Epilog Fusion Maker 12 40W CO2 vs Glowforge Plus HD 40W CO2
| Laser | ||
| Type | CO2 Laser | CO2 Laser |
| Wavelength | 10,600 nm | 10,600 nm |
| Optical Power | 40 W | 40 W |
| Performance | ||
| Work Area | 610 × 305 mm | 495 × 279 mm |
| Max Speed | 90,000 mm/min | 7,500 mm/min |
| Focus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Features | ||
| Enclosure | Yes | Yes |
| Air Assist | No | Yes |
| Rotary Compatible | Yes | No |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Physical | ||
| Approx. Price | $9,995 | $6,999 |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2024 |
| Weight | 63 kg | 22 kg |
Pros & Cons
Epilog Fusion Maker 12 40W CO2
What we like
- Lowest-cost entry into Epilog's professional ecosystem
- IRIS™ camera included — precise artwork placement at this price is unusual
- Wireless + Ethernet + USB connectivity standard
- US-made with strong local support network
- Upgrade path within Epilog family
Watch out for
- Slowest in Epilog lineup (60 IPS / 1.5 m/s) — stepper motors, not servo
- Air compressor not included (purchased separately)
- Smallest work area in the Epilog range
- Price is significantly above hobby CO2 desktops at similar specs
Glowforge Plus HD 40W CO2
What we like
- 40W CO2 for clean cuts in wood, acrylic, and leather
- HD camera with Preview Mode for precise placement
- Cloud app for zero-config operation
- Full enclosure — safe for home and business
- $1,000 less than the Pro HD
Watch out for
- High price ($6,999)
- No Pro Passthrough — limited to bed depth
- Requires internet — no offline operation
- No LightBurn support
- Subscription costs for premium designs
- CO2 tube will eventually need replacing
Compatible Materials
Epilog Fusion Maker 12 40W CO2
WoodAcrylicLeatherPaperplasticFabricGlassStone
Glowforge Plus HD 40W CO2
WoodAcrylicLeatherCardboardFabricPaperRubberFoamGlass
The Glowforge Plus HD 40W CO2 costs $6,999 (30% less) than the Epilog Fusion Maker 12 40W CO2, which is priced at $9,995.
Both machines share the same 40W optical power rating.
The Epilog Fusion Maker 12 40W CO2 offers a 26% larger work area (610 × 305 mm vs 495 × 279 mm).
The Epilog Fusion Maker 12 40W CO2 has a 92% higher maximum speed (90,000 mm/min vs 7,500 mm/min).
Feature-wise, Glowforge Plus HD 40W CO2 includes air assist, while Epilog Fusion Maker 12 40W CO2 does not; Epilog Fusion Maker 12 40W CO2 includes rotary attachment compatibility, while Glowforge Plus HD 40W CO2 does not.