So you just powered up your Glowforge laser cutter, ready to start a new project, and it's stuck on the “Centering” phase. No matter how long you wait, the machine won't move past centering to begin engraving or cutting.
This frustrating issue is common with Glowforge machines, but don't panic! In most cases, it's an easy fix. This comprehensive troubleshooting guide will walk you through all the possible causes and solutions to get your laser cutter operational again.
What Does “Centering” Mean on a Glowforge?
The centering process is the first phase when starting a job on the Glowforge laser cutter. Here's what's happening during this phase:
- The print head moves into position at the back left corner of the workspace.
- The onboard cameras capture an image of the workspace to determine the print head's location.
- The print head moves into the center of the workspace so the cameras can calibrate and optimize focus.
Centering allows the Glowforge to know exactly where the print head is located before beginning a cut or engrave job. It's a critical positioning step.
If your machine gets stuck on centering, it simply can't complete this positioning process. The troubleshooting steps below will help identify why it's getting stuck and how to get it moving again.
Step 1: Check for Issues with Material or Lighting
The first thing to check is whether something on the print bed is confusing the onboard cameras during centering. Here are some things to try:
Remove All Materials from Print Bed
- Completely clean off the print bed. Remove any material you had loaded for your last job.
- Take out the crumb tray and wipe it clean.
- Put the empty crumb tray back in.
- Gently move the print head manually back to the rear left corner.
- Power cycle the Glowforge and try centering again.
The cameras need a clear view of the crumb tray to get proper spatial positioning. Any material on the tray can interfere with this view and cause centering to fail.
Check for Lighting Issues
- Turn off room lights and close blinds. Eliminate any external light sources around the Glowforge.
- Make sure the interior workspace LEDs are functioning. They should illuminate when you open the lid.
- Check for debris, reflections, or smudges on the inside of the acrylic lid that could interfere with the cameras.
- Clean the lid surface and all camera lenses if needed.
- Power cycle and retry centering.
The onboard cameras are very sensitive to lighting. Too much ambient light or reflections can confuse them. Try centering in a dim room with just the interior LEDs on.
If neither of these fixes the issue, it's time to move on to other troubleshooting steps.
Step 2: Inspect and Reseat Cable Connections
Loose cabling or a damaged wire can prevent successful centering. Thoroughly inspect the following connections:
The Black Power/Data Cable
This large black cable routes along the left, right, and rear sides of the lid:
- Left side: Connects to the left interior light strip.
- Right side: Connects to the right interior light strip.
- Back side: Connects to the main print head cable.
Inspect the cable for any damage, burnt/melted areas, crimps, etc. Make sure it's fully inserted in each connector with no looseness or gaps.
Disconnect and firmly reseat each connector if needed. Also inspect the cable loops for rubbing/damage.
The White Camera Cable
This connects the lid camera to the left side. Inspect for damage and ensure it's fully inserted. Disconnect and reseat if needed.
The Print Head Cable
- Open the acrylic lid and inspect where this cable plugs into the print head.
- Disconnect and reseat the connector if needed to ensure a tight fit.
- Verify the cable is not twisted or binding.
Any connectivity issue with these cables can cause centering problems. Eliminate cabling as the issue before moving on.
Step 3: Check WiFi Connectivity
Believe it or not, WiFi connectivity issues can also prevent successful centering, even though it seems like a purely mechanical process.
Here are some tips to troubleshoot internet connectivity:
- Restart your router and modem. Leave them unplugged for 60 seconds before powering back on.
- Make sure your computer or mobile device can connect to the internet. Google “internet speed test” and run a test.
- Restart your Glowforge and retry connection. The machine may need a fresh connection.
- If you still cannot connect, try resetting up the Glowforge WiFi connection from scratch using the manual.
- Try moving your WiFi router closer to the Glowforge or into the same room. Eliminate any interference.
- Turn off any other WiFi enabled devices near the Glowforge.
The Glowforge requires an active internet connection for all functionality due to its cloud-based nature. Loss of connectivity can definitely cause centering to fail.
Step 4: Verify the Print Head Logo is Visible
The Glowforge logo printed on top of the print head is used as a visual marker by the cameras to aid in positioning.
If this logo is obstructed, damaged, or dirty, it can interfere with centering.
- Clean the top of the print head with a microfiber cloth, carefully wiping the logo.
- Visually inspect the logo for any damage or wear.
- Manually position the print head so the logo is centered under the lid camera.
- Close lid, power on, and try centering again.
If the cameras can't clearly identify the print head logo, calibration will fail.
Step 5: Let It Sit Open for 10-15 Minutes
This tip comes straight from Glowforge technical support. It's an unusual workaround, but has resolved centering for some users.
- Power off the Glowforge.
- Manually move the print head to the center underneath the lid camera.
- Open the lid fully.
- Let the unit sit powered off with lid open for 10-15 minutes.
- Close the lid and turn power back on.
Letting the cameras visually “reset” in this manner may allow centering to work normally again. It essentially forces a hard camera calibration.
