
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
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Level the Machine
- Ensure your Glowforge Aura is on a flat, stable surface.
- Use a bubble level if necessary to confirm even positioning.
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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.
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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
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Verify Material Settings
- Make sure you’re using the correct material preset or manually inputting the right speed, power, and focus height.
- Make sure you’re using the correct material preset or manually inputting the right speed, power, and focus height.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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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