Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 vs Thunder Laser Nova 35
| Laser | ||
| Type | CO2 Laser | CO2 Laser |
| Wavelength | 10,600 nm | 10,600 nm |
| Optical Power | 45 W | 80 W |
| Performance | ||
| Work Area | 495 × 279 mm | 900 × 600 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 | $9,230 |
| Release Year | 2024 | 2015 |
| Weight | 58.5 kg | 311 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 35
What we like
- Large 35" × 23" work area handles big production jobs
- 80W–100W power cuts thick wood and acrylic efficiently
- 1,000 mm/s servo speed for fast batch production
- Pass-through door for unlimited-length material
- Includes LightBurn and lifetime US support
Watch out for
- Very heavy at 311 kg — requires freight delivery and forklift
- No built-in camera (optional ThunderCam)
- Price not listed online — requires dealer quote
- Glass CO2 tube needs replacement every 2,000–4,000 hours
Compatible Materials
Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2
WoodAcrylicLeatherCardboardFabricPaperRubberFoamGlass
Thunder Laser Nova 35
WoodAcrylicLeatherFabricPaperGlassRubberStone
The Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 costs $7,999 (13% less) than the Thunder Laser Nova 35, which is priced at $9,230.
The Thunder Laser Nova 35 has 44% more optical power (80W vs 45W).
The Thunder Laser Nova 35 offers a 74% larger work area (900 × 600 mm vs 495 × 279 mm).
The Thunder Laser Nova 35 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 35 does not; Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 includes WiFi connectivity, while Thunder Laser Nova 35 does not; Thunder Laser Nova 35 includes rotary attachment compatibility, while Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 does not.