- With the Glowforge, you can only laser cut as compared to laser, CNC and 3D print with the Snapmaker 2.0
- If you are only looking for a laser cutter then go with the Glowforge- but if you want a multiuse machine then the choice is the SnapMaker 2.0.
- The biggest advantage of the Snapmaker is that it provides lots of creative options for people who don’t have a lot of space in their work area. If you have surplus space, you can get better equipment by buying separate machines that are purpose-built for specific jobs.
- The Snapmaker is great if you’re working in a small house with limited room.
Both the Glowforge Pro and the Snapmaker 2.0, are two desktop CNC machines that aim to make 3D printing easier for the everyday consumer. They are very much alike in structure, capabilities, features, user interface design, software compatibility, etc.
Both Glowforge Pro and Snapmaker 2.0 are two desktop CNC machines that aim to make 3D printing easier for the everyday consumer.
They are very much alike in structure, capabilities and features, user interface design, and software compatibility making them great options for those looking to enter into 3D printing or more advanced users of the technology.
Glowforge Pro: An Overview
The Glowforge Pro comes equipped with features such as wifi connectivity and unlimited storage space within its cloud platform which can be accessed from anywhere you go and used on other devices such as tablets, laptops and cellphones without having to revert to your computer or laptop which makes up for its slightly higher price point.
The product is also able to edit your designs on any computer, tablet, or smartphone without having to transfer or revert to your original design which makes the device even more versatile.
Video Review
The Glowforge Pro is a desktop laser cutter/engraver that prints on materials such as wood, paper, acrylic, and leather with a max speed of 150ft per minute. It is equipped with an autofocus system that ensures users are cutting at high precision every time.
It also comes with unlimited cloud storage so you can access your projects from anywhere in the world when using wifi connectivity. This machine uses its operating system called “Glowforge” which works seamlessly with any computer when it is connected via USB cable (included).
The Glowforge Pro can be used for both commercial and personal uses as it prints on both thin and thick materials.
Features
It comes with a cubic frame measuring 38″ x 20.75″ x 8.25in and weighs 35 lbs. The product is equipped with a carbon filter/HEPA system that automatically purifies the air around your machine after every use which is an important feature since this product uses laser technology.
It also comes equipped with an autofocus sensor which makes cuts more precise and users can edit their designs by inserting text, images, or removing parts of existing files without having to revert to the original design.
Aside from cutting/engraving wood, users can print on paper, acrylic, leather, and more. Users can add a camera to the Glowforge Pro for easy access.
Pros
- It has great functions such as wifi connectivity and unlimited storage space within its cloud platform which is accessible from all devices without having to revert to your original computer.
- Users are also able to edit their designs on any device they choose before printing it onto wood, leather, acrylic, or paper which makes up for its slightly higher price point.
- The machine has an autofocus system making its high precision and there is also a carbon filter/HEPA system included with this product for purification purposes after every use. This feature is important when using laser technology.
- You can even add a camera to the device if you wish to.
Cons
- The Glowforge Pro is more than double the price of its closest competitor, the Snapmaker 2.0.
- Although it does come equipped with features such as wifi connectivity and unlimited cloud storage space, these features are not unique to this product making them slightly less impressive.
If your budget is a little on the higher side, that this device would be a good investment but if you do not need these particular functions on a desktop laser cutter/engraver, there are other products out there with similar prices and more reasonable specs.
Snapmaker 2.0: An Overview
The Snapmaker 2.0 is a 3D printer that comes with two print heads that allow users to simultaneously print objects in two colors and/or materials and is compatible with a wide range of filaments such as ABS, PLA, Wood, Copper, and PVA. It has a built-in LCD screen and USB connectivity making it very user-friendly. It also comes equipped with an auto bed leveling system which makes up for its slightly higher price point.
The Snapmaker 2.0 is smaller than the Glowforge Pro by cubic inch measuring at 495 × 506 × 580 mm while weighing 14 lbs which makes this product compact but not suitable for larger projects.
Video Review
Users can connect their devices wirelessly or through USB to either PC or Mac computers. The print head on the product is located on the left side of the machine while the USB port is located at the back of the device for easy access.
One unique feature about this device is that it has a “self-cleaning button” which automatically wipes away any remaining filament on your print head after its use.
Features
This product comes with two print heads meaning you can simultaneously print in two colors or materials at once, making your projects faster and more efficient. This feature makes up for the slightly higher price point of the Snapmaker 2.0 as it saves you time in addition to allowing users to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Another great advantage is that this product comes equipped with an auto-leveling system making it suitable for beginners who do not want to manually level their device before each print. The device also comes with a built-in LCD screen for easy access and navigation while the USB port is located at the back of the printer for easy connectivity.
Pros
It has incredible features including:
- Double print heads.
- An auto-leveling system.
- A self-cleaning button.
- Great connectivity options.
Cons
- Even though this product comes equipped with incredible features such as two print heads, an auto bed leveling system, and even a self-cleaning button, there are other products out there that have similar functions without its slightly higher price point.
Final Verdict
The Glowforge Pro comes at a higher price point but has better features such as wifi connectivity, unlimited storage space within the cloud platform which can be accessed from anywhere you go as well as the ability to edit your designs on any device such as tablets or smartphones without having to revert to your computer.
Even though it is slightly pricier, we believe that this product offers users more value for their money based on its diverse functions and capabilities.
The Snapmaker 2.0 offers users laser engraving/cutting capability in addition to 3D printing capabilities and both beginners and experts alike will find this machine useful thanks to its easy-to-use touch screen.
Although the Snapmaker 2.0 is not as expensive as the Glowforge Pro, its laser function does not compare to this device and we believe that users should invest in a machine with multiple functions such as the Glowforge Pro if they plan on using this machine for commercial purposes.
Conclusion
The main differences between these two devices lie in what can be cut and the cost, so depending on your needs it would be best to choose one or the other.
Hello, my name’s Rush Chapman. I’m a 3D printing enthusiast. I started this site to help people choose 3D printing projects and select the best 3D printer for your needs, whether you’re a hobbyist or a pro!
