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Thunder Laser
vs.
Glowforge
"After 5 years of doing laser cutting as a hobby, I was finally ready to buy my very own laser cutter! But which one? So many options on the market, from super hobbyist options to the ultra-pro machines, and lots of options in the middle."
Ron - Fabulous Creations
Thunder Laser or Glowforge?
One large contender in the space that I had to weigh against my list of requirements was Glowforge. In this video, I'll discuss all the factors that went into my decision making process and hopefully give you things to think about when you're considering buying a machine for yourself or your laser engraving business.
Get a Free Quote TodayWhat are the differences between the Glowforge, Aeon, and Thunder-Nova?
This document is a very basic overview of the differences and a comparison of some commonly asked questions.
Get a Free Quote Today| GF Pro | Mira 7 | Mini 60 | Nova 24 | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work area | 9.5" x 11" x 0.5" | 27.5" x 17.8" x 5.9" | 23.6" x 15.7" x .8" | 23.6" x 15.7" x 6.1" | Mira 7 has more work area but more height in Nova 24. |
| Pass through |
0.25" |
No |
0.8"
|
0.8"
|
Nova line has better pass through |
| Max material thickness | 2" | 5.3" | 0.6" | 6.1" | Nova 24 more space |
| Laser power | 45W | 60W | 40W | 60W | 60W is good |
| Motor type | Stepper | Digital Steppers | Stepper | Hybrid Servo | Additional info needed on Mira7 motor |
| Red Dot |
No |
Yes |
No
|
Yes
|
Red dot helps to know where the head on the material |
| Chiller included | Closed loop self cooling |
Yes/Built-in |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Chiller helps but Nova option is better for not being built-in. Allows for upgrades |
| Chiller type | Self cooling | Built-in 3000 | CW3000 | CW5000 | CW5000 is a true chiller like a fridge. CW3000 is air cooled. |
| Air included |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Even through all machines |
| Air type | Internal air assist | Built-in pump | External Pump | External Pump and dual sourced | Nova dual source allows for external air supply to be added so that you can do low pressure for engraving and high pressure for cutting |
| Exhaust inculded |
No. Add-on |
Yes/Built-in |
Yes/External
|
Yes/External
|
Nova external is better option for upgrades |
| Camera |
Included |
No. Add-on |
No. Add-on
|
No. Add-on
|
Camera cost around US$200-450 |
| Motorized bed |
No |
Yes - up/down. Honeycomb and blades |
fixed. Honeycomb and blades
|
Yes - up/down. Honeycomb and blades
|
Having both honeycomb and blades is a big plus |
| Catch Tray |
No |
No |
No
|
Yes
|
Tray to catch the little pieces and pull out |
| Tumblers |
No |
Yes with rotary |
No
|
Yes with rotary
|
Various options: rollers and chuck |
| Work area | Pass through | Max material thickness | Laser power | Motor type | Red Dot | Chiller included | Chiller type | Air included | Air type | Exhaust inculded | Camera | Motorized bed | Catch Tray | Tumblers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GF Pro | 9.5" x 11" x 0.5" |
0.25" |
2" | 45W | Stepper |
No |
Closed loop self cooling | Self cooling |
Yes |
Internal air assist |
No. Add-on |
Included |
No |
No |
No |
| Mira 7 | 27.5" x 17.8" x 5.9" |
No |
5.3" | 60W | Digital Steppers |
Yes |
Yes/Built-in |
Built-in 3000 |
Yes |
Built-in pump |
Yes/Built-in |
No. Add-on |
Yes - up/down. Honeycomb and blades |
No |
Yes with rotary |
| Mini 60 | 23.6" x 15.7" x .8" |
0.8" |
0.6" | 40W | Stepper |
No |
Yes |
CW3000 |
Yes |
External Pump |
Yes/External |
No. Add-on |
fixed. Honeycomb and blades |
No |
No |
| Nova 24 | 23.6" x 15.7" x 6.1" |
0.8" |
6.1" | 60W | Hybrid Servo |
Yes |
Yes |
CW5000 |
Yes |
External Pump and dual sourced |
Yes/External |
No. Add-on |
Yes - up/down. Honeycomb and blades |
Yes |
Yes with rotary |
| Notes | Mira 7 has more work area but more height in Nova 24. | Nova line has better pass through | Nova 24 more space | 60W is good | Additional info needed on Mira7 motor | Red dot helps to know where the head on the material | Chiller helps but Nova option is better for not being built-in. Allows for upgrades | CW5000 is a true chiller like a fridge. CW3000 is air cooled. | Even through all machines | Nova dual source allows for external air supply to be added so that you can do low pressure for engraving and high pressure for cutting | Nova external is better option for upgrades | Camera cost around US$200-450 | Having both honeycomb and blades is a big plus | Tray to catch the little pieces and pull out | Various options: rollers and chuck |
Triple the Machine for Half of the Price?
At Thunder Laser, we are dedicated to producing powerful and reliable machines that deliver top quality cutting and laser engraving capabilities.
USA based customer service sets us apart from other brands and we 100% stand behind our warranties, and after sale support.
Building relationships with every one of our customers is so important to us. No routing your phone calls to a call center, instead we will pick up the phone and discuss your needs as down to earth laser machine experts.
Looking for a quality laser etching machine? Our product lineup produces outstanding results with consistent reliability and customer satisfaction.
