I want to upgrade my laser to 60W. I currently use the pro model with 45W max. This will not engrave metal.
Correct.
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.
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.
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.
For more details about how you can work with metal and a glowforge, check out #11:
"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.
Eh go biggish or go home
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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