3D modeling significantly impacts vital industries such as medicine, sports, aeronautics, etc. But is also beloved by enthusiasts and hobbyists. Printing them has been made relatively easy if you already have a working digital 3D design of any model. This ease of operation has made consumer flock to buy 3D printers. Are you considering buying a 3D printer yourself but are worried about the high costs and complexity of designing?

Well, now you don’t have to worry as today we have chosen an affordable but professional brand, LONGER, explained in this article. Let’s start!

Defining Features of LONGER 3D Printers

This section will discuss some of the defining features of each 3D printer in this list. It will be followed by the significant differences between each and which is best for you. All these printers are open-source coded, allowing consumers to share their best designs with the community while taking inspiration from others for the best results.

1. LK4 X FDM 3D Printer

LK4 X comes with a 4.3” colored touchscreen helping you choose the best designs and make efficient adjustments. Make your ideas come true with its big bed design and several applications, especially for teaching kids in STEM and other art and design projects.

The LK4 X has intelligent 16-point auto leveling supporting your intricate projects, compensating for any unevenness. You get stronger and more accurate filament control with a double-gear extrusion mechanism and direct drive chip. This feature is further enhanced by the premium spring-flexible steel that allows staying power for the adhesion with the printed model.

• Uses innovative auto-leveling technology to compensate for the unevenness of the hotbed
• Has building size of 8.66"*8.66"*9.84" (220*220*250mm)
• Comes with a 32-bit open-source motherboard, a 4.3-inch touchscreen, and a flexible PEI film
• It comes pre-assembled with 95%
• Fast shipping available
• Order today for only $299.99

Consumer Comments

GWS 1205 – At first, I rated it below 3, but eventually discovered that the problem was the misalignment of the z-axes after doing a vast amount of research and watching YouTube videos. After I tuned it in, the machine is now operating perfectly.

2. LK5 PRO FDM 3D Printer

LK5 Pro has the upgraded Dual Blower kit that cools the filament as the material is being extruded, saving you the trouble of any deformation. The triangle design-build allows you to make stable and perfect projects as it has minimal vibration while working.

This model is for you when it comes to quieter and more enhanced printing due to High Temp resistance tubing.

• Has exceptional building size of 300x300x400mm (11.8"x11.8"x15.7")
• Best for high-precision 3D printing
• Comes with pre-installed 3 TMC2208 ultra-silent chipsets, which are based on open-source coding, making them ultra-quiet
• Has a Carborundum glass platform for easier mold taking
• Comes with run protection
• Excellent price of only $299.99

Consumer Comments

1. Vantlin –I've just started using 3D printing. I searched for a high-quality printer at a fair price because this was my first foray into 3D printing. I made the right choice by purchasing the LONGER LK 5 Pro!

3. LK4 PRO FDM 3D Printer

The LK4 Pro FDM 3D printing machine has a modest build, a cute form, a new metal frame, a trendy, modern look, a self-developed intelligent system software, a fresh user interface, and standalone manufacturing. It is a popular and inexpensive 3D printer type.

The LK4 printer makes a beautiful present for the creative person in your family, the aspiring designer, or the young person getting ready to enroll in their first technology course.

• Open-source codes
• Ultra-quiet and no noise enhances the functionality if you are printing at home.
• Equipped with a 4.3” touch screen for convenient controlling
• Enhanced structural rigidity with new Aluminum frame design
• Built-in Safe Power Supply for efficient power usage
• Fast shipping available for the purchase of only $179.99

Consumer Comments

1. Benckert –After the wait for the new touchscreen and the software update, the printer appears to be operating as intended. I have no experience with 3D printing, but after viewing a few Youtube clips about the technology in general and Cura in particular, I am off to a good, trouble-free start. The printer is finally functioning as described, though I intend to add Octopi for further monitoring and control features.

4. Orange 4K Resin 3D Printer

LONGER Orange 4K is the leader in Subpixel technology that can make precision models for up to 4K resolution providing more detail in miniature designs. The in-house slicing software is top of the line that is not just easy to operate, but the slicing feature is three times faster. What more can you want with a 3D printer having minute-level details in a small design?

