How to perform engraving and cutting on wood at the same time

When working with materials such as wood on a Longer laser cutter and engraver, you can use LightBurn’s layer function to separate engraving and cutting operations. This allows you to assign independent parameters to each layer and perform both processes on the same material in a single workflow.

1. Separate Engraving and Cutting with Layers

In LightBurn, each color at the bottom of the interface represents a different layer:

• Assign one color to the engraving layer

• Assign another color to the cutting layer

2. Set Parameters for Each Layer

Configure processing parameters for each layer individually:

• Engraving Layer: Set the required speed, power, and passes

• Cutting Layer: Set the required power and speed for cutting

3. Arrange and Preview

• Arrange your design elements so that the engraving and cutting layers are properly aligned

• Use the Preview function to check the sequence and placement of the layers

4. Start Engraving and Cutting

1. Place your material on the laser bed

2. Adjust the laser focus to the material surface

3. Start the job; LightBurn will execute the engraving and cutting layers according to the assigned parameters, completing both operations in a single session

Ray5 Mini / MiniS Users: This workflow applies to Mini and MiniS models of Longer laser cutters and engravers. Adjust parameters according to machine power and material thickness.

Interface and Tutorial Resources

• Interface Image: 

  

• Ray5 Mini Tutorial video:

• Ray5 MiniS Tutorial video:
  

Conclusion

Using LightBurn’s layer function allows you to separate engraving and cutting operations while working on the same material. By assigning different colors to layers and setting independent parameters, you can complete both engraving and cutting efficiently and accurately on a Longer laser cutter and engraver, achieving high-precision results in a single workflow.