Boone Innovation Lab (BIL)Spotlight – Glowforge – BCPL Undiscovered

Posted on September 9, 2021 by Design in Design Innovation | 0 Comments

It’s time to get started on your holiday gift-making! Or why not just make something for yourself? The Boone Innovation Lab (BIL) at the Hebron Branch in Hebron has a Glowforge Laser Cutter and Engraver that makes it easy!

A BCPL library card in good standing is needed to use the equipment in the BIL. Don’t have one? Stop by any of our locations to sign up and receive a prize during September’s Library Card Sign-up Month, while supplies last!

The Glowforge uses a laser beam the width of a human hair at varying speeds and power to cut and engrave a variety of materials. You can engrave text, graphics, and photos.

If you are looking for ideas to get you started, check out glowforge.com. You can do your designing in the Glowforge app or bring in files on a flash drive. In the app, you can add text, shapes, and graphics, and easily create an outline, a puzzle, or a stamp. Or, you can start with a ready-made project from an online collection. Engrave a cutting board, make jewelry or wall art, Christmas ornaments, coasters, and so much more. Accepted materials for engraving include wood, glass, leather, acrylic, coated metal and tile.

Pick up your materials and head to the BIL at the Hebron Branch. Be sure your materials are smaller than 18 x 20.4 inches and less than 2 inches thick (1/4 inch or less if you wish to cut your wood, leather or acrylic). The working area is 11 x 19.5 inches. So get creating!

Plywood can be purchased at the BIL for $1 and is 8×8 inches, 1/8 inch thick.
File types that can be used for engraving are JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF.
File types that work for cutting are SVG, some PDFs.

Boone Innovation Lab Details

Located inside the Hebron Branch, the Lab is a place to create, learn, and preserve memories. You can reserve equipment in the Lab, but always call in advance to make certain it’s open. The Library reserves the right to close the Lab on short notice. Hours vary according to staff availability. Appointments are required. For more information, visit Boone Innovation Lab.

Boone Innovation Lab Equipment

Audio/Visual
DSLR Camera
green screen
microphones with POP filter
photo cube light set-up
media conversion station

Crafting/Sewing
sewing machine
quilting machine
embroidery machine
serger

Creator Group
3D printer
Cricut
FormBox
Glowforge
poster printer

Computers
iMac with Adobe Creative Suite
iPad
Wacom tablet