There are tons of 3D printing applications, such as making toys for kids, allowing designs for manufacturing concerns, perfect dental models, and even ultra-detailed architecture designs.

• Subpixel technology with a fantastic resolution of X 31.5µm Y 10.5µm will give you the best results if you love printing miniatures.
• Comes with 6480*3840 Resolution, Parallel UV Lighting Sources, and Fast Printing Mono LCD Screen
• Its four crews make leveling much easier.
• Features temperature detecting tool for LONGER life span
• Fastest printing with less exposure time
• You can purchase the 3D printer today for only $319.99

Consumer Comments

Heath2015 – I've only recently started using this incredible equipment for 3D printing, but I have to admit it does a good job. Even though I had rarely printed anything before, I quickly and easily had the LONGER Orange 30 running in no time.

What are the Biggest Differences among LONGER 3D Printer Models?

The LK4 X model offers sophisticated 16-point accurate levelling for stable working settings when the base plate needs to move, and it is priced the same as the LK5 Pro model. The inclusion of double-gear extrusion for larger and more complex structures distinguishes the LK4 X from competing versions. Finally, even though all 4 versions can have their essential components upgraded, the LK4 X has the most possibilities, making it an excellent modular machine.

Contrastingly, LK5 PRO comes with a triangular design and dual inclined road, which assists in producing optimal printing results. It also comes in handy in eliminating the turbulence and retention of the Z-axis. Its 3Kits TMC2208 for XYZ Axis and larger bed size add to its value.

Coming to LK4 Pro, although this model is similar to the LK4 X and LK5 Pro, its ultra-durable aluminum manufacturing sets it apart from others. Moreover, it has a built-in Safe Power Supply that keeps your machine and investment safe. In our opinion, LK4 Pro is the second largest of the 4 right after LK5 Pro, a great comprise between LK4 X and LK5 Pro.

Orange 4k is your best bet if you want to make small yet intricate designs. It comes equipped with Subpixel technology that distinguishes it from other competitors. No matter if it’s the smallest, it costs the most.

Comparison Chart of LK4 X vs. LK5 Pro vs. LK4 Pro vs. Orange 4k

Please see the following table to understand what each of these printers has for you.

Conclusion

That was all about the four amazing printers from the renowned printer manufacturing brand, i.e., LONGER. Hope you find it helpful in making an informed decision about which one you should get.

https://www.longer3d.com/products/lk5-pro-fdm-3d-printer

There's been a vast technological development, especially if we talk about 3D printing. We use 3D printing almost everywhere. Whether it is for creating engaging business models or construction models, a 3D printer is always the best choice.

Among the leading 3D printer technologies, FDM is very popular. The reason behind the popularity of the FDM printer is that it is not only highly efficient but also ideal for beginners.

Want to know more about FDM printers? You’ve landed in the right place! In this article, we'll provide you with the ultimate guideline for FDM 3D printers and their applications.

What is FDM 3D Printer?

FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) 3D printing technology is relatively popular among 3D printing technologies. It utilizes composite melted materials to create 3D objects. The printing technique allows the printer to deposit molten material to the canvas layer-by-layer efficiently. The shape of the printing object is maintained by limiting the dripping of the molten material.

FDM 3D printing is considered the ideal platform for average 3D printing enthusiasts as it is easy to use. In addition, the best part about FDM printing is that it is less costly but provides you with the excellent products you desire. You can choose your own printing material to obtain the final product.

These days, new small to medium-sized businesses are utilizing this technology to create stunning product designs.

What Are the Main Components of FDM 3D Printers?

Three main components of FDM 3D printers are involved in printing the 3D models.

Printing Plate

The printing plate is like a canvas for the FDM 3D printer. The heated material in the nozzle is poured onto the printing plate.

Filament Coil

The filament coil of the printer is the printing material. You can choose the filament coil of any polymer type that matches your preference.

The Extruder

The extruder is also called the extrusion head. This part of the FDM printer is responsible for limiting the deposition of the material so that it is conveyed to the printing plate in a layered format.

How Does an FDM 3D Printer Work?

As the name suggests, the FDM 3D printer dumps the molten material through its nozzle layer-by-layer to give the shape to the object. The printer's functionality depends upon the Digital Design Files that the user uploads to the machine, and the machine translates it into physical dimensions.

