with a bed size that can accommodate them.
● Software compatibility: Ensure that the laser cutter’s software is compatible with your computer and any design software you will be using.
● Price: Finally, consider your budget and select a machine that offers the features and capabilities you need within your price range.
8. Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the best alternative to Glowforge?
A: The best alternative to Glowforge depends on your needs and budget. Some top contenders include Snapmaker 2.0 A350T, xTool D1, and FSL Muse Core 40W Laser Cutter and Engraver.
Q: Is Glowforge worth the money?
A: If you are willing to spend the money and want a high-quality laser cutter with advanced features, then Glowforge may be worth the investment. However, if you are on a budget or don’t need all of the bells and whistles, there are cheaper alternatives that can still produce excellent results.
Q: What is the difference between Glowforge and other laser cutters?
A: Glowforge stands out for its user-friendly interface, cloud-based software, and sleek design. However, it is also more expensive than many other laser cutters on the market. Other laser cutters may have similar features and capabilities at a lower price point.
Q: Can Glowforge cut metal?
A: No, Glowforge is not designed to cut metal. It can cut and engrave a variety of materials including wood, leather, acrylic, and paper.
Q: Do I need a filter for my Glowforge?
A: If you plan on cutting materials that produce fumes, such as wood or acrylic, then a filter is recommended to ensure proper ventilation and to keep your workspace safe.
Q: Can Glowforge engrave on curved surfaces?
A: Glowforge can engrave on some curved surfaces, but it depends on the curvature of the material and the size of the laser bed. For best results, it is recommended to engrave on flat surfaces.
Conclusion
In the end, there are many cheaper alternatives to Glowforge that have the same features and functions. You can find a laser cutter that meets your needs above without breaking the bank by thinking about your budget, the needs of your project, and the features you want.
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF you DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
