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.