These physical dimensions enable the printer to create your desired ultimate design. This advanced printing technology utilizes the polymers like PETG, ABS,  PEI, and more.

These materials are heated and passed through the nozzle, which transfers them to the printing surface in a thread-like manner. First, the machine requires a lump-sum amount of heated material to get a thin thread-like density.

Once the nozzle converts the material to the required temperature, the printer feeds the filament through the extrusion head. For those who may not know, the extrusion head is responsible for shaping the depositing material.

It is connected to the three-axis coordinates (X, Y, and Z). The thread-like material is secreted by the nozzle and deposited to the printing surface layer by layer. The material is then left to dry. To speed up the drying process, the fans are attached to the nozzle to reduce the temperature the user creates.

In order to fill inside a boundary, the machine will require multiple passes until the shape is filled completely. The machine will be first invested in completing the first layer of the shape. Once the first layer is completed, the build platform is automatically descended to the respective height of the next layer.

What Are the Main Qualities and Characteristics of the 3D FDM Printer?

Each technology has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other technology. The same goes for FDM 3D printers. Here are some distinct qualities and a few limitations of the 3D FDM printer that you need to know.

Printing Speed

People consider the printing speed of FDM printers relatively slow. However, this drawback is beneficial because it can prevent your design from facing unpleasant consequences.

Layer Height

The height of each layer of the FDM printer ranges between 0.02-0.4 mm. The reason behind the small layer is that it delivers a smooth design without rough ends.

Customizable Parameters

The printer contains customizable parameters that allow you to adjust the speed, temperature, cooling intensity, and layer height.

Layer Adhesion

The term is layer adhesion is considered as the stickiness of each layer of the printing material. The binding strength of multiple layers depends on the high temperature and pressure applied to each layer to get a better thickness.

What Are the Applications of FDM Printing?

FDM printing finds applications in loads of fields; here we have enlisted a few. Let’s have a look at them!

Medical Field

The FDM 3D printing technology is used in creating surgical tools, tissues, and organoids, to practice.

Aeronautics

In aeronautics, 3D models of planes and aircraft are created using a 3D printer before creating the actual plane.

Construction

We need to create building models to receive investments in our project. In that case, FDM 3D printer comes in quite handy. It allows them to present the outlook of the building yet to be constructed.

Where to Purchase Top-Notch 3D FDM Printers?

Are you looking for a reputable brand that manufactures highly efficient FDM 3D printers? If yes, then you’re at the right place. You should definitely go for Longer 3D Printers. 

It is the best brand that never fails to manufacture high-quality FDM 3D printers at a meager cost. They also manufacture other products like 3D printer constant temperature enclosure that allows you to maintain the temperature of your 3D model.

Their printers are easy to set up and use, making them the best bet for beginners that have recently got interested in 3D printing. They are a reputable brand that has satisfied over ten thousand global customers with their services.

One of the incredible aspects of their FDM 3D printers is that despite being low in price, they never compromise on quality. However, be sure to check their website for further details.

Final Verdict

In this article, we tried our best to introduce you to FDM 3D printer, how it works, and much more. Also, if you need a top-notch and efficient FDM 3D printer, choose Longer 3D Printers, as their services are the best!

https://www.longer3d.com/products/lk5-pro-fdm-3d-printer

 A Pen Plotter is a Drawing Machine that is positioned between a 3D printer and a Laser Engraver, since it has characteristics of both of them. In fact, it uses a three-axis Cartesian XYZ system (like a 3D printer) to make 2D images (like a Laser Engraver) using a pen. In simple words, this machine allows you to draw as you do by hand, but with the precision and handwriting of a computer.

This guide allows you to make a Pen Plotter using any Longer FDM 3D printer as a base. The change does not alter printing capabilities but is an added feature. Note that this guide is not compatible with printers equipped with BL-TOUCH leveling sensors.

