I think we’re all holding our breath to see how well the Forge handles grayscale-mapped depth engraving, or 3D carving as you call it. Personally, I have high hopes that the Glowforge team will pull it off!
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Here is @dan’s explination of z depth control. I’m also hoping they can get the greyscale function to work. That will make 3d engravings much easier.
I asked Dan essentially the same question before submitting my order. I don’t remember his exact answer but it is something they are working on. As you said in your original question, it may come as part of a later software update.
The SmoothCarve system is opensource. So worst case scenario, you could swap out your GlowForge control board for a SmoothieBoard, and you have 3D engraving at the expense of losing camera control.
But… being as the software is opensource, the team at GF would certainly benefit from looking at how it was implemented in Smoothie, and have a very small hurdle to get over to implement in the Forge.
Last time we discussed greyscale engraving, Dan said it was essentially all implemented, but at that time they still did not have the power supply with variable power control. Now that they DO have those, I am mildly surprised we haven’t seen a 3D engraving out of a Laser Thursday. But I would say they are quite likely to have this feature ready on shipping.
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@jacobturner Can you post a link to the thread where they said they have a working variable power supply? That is good news!
I think he was referring to the fact that the transformers have passed testing. (29 days ago)
“Transformers finally passed tests; now dialing in the driver circuit.” That doesn’t mean the power supplies as a whole are ready. Sorry can’t easily link on this tablet.
Not even that level of informed. I was recalling the speculation about images from the CES showing. There had been a few new parts, and I thought I remembered one of them being claimed to be the power supply.
The power supply is a never-ending bundle of joy. It’s working but we’ve still got tweaking to do. Send some warm fuzzies @aeva’s way…
To answer the original question, yes, we will be able to do variable-depth engraving.
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Dan, you and your team are wizards.
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I do hope @aeva and all the Glowforge team know how much we are all pulling for you at this time. And not just because we want our Glowforges. We want you to succeed because the manner you are all going about this project is just a refreshing experience for so many jaded geeks. Would send you Cheetos and Mountain Dew, or whatever if I knew what your preferred death march victuals are in Seattle.
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iyiiiyii…reminds me of the Bundy group standoff at Malheur Refuge in Oregon. All those folks needing sustenance while fending off the FBI. Hope this wasn’t too obscure a reference, as I know I am only one of about 6 people in Oregon waiting for a Glowforge. At least according to the Google map.
There’s a google map of the locations of everyone expecting a Glowforge?
Edit: NVM I see that it’s a voluntary map. Cool!
I think it’s closer to Kombucha and Clif Bars here 
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Kombucha is delicious, and works wonders for hangovers 
I’ll have to remember that…
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Missed the neat map of those of us waiting. I’m in Salem, Thank you for pointing this map out.
Wow…very close by. I grew up in Salem and lived there until I got married. Cool that there are kindred spirits nearby.