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Troubleshooting Cut Problems on the Glowforge Aura and Spark Lasers

Troubleshooting Cut Problems on the Glowforge Aura and Spark Lasers

Step 1: Ensure Proper Setup

Before troubleshooting, verify that your Glowforge Aura is set up correctly. Follow the official Glowforge guide from step 14 onward:
Glowforge Aura Setup Guide

Step 2: Check Physical Alignment

  1. Level the Machine

    • Ensure your Glowforge Aura is on a flat, stable surface.
    • Use a bubble level if necessary to confirm even positioning.
  2. Inspect the Metal Tray and Confirm Proper Tray Placement

    • Check if the metal tray is slightly bent. If it is, carefully bend it back to ensure it's completely straight.
    • The metal tray must be fully seated in its designated cutouts.
    • Double-check for any gaps or misalignment.
  3. Ensure the Material is Flat

    • Warped material can cause uneven cutting.
    • Secure material using one of the following methods:
      • Tape (painter’s tape or masking tape)
      • Honeycomb pins
      • Well-placed magnets

Step 3: Check Software and Settings

  1. Verify Material Settings

    • Make sure you’re using the correct material preset or manually inputting the right speed, power, and focus height.
  2. Clean the Optics

    • Dust or residue on the lens or mirrors can impact laser performance.
    • Follow Glowforge’s cleaning guide to wipe down the laser lens with a lens wipe.
  3. Reboot and Recalibrate

    • Turn off the Glowforge Aura and unplug it.
    • Wait a few minutes before plugging it back in.
    • Run a test cut to see if the issue persists.

Step 4: Run a Test Cut

  1. Use a Simple Design

    • Try a simple shape (e.g., a small circle or square) to see if the issue is with your design or the machine.
  2. Adjust Focus Height

    • If the cut is not going through, ensure the laser focus height matches the material thickness.
    • Manually set focus. Follow this link to see how: How to Manually Set Focus
  3. Check for Power Fluctuations

    • Plug the Glowforge Aura into a dedicated outlet to avoid voltage drops.

Step 5: Contact Glowforge Support

If the issue persists after trying all the above steps, it may be a problem with the laser itself.

  1. Gather Information for Support:

    • Keep a detailed log of everything you tried.
    • Take photos or videos of failed cuts and machine setup.
    • Note down the material type and settings used.
  2. Submit a Support Ticket

    • Visit Glowforge’s support page and provide all the necessary details.
    • Be prepared to follow additional troubleshooting steps from their team.

Let us know what happens! Keeping track of your troubleshooting process will help you get faster assistance from Glowforge Support.

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