Glowforge Spark Settings & Speeds
Updated May 2026 · 55 tested settings · 31 materials
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The Glowforge Spark is a 40W co2 laser engraver with a 498×279mm work area. This page lists 55 community-tested settings covering speed, power, passes, air assist, and DPI across a range of materials. Always run a test cut on scrap material first — results vary depending on your material batch, focus, and ambient conditions.
The Glowforge Spark is Glowforge's budget CO₂ laser, positioned below the Basic. It offers the full Glowforge experience — cloud software, camera alignment, and Proofgrade materials — at the lowest price in the lineup. Best for light craft projects: paper, cardboard, leather, and thin wood. A good entry point for crafters who want the Glowforge platform without committing to Basic pricing.
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Materials covered
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55 settings
From the Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can the Glowforge Spark engrave or cut?
The Glowforge Spark has community-tested settings for 3mm Mirrored Acrylic, 3mm Clear Acrylic (Cast), 3mm Maple Plywood, Cotton Fabric, Denim Fabric, Cork 3mm, Chipboard 2mm, Ceramic Tile, and 23 more. Results vary by material batch, focus, and ambient conditions — always test on scrap first.
What is the work area of the Glowforge Spark?
The Glowforge Spark has a work area of 498×279 mm (approximately 20×11 inches).
What settings should I use to cut Cotton Fabric on the Glowforge Spark?
A community-tested starting point is speed 45 mm/s, power 22% in a single pass. Always run a test cut on scrap to confirm before committing to your project.
What can a CO₂ laser like the Glowforge Spark cut that a diode laser cannot?
CO₂ lasers can cut and engrave clear acrylic, glass (with care), fabric, and thicker wood more cleanly than diode lasers, because the CO₂ wavelength is absorbed by materials that are transparent to diode light. This makes the Glowforge Spark more versatile for craft and production use.
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