Preparation of the machine

1. Download and print this pen holder:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gwQJZo7U1t-0NzUbUzdNdexHfIp1fW4g/view?usp=sharing 

2. Screwdown the two screws placed to the left of the head module and the pen support (the dual blower module already provides two holes where to install the pen support)

3. Proceed to normal leveling of the printer, using the sheet of paper to level the nozzle and the glass of the hotbed
4. After leveling the print bed, remove the glass and replace it with a sheet of paper; Since the sheet of paper is thinner than the glass, the nozzle will be very far from the sheet of paper, but this is normal
5. Insert a pen inside the pen holder; the pen must be in contact with the sheet of paper, the tip of the pen must touch the paper to be able to write, then secure the pen using a screw through the support

6. Using a test sheet, test whether moving the x-axis can write to all points on the sheet
7. To prevent the filament sensor from reporting an error, insert a piece of filament through the filament sensor; also, disconnect the extruder motor E cable

Preparation of the Cura software

1. From the Cura menu, add a new printer that matches your printer model (if LK4PRO add LK4PRO, if LK5PRO add LK5PRO, etc.), and rename the new printer as "Drawing Machine"

2. Replace the Start G-code with this new Start G-code:

; LONGER Start G-code

G21 ; metric values

G90 ; absolute positioning

M82 ; Set Extruder to Absolute Mode

M107 ; start with the fan off

G92 E0 ; Reset Extruder

G28 ; Home all axes

G1 Z2.0 F3000 ; Move Z Axis up little to prevent scratching of Heat Bed

3. Download and import into Cura this print profile "plotter.curaprofile" for "Drawing Machine". The imported profile allows the printer to work without heating hotend/hotbed and without extruding filament:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cxeTZ1QrjHt8bsGC8TLVEHthtU_jNLkI/view?usp=sharing

Preparation of the Drawing File

1. After choosing a 2D image without background (like this one above in the figure), open the "3D Builder" software preinstalled in Windows 10 (if it was not present, download it from the Windows Store). Then select "Open – Load image" to import the selected image.

2. Once the image has been imported into 3D Builder, you can change some settings such as Levels, Smooth, and so on; using these settings, edit the file according to your preferences. Once the editing is complete, select Import Image to get the image converted to 3D file.

3. At this point, assign to the 3D model aheight "Z" of 0.1 mm; in fact, a drawing can be considered as a 3D model composed of a single layer, therefore assigning a thickness of 0.1 mm then the printer finishes the work after the first layer
4. When the 3D model is ready, proceed to export, selecting "Save as - . STL".

Drawing printing procedure

1. Import the previously created "3D" drawing into Cura
2. At this point, the design can be made either full or with only the outline   a.To make a full drawing, make sure "Top/Bottom Thickness" is set to "1"

          b.To create a blank drawing, with edges only, make sure "Top/Bottom        Thickness" is set to "0"

3. Export the Gcode, proceed to print, and here is the final result

4. Download here some sample model, enjoy your new Longer Drawing Machine!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K4Adp4pt1v9ypqZ2ytmCrK679k0XrAsy/view?usp=sharing 

https://www.longer3d.com/products/lk5-pro-fdm-3d-printer

All FDM 3D printers are equipped with some fans, each of which performs a different function. For example, one fan cools the mainboard, another fan cools the hotend, and so on.

A fan with relevant functionality is the cooling fan of the printed filament, which is a fan that cools the print, so as to allow the filament to solidify quickly, avoiding deformation in the print due to heat. This fan can not do anything on its own, and in fact it is always associated with a "fanduct", or a duct through which the air emitted by the fan passes, which is concentrated and directed correctly on the print.

Fanducts come in various shapes and sizes, while all maintaining the same function; depending on its design, the fanduct can concentrate more or less air, in one or more directions. Here's a list of official Longer 3D fanducts, each with different features for different purposes:

• Classic Fanduct

This fanduct is the default model of Longer 3D printers, it allows you to concentrate a large amount of air and cool a large portion of the print at the same time thanks to its round output. It is perfect for prints with large surfaces, prints that are printed at high speed and for prints made with very large nozzles.

Download link:   https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5585284

• Squared fanduct

This Longer 3D fanduct is equipped with two rectangular outputs, thus being able to divide the air flow equally in two directions. Depending on the printing direction, this fanduct usually takes care of cooling both the part already printed and the part that is about to be printed; In addition, all the air is concentrated in these two zones, so the cooling inflow is considerable. The disadvantage is that for high-speed prints, the fanduct may not have enough time to cool the print because its airflow is very direct.

