A couple of Additions. I would like to see Global forge me what do you think? If you like the idea, please support it here

Here are two ideas, first to be able to hit the start button on the printer from the computer. And secondly, have an optional upgrade of the diode that will allow higher wattage somewhere between the two categories of Glowforge lasers, this would be as simple as swapping out the little black box and I’m willing to bet that nearly everyone who currently owns a Spark or Aura or someone looking to purchase one would opt for the upgrade. This would Generate huge sales for the company and huge results for us using it. He would also make glow forge much more competitive in this ever-increasing category of personal home Lasers.

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Good ideas but Glowforge staff doesn’t read this part of the forum on a regular basis. If you want them to hear your ideas you should email support@glowforge.com.

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I’m not sure that this would actually be simple.

The concept itself is simple, and sounds like a great idea but there would be challenges. For example, I don’t how much power Glowforge has available in the ribbon wire. Right now it’s a 6 W laser, if you update it to a 40 W class multidiode laser you have to be sure that the existing circuitry could handle that.

Additionally, the machine is currently balanced for a lower power laser in terms of mechanical parts and ventilation. More power essentially equals more smoke production and requires higher speeds. It’s not clear that the aura could handle either of those two things — it’s just not how the thing was engineered.

Still none of this is to say that it’s a bad idea, it would be great if they could do it.

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So :glowforge: is never going to implement that because as part of their safety features you are never supposed to leave the laser untended while its cutting - but - a few folks have picked up the tiny Switchbots they sell on Amazon to push their button for them (but OMG please also set up a live feed camera if you do - we’ve seen too many fires)

The upgradable heads were part of the original :glowforge: plan, I would love if they brought that back into focus!

But yeah, reach out to support either by phone or email and pass your ideas on :slight_smile:

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