Policies

• Patrons must provide their own materials to cut/engrave from our approved list.
• Patrons are limited to 1 hour of cutting and/or engraving a week.
• Patrons are limited to one reservation per week unless they are rescheduling a failed print.
• Patrons must bring in proof of material type (receipt or label)
• Patrons must book 48 hours in advance.
• Patrons can book six weeks in advance.
• Patrons are limited to ONE reservation per week, unless they are rescheduling a failed print.
• Your reservation will be held for 30 minutes from the start of your reservation time. If missed then that time is forfeit for the next print.
• Laser cutting/engraving is reserved for educational and not-for-profit activity, and printing for commercial purposes is NOT permitted.
• Bookings for class-related projects will be given priority over personal or hobby use.
• Use is prioritized by current affiliation with the University of Idaho. Community patrons interested in learning more about laser cutting and engraving should email Jessica Fleener at jkfleener@uidaho.edu.
• The Library/MILL employees reserve the right to cancel reservations at any time, including but not limited to inappropriate use of space or equipment.
• Policies and procedures may be changed at any time at the discretion of MILL representatives.

Approved List of Materials

Materials used in the Glowforge must be CO2 laser compatible. CO2 laser compatibility means the material is safe to use with a laser. MILL staff must approve your materials if you want to use anything other than the Proofgrade materials sold by Glowforge. You must provide a receipt or tag that states what the item is made of. We reserve the right to refuse material if we deem it to be unsafe, inappropriate, or we cannot confidently identify what it is.

The typical cutting area is 12”(width) x 20”(length) x 1/4” (height). However, the MILL staff can remove the crumb tray and work with items up to 2” in height using supports. The Glowforge can cut 1/4” (6mm) or thinner materials. Unfortunately, there are no rotary abilities so it cannot engrave on rounded objects. It is highly recommended that you bring extra material for testing so that your final item comes out correct.

Material	Cut	Engrave
Acrylic	Yes	Yes
Draftboard	Yes	Yes
Hardwoods (Walnut, Cherry, Basswood, Maple, Red Oak, Poplar, Ash)	Yes	Yes
Plywood (Maple, Walnut, Cherry, Basswood)	Yes	Yes
Veneer (Maple, Cherry, Walnut)	Yes	No
Leather (Must be vegetable-tanned)	Yes	Yes
Fabric	Yes	No
Paper	Yes	No
Cardboard	Yes	No
100% Natural Cork	Yes	Yes
Glowforge Proofgrade Materials	Yes	Yes
Marble	No	Yes
Slate	No	Yes

Materials Not Allowed

• Gold
• Brass
• Bronze
• Silver
• Polycarbonate/LEXAN
• MDF
• PVC
• ABS
• HDPE (milk bottle plastic)
• PolyStyrene Foam
• PolyPropylene Foam
• Corian
• Delrin
• Epoxy
• Electronics
• Fiberglass
• Painted or treated materials
• Stained woods
• Mirrors or reflective surfaces
• Electronics
• Artificial leather
• Food products
• Vinyl
• Anything not on the Approved List!

Printable PDF List