Download link:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T-tPjxG2hIX5XB63BakLJlfQkH_xQGby/view?usp=sharing

• Precision fanduct

This Longer 3D fanduct is the one that concentrates the air the most, and then directs it at high pressure and speed at a single point. In fact, due to the great difference in section between inlet and outlet, the air accumulates a great speed at the outlet, thus being able to cool the affected printing part in a few moments. Its main use is for prints with many detailed parts and very thin parts that extend upwards; For example, trying to print a tip, usually the heat causes a deformation due to the collapse of the structure, instead with this fanduct it is possible to dissipate heat quickly, largely solving the problem.

Download link:   https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4860509

• Longer Dual Blower Kit

The new Longer Dual Blower has been specially designed to allow a faster and more uniform emission of cooling air, thanks to two bilateral turbo fans and a double ventilation duct; in this way the prints are much more detailed and the bridging printing greatly improved.

• The installation is very simple, and can be done by consulting this video guide:

https://youtu.be/zEA-eM5sfho

• The purchase is available on the Official Longer Store:

https://www.longer3d.com/collections/accessories/products/longer-new-dual-blower-fan-kit

The fanducts of the Dual Blower are totally 3D printable, stl files are available if necessary.
Download link:   https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5585281

https://www.longer3d.com/products/lk5-pro-fdm-3d-printer

In Physics, the propagation in space of electromagnetic field energy is called Electromagnetic Radiation. Depending on the wavelength, the radiation takes on a different nomenclature; in particular, an electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between about 400 nm and 700 nm is called visible radiation and is perceptible by the human eye and transformed by the brain into visual sensations; this radiation is what is commonly called Light.

Frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional quantities, i.e. when the wavelength decreases then the frequency increases. Radio waves, also used for FM and TV broadcasts, are in the MHz range; instead, microwaves are in the order of Ghz. Instead, visible light is already in the order of THz, and then increases more and more in the rays due to nuclear decay, which however have a minuscule wavelength. Note that with the same power, electromagnetic radiation is able to pass through matter more easily when it has a longer wavelength (i.e. lower frequency); A trivial example is the ability of radio waves to pass through the walls of a house, while sunlight is shielded.

By analyzing the laser beams, they therefore take on a different color according to the wavelength; a blue beam (like the Longer Ray5 laser) has a wavelength of 450 nm, while green or red laser beams have different lengths. However, a laser beam does not necessarily belong to the visible spectrum, as it can also be generated as a different radiation. For example, there are some lasers belonging to the infrared, which are invisible, but retain their abilities.

An example of an infrared laser is the CO2 laser, which is a laser characterized by a wavelength between 940 nm and 1060 nm, which is generated within an active laser medium contained in an air- or water-cooled gas discharge tube. The gas contained within the laser tube consists mainly of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases, where an initial gas is excited by electric current but not being able to release a photon because of its chemical structure then transfers its energy to a CO2 molecule that triggers the first photon. The operation is similar to a neon/fluorescent bulb, although in this case the photons generate a laser beam instead of optically isotropic light.

Given the high power obtainable (as the ratio between input and output power is very high) CO2 lasers are widely used for metal engraving, for cutting materials and for industrial welding. They are also very useful in surgery, because the main constituent water of the cells, absorbs very well the emitted infrared frequency. In addition, CO2 lasers are also used for telemetry, as infrared can pass through the Earth's atmosphere easily, being almost completely transparent to infrared.

https://www.longer3d.com/collections/laser-engraver

Many owners of Longer 3D printers love to customize the machine with additional accessories, LED lighting, and so on. However, each accessory works at a specific electrical voltage and requires a certain current, so attention should be paid to the technical specifications of each of them; in fact, Longer printers generally work at 24V, so it is not enough to simply connect the accessories to the mainboard of the printer or to its power supply, since this could compromise the operation of both the printer and the accessories.

NOTE: This guide is only for an electronically savvy audience! Misinterpretations could cause accidents and damage to equipment. If you don't feel confident, don't try the changes but talk to an expert.

