FSL Muse 3D AF 40W CO2 vs Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2
| Laser | ||
| Type | CO2 Laser | CO2 Laser |
| Wavelength | 10,600 nm | 10,600 nm |
| Optical Power | 40 W | 45 W |
| Performance | ||
| Work Area | 508 × 305 mm | 495 × 279 mm |
| Max Speed | 30,000 mm/min | 8,500 mm/min |
| Focus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Features | ||
| Enclosure | Yes | Yes |
| Air Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Rotary Compatible | Yes | No |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Physical | ||
| Approx. Price | $4,499 | $7,999 |
| Release Year | 2019 | 2024 |
| Weight | 24.5 kg | 58.5 kg |
Pros & Cons
FSL Muse 3D AF 40W CO2
What we like
- Intel RealSense™ 3D camera for curved/uneven surface engraving
- Motorized autofocus — no manual Z adjustment needed
- Coolbox (air + water cooling) included in bundle
- Browser-based RetinaEngrave v3 — Mac/Linux/Windows
- Removable floor for pass-through engraving
Watch out for
- Same 20×12 in work area as Core
- No published max speed
- Significantly pricier than Core for same work area
- Air assist from Coolbox, not integrated into machine head
Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2
What we like
- Pro Passthrough slot for unlimited material length
- 45W CO2 for excellent cut quality on thick materials
- HD camera with Preview Mode for precise placement
- Cloud app for zero-config operation
- Full enclosure — safe for home and business
Watch out for
- Very high price ($7,999)
- Requires internet — no offline operation
- No LightBurn support
- Subscription costs for premium designs
- CO2 tube will eventually need replacing
Compatible Materials
FSL Muse 3D AF 40W CO2
WoodAcrylicLeatherFabricRubberPaperGlasscoated metals
Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2
WoodAcrylicLeatherCardboardFabricPaperRubberFoamGlass
The FSL Muse 3D AF 40W CO2 costs $4,499 (44% less) than the Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2, which is priced at $7,999.
The Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 has 11% more optical power (45W vs 40W).
The FSL Muse 3D AF 40W CO2 offers a 11% larger work area (508 × 305 mm vs 495 × 279 mm).
The FSL Muse 3D AF 40W CO2 has a 72% higher maximum speed (30,000 mm/min vs 8,500 mm/min).
Feature-wise, FSL Muse 3D AF 40W CO2 includes rotary attachment compatibility, while Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 does not.