[lasersafe1]

I think I understand what you're saying, but let me give you the following example. Image 1 is loaded into a program called BMP2CNC. The internals of this program assume I am using a mill. It outputs the rastered cut program shown in image 2. It will POST Gcode to Mach3.

Clearly in this configuration I would want to setup my laser for PWM based on the depth of Z. A deep Z would be full power (or some max setting) and a shallow Z would be low power. The safe Z would be laser off.

This method of control would take the brand of CAM program out of the mix and Mach 3 would control power based on cut depth. For paper cutting, this would be On-off control, but when I want to go back to rastering I would want power control.

I'm sure someone out there has done this, or someone sells a device to do it. Heck, I already know my backup plan; I will actually connect a small NEMA 17 stepper motor to a 10 turn pot that sets power for my laser. Viola, Z-axis analog power control! The home reset switch for the Z axis would be created by an electronic comparator near the lowest pot setting.

This is just a fun hobby for me at the moment, but I want to explore all the things I can get this one tool to do for me. I got the laser for $950 from ebay.