In order to lower the voltage from 24V to a lower one it is necessary to cause a "Potential Difference Drop". The most basic method in physics to achieve this is the use of a resistor, however it dissipates all the current absorbed in the form of heat, so it is an inefficient and unstable method, since it depends on many factors. Nowadays there are various electronic components that can perform this function in an excellent way, and given their really low cost it is really worth considering to be able to operate safely. Here is a description of the best components on the market.

XH-M401

This voltage converter allows you to adjust the potential difference downwards efficiently and supports a high current passage thanks to the presence of two power mosfets. Connected to one of the outputs of the printer's power supply, it allows you to adjust the voltage between 24V ~1V, so it is ideal for connecting 12V & 5V LED lamps that require high current absorption, to connect 12V & 5V fans, to connect camcorders that require a specific voltage, or any other type of accessory.

L7812

This linear voltage regulator allows you to adjust a voltage of 35V max in a voltage of 12V output, however the output current is 1A max and also dissipates in the form of heat; for this reason, the voltage regulator has a hole, as it must be fixed with a screw on top of an aluminum bracket in order to reduce its temperature. Using this regulator, it is possible to reduce the voltage from 24V to 12V, however its use is limited to accessories that require a very low current (for example, a 12V fan), and in any case the regulator must be dissipated by fixing it to the printer frame taking care not to cause short circuits.

L7805

This linear voltage regulator, similar to the L7812 regulator, allows you to reduce the voltage by having a 5V output. It is often used to reduce voltages of 12V towards 5V, however it can also be used to reduce the 24V of the machine in 5V even if the dissipation in the form of heat will be really excessive. It is strongly discouraged to use this voltage regulator allows, preferring in its place the XH-M401 regulator.

SZBK07 300W/20A (for special applications)

This voltage converter can be too elaborate, as it allows both to adjust the output voltage and to limit the max current absorbed by the connected component in output. This turns out to be the best compromise to power driver-free LEDs, battery charging and other applications that require special attention. It is exposed here only for information, as accessories for 3D printers do not require such precautions.

https://www.longer3d.com/collections/3d-printers-1

• High precision & Uniform Matrix UV lighting
• 2.8 inch Touch screen & faster printing speed
• Fast Cooling & high-Temperature warning system
• Affordable price: $149.99 or £130

This Printer started out on Kickstarter in 2019 and was successfully funded there. The vat has been updated by Longer since it was released and is a plastic one compared to the metal one originally.

So its a 2K LCD screen at 2560 X 1440 resolutions and 47.25µm pixel size, the build plate is 120mm(L)*68mm(W)*170mm(H); With a solid linear guide and special slider design, it will ensure the accuracy and stable of Z-axis.

So I set about unboxing the printer live over at my Twitch channel, it comes well packed in a box with lots of protection for it, one of the first things I noticed about this resin printer is that you need to assemble the UV cover as it is flat picked and has a paper covering both sides of it to protect from scratches.

Assembling the UV cover took the longest to do as the paper that needed taking off was stuck well to the plastic. Once this was done it was a little tricky getting the elastic bands on it to hold it together, but if you don’t wish to use the elastic bands that come with the printer you can find STL files for a system to hold it together a bit better, as I always feel it's going to fall apart in my hands when moving the lid about.

Putting the vat on is straightforward as always and it was a quick process to level the build plate.

Once I've done everything I put the USB drive into the printer and see that there were 4 test files, so I set about printing them all, they all came out fantastic as I would expect from a resin printer, the touch screen is responsive and nicely laid out and easy to navigate it.

I set about slicing some of my own files I wanted to print on it and if you want you can use Longer 3D own slicer for it, but I use Lychee Slicer as my go-to slicer these days. It was easy to add the printer to the slicer, you just need to make sure you save the file to the USB drive as a .lgs30 file for the printer to read it.

Ok so it’s not the biggest of build plates for a resin printer, but don’t let that fool you. I found this printer was able to print everything I was slicing for it, I had one failure out of about 30 prints and that was down to human error as I didn’t add supports correctly. The print quality is good especially for a 2k resin printer, it wasn’t overly loud when it was printing and I didn’t notice any bad smells of resin coming from it, which I do use an air purifier next to all my resin printers just for some added protection.

