So I opened up the glowforge excited to get some faster engraves done today. I didn’t see any speed options different than yesterday. Do I need to do an update or something?
The beta options are rolling out over the next week. You’ll just have to keep an eye out for them each time you open the app.
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I need it NOW!!! 
My friend has a different laser and I was just complaining to her yesterday that I am going to need to sell the Glowforge and get something faster if I am going to survive this Christmas Season! Then you all surprise us with this! Super excited!
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Great improvements! Glad to hear about the speed increase, looking forward to trying it out soon.
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As far as I know that is still the case. The only differences ive seen are a peltier added to the pro for active cooling, and a beefier tube for the pro and (now) old plus models. afaik a plus is now a basic in every way except via software.
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Previously when we compared, the motors were the same in all units. Maybe we should check again to see if anything has changed
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I’m not seeing the explanation on why the decrease in wattage for the pro. Isn’t that one of the reasons why I would spend more?
I bought a pro because of the 45 W, because it made sense about more power. Now I’m getting sent a replacement, and I’m concerned I’m going to get a 40 W.
- edited to say my brain was fried and mixed up Plus with Pro. Sorry for the confusion
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My opinion is that the improved capabilities provided by the plus do not actually require the extra 12% in power, but rather other hardware differences.
My engrave screen doesn’t show the BETA speed option yet. How do I get the update?
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Can I force an update to get the new update? I want to try this now. Faster speed means less annoying loud noise for my neighbors 
Man… I got to say… I’m Excited… and disappointed at the same time.
- Some one from GLOWFORGE please prove/verify that the pro has bigger stepper motors/drivers. That is the only thing that could restrict speed for machine speed.
A. If not different, then why on earth can’t the basic or plus go the same speed? I’m pretty sure a K40 can go faster.
B. Why is the Basic 1.4x and the plus 2.8x if they are the same motors? 5w (and now NO difference in wattage) isn’t going to make a huge impact. Although lighter, it should still engrave.
- Why would the increase NOT be for vector engraving also? Engraving speeds should be the same across the board. I understand cutting and scoring being different, but engraving is all parallel passes.
I’m glad there will be increases in speed, but very frustrated with the implementation of this. I know how machines work. I design CNC machines and CNC controllers. Unless the PLUS has different electronics, the restricting the basic to half of the plus has to be simple because people paid more for the plus. personally, if that is the case, I think that’s a pretty low move.
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Excellent! Not sure what that means for me because when I ordered mine, there were only 2 models. So, I’ll play with it. Documentation on the new features is …? Got to admit, I got a little chafed when my margins started to cut down on my 12x20 space, but I’ve worked around it for now.
Still waiting for my air filter, so anxious to find out when mine ships … and excited as well.
New features, some repeatable way to accurately position a target, right now I must cut a corner positioning jig, lock it down, then put in my target for consistent results.
Still, in all, love this thing. Am even considering giving up my woodworking business and just running a Glowforge shop. We’ll see.
Thx
Dave
OK, I like free stuff. This is one positive aspect to the “Cloud” based operation of our machines. I am always happy when there are improvements, and I thank you for making our machines better. Also glad that we are not being tantalized by something only to be told that we need to send$$$ to the mothership.
Thanks for ignoring me during the live stream! You’re number one! Any update on the pass through software?
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I think you misunderstood this part. Its about render time, not engrave time. Rasters use to render a lot more slowly.
You are correct it’s not under the speed section, but it does state an increase is only for raster, not vector. It’s just unclear as to which speed increase it’s stating.
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One item which hasn’t been discussed yet (many have said same motors) is if the power supply in the Pro, Plus, and Basic are all equivalent. That is a potential source for why the different speeds for each. Complete speculation though.
I assume he is asking about the increased cutting area for bitmap but not for vector engraves. I am also a bit miffed on that one. But guessing that the assumption is in a bitmap there will be varying power outputs anyway, so you won’t notice the failure to perfectly match at lower speeds.
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ah, so I can answer that one right now ( I think). its my assumption that raster image engine allows for power modulation during the engrave, where the vector engine does not (currently). once they get the power curve adjustments down on a per material basis, they will probably be able to update the vector engraving engine to allow for this. However, trying to implement this functionality before fully understanding all of the variables at play in modifying the power on the fly due to speed changes isnt worth it until testing has returned results on the engine that can support that functionality currently.
make sense?
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I just read that a K40 laser is capable of over 700IPM. the glowforge goes 315IPM. with the 40% increase, that’s still only 440IPM… ???
It was a huge overlook in my opinion the size of the stepper motors. Stepper motors are so cheap. Had they put some NEMA 23’s in there, this thing could be a beast!
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