Glowforge Basic — Coated / Powder Coated Steel

What speed should I use to engrave Coated / Powder Coated Steel on the Glowforge Basic?

The top-rated community setting uses 300 mm/min at 48% power. Ablates powder coat to reveal bare metal beneath. Works on powder coated flat stock and signs. Clean with IPA first. Black powder coat gives highest contrast. No Cermark needed for powder coat removal. For bare steel marking, fiber laser settings apply instead.

Can the Glowforge Basic cut Coated / Powder Coated Steel?

A 45W CO₂ laser can mark or engrave metal surfaces but cannot cut through them — metal cutting requires a much higher-powered laser or a plasma cutter.

How many passes does the Glowforge Basic need to engrave Coated / Powder Coated Steel?

All settings here use a single pass. Confirm focus and do a small test burn before committing to your final design.

Do I need air assist for Coated / Powder Coated Steel on the Glowforge Basic?

Air assist is not flagged as required for these settings, but it is good practice during cutting operations to keep the lens clean and reduce char buildup.

What software do I use with the Glowforge Basic for Coated / Powder Coated Steel?

The Glowforge Basic works with Glowforge App. Enter the speed, power, and passes directly into your software's layer settings — no conversion needed.