Step 6: Contact Glowforge Support
If you've tried all the steps above and the Glowforge still won't move past centering, it's time to contact Glowforge customer support.
Live chat or email the details of your issue and troubleshooting attempts. Also include clear photos of your cable connections.
Support can diagnose if you likely have a hardware failure covered by warranty. Typically this involves replacing the black power/data cable.
While waiting for a replacement cable, do NOT open or tamper with the connections yourself. This can damage sensitive components. Follow support recommendations.
Why Does My Glowforge Get Stuck Centering? Common Causes
Now that you know how to troubleshoot a centering issue, let's discuss why it happens in the first place. The most common culprits are:
Damaged Power/Data Cable
The black cable running along the lid is susceptible to damage from repeated opening/closing. Internal wires can fracture, causing connectivity issues. This often manifests as a centering failure.
Preventive care like padding the cable loop and avoiding harsh bends can help. But ultimately the cable may need replacement over time.
Debris or Smudges on Lenses
The onboard cameras have sensitive optics. Dust, debris, smudges, fingerprints, etc on the lenses can interfere with proper focusing and calibration.
Regular gentle cleaning of all optical surfaces is key. Always use proper camera lens cleaning supplies.
Insufficient Lighting
The cameras require consistent, diffuse illumination over the entire print bed for best accuracy. Too much or too little light will degrade performance.
Keep the acrylic lid and interior LEDs clean to maintain even lighting. Work in a dim environment without external light sources.
WiFi Connectivity Issues
Losing internet connectivity seems trivial, but it actually breaks core functionality due to the cloud architecture. Buffering, interference, range issues, etc can all cause problems.
Ensure your WiFi router placement optimizes signal strength to the Glowforge. Eliminate competing signals from other devices. Reboot often.
Failing Camera Calibration
Over time, the cameras can lose calibration, struggling to properly identify positioning guides like the print head logo.
Allowing extended warm up cycles with the lid open periodically can improve this, letting cameras re-calibrate.
Preventing Future Centering Problems
While centering failures will likely occur eventually on any heavily used Glowforge, you can take some preventive measures:
- Always remove materials from the print bed before powering on. Never start with an object on the crumb tray.
- Clean lens surfaces regularly using proper technique and camera cleaning supplies.
- Visually inspect cabling before each use and avoid excessive bending or roughness.
- Pad cable loops with foam or tape to prevent wear.
- Keep the top of the print head clean to maintain logo visibility.
- Periodically allow cameras to calibrate with lid open for 10+ minutes.
- Maintain consistent cool temperature and limit vibration around the Glowforge.
- Ensure excellent WiFi signal strength to the Glowforge with minimal interference.
- Promptly contact support at any signs of damage or abnormal behavior.
While frustration is understandable when your laser cutter won't move past centering, just apply the logical troubleshooting steps above to identify the cause. In most cases, you'll have your Glowforge up and running again in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glowforge Centering Issues
Here are answers to some common questions related to problems with Glowforge centering:
What exactly does “centering” mean on the Glowforge?
Centering is the initial positioning process where the print head moves into the rear left corner, then centers itself in the workspace so the cameras can calibrate and optimize focus.
How can I tell if my Glowforge is stuck centering vs stuck on another phase?
If the print head never moves from the back corner and the job status stays on “centering”, that indicates a centering-specific issue. If the head moves out but gets stuck mid-job, that's a different problem.
Why does it matter if the crumb tray is empty during centering?
The cameras need a clear view of the grid pattern on the crumb tray to properly determine positioning. Any material on the tray can interfere and cause centering to fail.
My Glowforge powers on but the print head does not move at all. What should I check?
No head movement likely indicates a wiring issue. Thoroughly inspect the power/data cable connections on the left, right and back of the lid for any damage or looseness.
What are the risks of opening up the cable connections myself?
DO NOT open up any connections or tamper with wiring unless Glowforge support advises you to. This could cause electrical damage not covered by warranty. Always consult support first.
Does the Glowforge need internet access just for centering to work properly?
Yes, it requires a solid internet connection for basic functionality due to the cloud architecture. Loss of connectivity can definitely cause centering failure.
Why does leaving the lid open for 10+ minutes help with centering issues?
This allows the cameras to visually “reset” and recalibrate. For some units with calibration drift, this simple trick gets centering working normally again.
My power cable shows some melting damage. Is it safe to keep using?
Any cable damage is unsafe. Discontinue use immediately and contact support about a replacement. Using damaged cabling risks equipment damage or fire.
Conclusion
Centering errors are a common frustration for Glowforge owners. But rather than giving up in despair when your laser cutter gets stuck in an endless centering loop, apply the systematic troubleshooting flow above to pinpoint the cause.
In most cases, the problem is readily fixable – an obstruction on the print bed, a lens smudge, a slipped cable, or routine calibration loss. Understanding the internal sensors and mechanics allows you to quickly diagnose and remedy centering failures.
With a bit of preventive maintenance and care, you can minimize centering issues over the lifespan of your Glowforge. But occasionally needing to troubleshoot it is a normal part of ownership. Just utilize this guide to get your laser cutter back up and running smoothly.