Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 vs Thunder Laser Nova 24
| Laser | ||
| Type | CO2 Laser | CO2 Laser |
| Wavelength | 10,600 nm | 10,600 nm |
| Optical Power | 45 W | 60 W |
| Performance | ||
| Work Area | 495 × 279 mm | 600 × 399 mm |
| Max Speed | 8,500 mm/min | 60,000 mm/min |
| Focus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Features | ||
| Enclosure | Yes | Yes |
| Air Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Rotary Compatible | No | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | No |
| Camera | Yes | No |
| Physical | ||
| Approx. Price | $7,999 | $6,180 |
| Release Year | 2024 | 2015 |
| Weight | 58.5 kg | 141 kg |
Pros & Cons
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
Thunder Laser Nova 24
What we like
- Fast 1,000 mm/s hybrid servo motors — outpaces many competitors
- Includes LightBurn software (2 licenses) and CW5000 chiller
- Excellent US-based support from Thunder Laser USA
- Pass-through door for oversized material
- Strong community and extensive knowledge base
Watch out for
- Requires water chiller (adds setup complexity)
- No built-in camera (ThunderCam sold separately)
- Heavy at 141 kg — needs permanent placement
- Glass CO2 tube lifespan 2,000–4,000 hours vs RF metal tubes
Compatible Materials
Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2
WoodAcrylicLeatherCardboardFabricPaperRubberFoamGlass
Thunder Laser Nova 24
WoodAcrylicLeatherFabricPaperGlassRubberStone
The Thunder Laser Nova 24 costs $6,180 (23% less) than the Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2, which is priced at $7,999.
The Thunder Laser Nova 24 has 25% more optical power (60W vs 45W).
The Thunder Laser Nova 24 offers a 42% larger work area (600 × 399 mm vs 495 × 279 mm).
The Thunder Laser Nova 24 has a 86% higher maximum speed (60,000 mm/min vs 8,500 mm/min).
Feature-wise, Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 includes a camera, while Thunder Laser Nova 24 does not; Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 includes WiFi connectivity, while Thunder Laser Nova 24 does not; Thunder Laser Nova 24 includes rotary attachment compatibility, while Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 does not.