So who is this resin printer aimed at? That’s a good question, I think that this might just be one of the best entry-level resin printers that you can buy at the moment, resin printing can be expensive if you are starting out in it, printer, wash and cure station, IPA for the wash and gloves, etc, it starts adding up. So if you purchased this as your first resin printer and you found out that resin printing wasn’t for you, it's not a big amount of money spent on the Orange 30 and I’m sure you will find a buyer for it if you put it up for sale.

If you are an experienced resin user already you might possibly have bigger resin printers that you use, like myself, recently I was printing a Wicked3D STL which was a decent size, and I used 3 resin printers to print all the parts for it and the Orange 30 fitted perfectly for printing the small parts for it, in-between my bigger resin printers, some people use resin printers for small tabletop figures and I’m sure you would be able to get a good amount of them on the build plate of the Orange 30.

So in conclusion I think that this resin printer is ideal for all users, especially for the price. I have been printing litho on this printer too and the photo quality is good. if you were to invest in this I think most people would be pleased with the results of the prints.

https://www.longer3d.com/products/orange-4k-resin-3d-printer

Visible light and laser beam have in common the same nature, as both are composed of photons, however the difference between them is in the fact that visible light has an optically isotropic propagation (that is, it propagates identically in all directions) while in the laser all the energy is concentrated within a single beam of very small section. Therefore, when the laser hits matter, it is instantly able to radiate a great power in a very small area, causing a sudden and rapid increase in temperature that alters the state of matter.

Laser engraving machines, such as Longer Ray5, are able to emit a laser beam that instantly transforms the state of matter by combustion, and the contrast between the laser-subjected surface and the surrounding surface creates the visual effect commonly called Laser Engraving. However, the energy hitting a single point is not limited to that point, but the heat generated is also transmitted to the areas surrounding the point causing the typical burning effect of laser processing.

In order to avoid or reduce this effect, an Air Assist mechanism can be used, which consists of a compressor capable of continuously blowing pressurized air directly onto the area subjected to the laser. In this way, the heat exchanged between the laser area and the surrounding area is mitigated by the fresh air of the Air Assist compressor, thus avoiding the burnt effect around the laser engraving. In addition, the air blown on the engraving zone cancels the heat exchange with the surrounding areas, but does not damage the engraving ability of the laser beam. A simple example to understand this phenomenon can be this: if on a summer day with the sun high in the sky you go to the sea, if there is wind then you feel cool while if there is no wind then you feel hot, but in both cases the sun causes burns to the skin in the same way.

Longer Ray5 10W has an official Air Assist kit that consists of two parts, the nozzle kit and the air compressor. Installing the Longer Air Assist is really easy, just follow the steps below:

• First, proceed to disassemble the laser module from the rest of the machine

• Install the metal nozzle on the laser module

• Connect a rubber hose between the metal nozzle and the pressure regulator, and connect another part of the rubber hose to the regulator inlet

• Connect the inlet pipe of the regulator to the outlet of the air compressor

• Finally, install the laser module on the Ray5, activate the compressor switch and start an engraving from the Longer Ray5 display

The use of Air Assist not only increases the engraving quality, but can also increase the laser's cutting capacity thanks to the possibility of removing smoke and combustion debris thanks to the continuous breath of air; without Air Assist, these would end up settling on the laser lens, hindering the output laser beam of the module. Whether for hobbyist or professional use, Longer Air Assist is absolutely recommended if you want to achieve the maximum performance offered by Longer Ray5 10W.

https://www.longer3d.com/collections/laser-engraver-accessories

In FDM 3D Printing, during the slicing phase of the project to be printed you can completely choose how to place it on the print bed. In fact, each piece, depending on its geometry, can have one or more positions suitable for printing. The most trivial example is a full cube: whatever its side is placed on the print bed, the result does not change.  Instead, the rectangle printing changes depending on the side placed on the plane, since depending on which side is placed on the plane, the printing of the rectangle can be developed in height or in length.

Another good reason to choose the correct position on the print bed is the possibility of avoiding the use of supports. In fact, for some projects it is possible to avoid cantilevered parts simply by changing the printing orientation: the final piece will be as desired, but its realization will have been much easier and faster.

