A design I have engraved many times progressively began to deteriorate in quality to the point now where the streaks and broken up parts are very bad. I’ve tried a number of different files and substrates to determine whether it’s potentially a file or material issue but the problem is consistent. Anyone else have a similar issue? I’m assuming it’s a machine issue or maybe I need to service something.
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Welcome to the forum.
The best way to evaluate the performance of your machine is to print the Gift of Good Measure on Proofgrade material using Proofgrade settings. Do this after thoroughly cleaning all of the optics and fans and post a picture of the result here.
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I’ll give that a try. Where do I find that artwork?
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It is in the catalog (free) Gift of Good Measure Keychain – Glowforge Shop
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If you are certain that optics are clean and without scratches, you should contact Glowforge support. Have you recently removed the lens and inspected it for any blemish or scratch? It seems odd that the engraves look pretty good, yet your cut line doesn’t show at all.
When you contact Glowforge support they will probably ask for the serial number of your machine and may want to see this Gift of Good Measure.
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I’m going to clean the optics next, but I need to order a new lens remover. We moved recently and that got lost in the shuffle. Thanks for all your help.
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The lens remover is not necessary. Remove the top of the printhead and remove the mirror. Use a q tip to push the lens down and out of the printhead. Be sure to catch the lens so it doesn’t land on something hard and crack. You can put the lens back in by gently dropping it into the printhead cup side first.
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In the photo, what I see is normal in many woods, different parts of the wood burn darker than other parts. this is particularly the case when the engrave rides close to the divide of the layers. The other photo of the “GOGM” is a totally different issue.
You can see it here…
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Okay, I was able to follow your instructions and get the lens out. Definitely was in need of cleaning as was the mirror and side lens. (Note: I’m just getting up to speed at maintenance because the Glowforge used to be my wife’s hobby but eventually didn’t have time, so I’ve been finding it very useful in making jigs and branding for the woodworking projects I do for audiophiles). I’ve attached a new print, which is improved frombefore but still a bit lighter than I would expect, and still not cutting at all.
Did you clean the window on the inside left of the machine? Did you clean the printhead window on the left side of the printhead? Are the small windows on the underside of the printhead clear?
I suggest you make a design file that is a 3/4" circle, and see if adjusting the speed/power setting will cut through the material. Also, consider doing some test cuts on acrylic if you have any.
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I’ve cleaned all of the above and also tried rebuilding a simple version of the file I was having my initial problems with to try and rule out a corrupt file. Same issue with the engraving breaking up into chunks and not printing at all in areas between graphical elements. I’ll reach out to Glowforge support now. However, the cleaning did make some noticeable improvements and I know more about the Glowforge than I did before. Thanks much!
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This may be of use:
(that entire Support site has a bunch of great articles)
That this line gets weaker as it moves along makes me think that the window under the left edge of the machine may very well be your culprit.
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