Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 vs ULS VLS2.30DT
| Laser | ||
| Type | CO2 Laser | CO2 Laser |
| Wavelength | 10,600 nm | 10,600 nm |
| Optical Power | 45 W | 30 W |
| Performance | ||
| Work Area | 495 × 279 mm | 406 × 305 mm |
| Max Speed | 8,500 mm/min | 152,400 mm/min |
| Focus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Features | ||
| Enclosure | Yes | Yes |
| Air Assist | Yes | No |
| Rotary Compatible | No | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | No |
| Camera | Yes | No |
| Physical | ||
| Approx. Price | $7,999 | $12,500 |
| Release Year | 2024 | 2016 |
| Weight | 58.5 kg | 32 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
ULS VLS2.30DT
What we like
- Most affordable current ULS platform — lowest entry point into the ecosystem
- Rapid Reconfiguration™ lets the same chassis accept multiple CO2 laser wattages without tools
- Materials database automates power/speed/focus settings per material
- Compact 70 lb (32kg) desktop footprint
- US-made with an established reseller support network
Watch out for
- Quote-only pricing — no published price, must go through a reseller
- Smallest work area in the current ULS lineup (16"×12")
- Requires a dedicated Windows PC — no standalone touchscreen control
- No camera registration or WiFi
- Max 30W CO2 power limits cutting to thin materials only
Compatible Materials
Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2
WoodAcrylicLeatherCardboardFabricPaperRubberFoamGlass
ULS VLS2.30DT
WoodAcrylicLeatherPaperplasticFabricGlassStonecoated metals
The Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 costs $7,999 (36% less) than the ULS VLS2.30DT, which is priced at $12,500.
The Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 has 33% more optical power (45W vs 30W).
The Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 offers a 10% larger work area (495 × 279 mm vs 406 × 305 mm).
The ULS VLS2.30DT has a 94% higher maximum speed (152,400 mm/min vs 8,500 mm/min).
Feature-wise, Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 includes air assist, while ULS VLS2.30DT does not; Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 includes a camera, while ULS VLS2.30DT does not; Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 includes WiFi connectivity, while ULS VLS2.30DT does not; ULS VLS2.30DT includes rotary attachment compatibility, while Glowforge Pro HD 45W CO2 does not.