Upgrade laser power

I want to upgrade my laser to 60W. I currently use the pro model with 45W max. This will not engrave metal.

Correct.

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If you’re asking about upgrading your GF to 60 W - that isn’t an available option.
There are other laser brands out there that are spec’d for metal.

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In addition to the Glowforge not being upgradable, a 60W CO2 laser won’t engrave metal either. You need to be looking at fiber technology - ~4x the price and up.

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Welcome to the forum.
Glowforge does not have a model that engraves metal. You can, however, mark metal with all of the Glowforge models if you use an agent such as CerMark.

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For more details about how you can work with metal and a glowforge, check out #11:

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"CO2 lasers of 150 to 400 watts quickly and efficiently cut metal. This technology makes thinner gauge metal material, like stainless steel, aluminum and brass, processable via CO2 lasers.

A 400W laser outfitted with the laser cutting option can cut:

  • Mild steel up to 4.8mm thick
  • Stainless steel up to 3mm thick (with oxygen assist)
  • Stainless steel up to 2mm thick (with nitrogen assist)
  • Aluminum up to 1.5mm thick"

Now, on the positive side - the lasers that are that powerful are also much larger - 4’-8’ long - so you can cut BIG projects, but I think the cheapest I’ve seen is a no-name used one for 17,000 or a used Trotec for 24,000 USD.

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Eh go biggish or go home :slight_smile:

Here’s a Kern for sale (same company as linked to above)

https://www.laserresale.com/?fa=app.view&it=6707

This one looks fun:
https://www.laserresale.com/?fa=app.view&it=6912

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