However, often choosing a position without requires supports is not enough, and sometimes it is also a bad choice. In fact, depending on how the piece is printed, it takes on a different breaking point and a different load capacity. The example shown there are two positions that do not provide supports, but only one is the best one due to the geometry of the object.

In case A, the parts highlighted in green are connected to the part highlighted in black only by a single layer; therefore, by applying an orthogonal force to the parts highlighted in green, they will be easily subject to breakage.
In case B, the parts highlighted in green are connected to the part highlighted in black through many layers; therefore, wherever an orthogonal force is applied, each part will be endowed with increased strength.

Sometimes it is more convenient to choose a location that requires supports rather than a position that does not need supports. An object like the one shown in this example focuses all effort on the part highlighted in blue, so the print between the part highlighted in blue and the part highlighted in yellow must be as strong as possible.

During placement on the print bed, these two positions are usually chosen, where the first does not need supports while the second needs supports.

In case C, the parts highlighted in blue are connected to the part highlighted in yellow only by a single layer; therefore, by applying an orthogonal force to the parts highlighted in blue, they will be easily subject to breakage.
In case D, the parts highlighted in blue are connected to the part highlighted in yellow by many layers; therefore, by applying an orthogonal force to the parts highlighted in blue, each part will be endowed with greater strength. This is a case that shows that despite the presence of supports, printing will be mechanically better.

There are numerous cases where the absence of supports is an advantageous aspect, while in other cases it is absolutely necessary to carefully evaluate how to obtain a strong and durable piece regardless of whether or not you need supports. Each piece will assume a different printing configuration depending on its geometry, so it is always advisable to carefully evaluate the placement of the project on the print bed before starting a slicing, imagining the object in the context in which it will be used.

https://www.longer3d.com/products/lk5-pro-fdm-3d-printer

Longer Ray5 adopts an MKS DLC32 mainboard, characterized by wireless technology, microSD card reading, touchscreen display with graphic interface and total interaction with your smartphone through the MKSLaser application.

MKSLaser is an application for Android/iOS smartphones used to interact with Longer Ray5, and allows you to move the laser within the work area, switch the laser beam on and off, define the homing position, transfer files, start an engraving, monitor engraving information, and so on. Thanks to MKSLaser, your Smartphone becomes not only a remote display for Longer Ray5, but also a powerful device for processing your work.

After downloading MKSLaser, first make sure that your smartphone and Ray5 are connected in the same local network. Verify the IP address assigned to Ray5 and enter the same IP in the application. After the connection is successful, remote use can be operated.

Note: The IP address of Longer Ray5 may change frequently, so it is recommended that you set an IP RESERVATION for the Mac-Address of Ray5 within the DHCP parameters of your Router/AccessPoint, so that you always get the same IP address at each subsequent connection.

The MKSLaser Home screen shows at the top the current X/Y coordinates and the S intensity of the laser, while at the bottom there are four large buttons to access the corresponding submenu:

1. Creation

It allows you to process an image and slicing for engraving, exactly as you do when using desktop Lasergrbl / Lightburn, in an easy and comfortable way from your smartphone.

      A.Import an image or take a photograph, which can be edited in several ways

      B.In the next step you can edit the image by manually setting brightness, contrast and other effects.

      C.In the last step you can configure file name change, image size, engraving speed, laser power, M3/M4 mode and more.

      D.After finishing adjusting the parameters, you can slicing and upload it via WiFi to the Ray5 microSD. After Ray5 has received it successfully, you will enter the engraving page from which you can monitor the progress of the processing status, stop processing or change the power and speed of processing.

2. Control

It allows you to move the laser module within the processing area and different steps and speed of movement can be set; you can also go back to homing, define a new homing position, turn the laser beam on and off, etc.

3. Material

There are some graphic samples to be used to determine the best parameters for engraving on different materials. Once you have chosen the image to carry out the various tests, set the various parameters (refer to the "Creation" paragraph).

4. Graving

The list of files on the microSD card inserted inside Longer Ray5 is shown, and you can select a file to engrave.

https://www.longer3d.com/collections/laser-engraver