Blog de grabador láser

LightBurn Framing Mode is essential for accurate laser engraving with Longer machines like Nano, B1, and Ray5. It lets users preview the engraving area before starting the job, minimizing material waste and errors. This guide walks you through enabling Framing Mode in LightBurn—just activate the laser fire button, set framing power to 2%, and you're ready to frame with precision. Perfect your setup and avoid costly mistakes with this simple yet crucial step in the engraving process.

Longer laser engravers like Ray5 and B1 series can create brilliant multicolor engravings on metal, starting from just 10W of power. Using LightBurn's Material Test, users can easily identify the best settings to unlock vibrant shades. Even with lower-power lasers, up to 90 distinct colors are possible, making metal engraving both creative and accessible. Learn how to test, tweak, and master color engraving with your Longer machine.

Longer Ray5 is an innovative and powerful laser engraver, available in 5w, 10w, 20w and now even 30w versions. Depending on the type of laser module with which it is equipped, Longer Ray5 can perform various types of processing on various materials, but one feature is always in common, namely the absolute accuracy in the execution of the processes. 
Sometimes, however, strange effects can occur, similar to those present in the image below; in these cases, it is necessary to fine-tune your machine, so as to obtain maximum performance. 

Usually, this problem is due to a poor installation of the belts and eccentric wheels, so it is necessary to proceed with a more accurate installation. 

First, completely disconnect all the connectors of the Longer Ray5, then remove the connection cable. 

Once this is done, squeeze the belt as shown in the figure. The belt must be hard, resistant to pressure. If, on the other hand, it is soft, then it is necessary to put it under tension. 

In order to tension the belt, unscrew the T-nut as shown in the figure, then pull the belt with your hand. Keeping the strap under tension with your hand, continue to pull and simultaneously screw the T-nut tightly to secure the strap in place. 

Repeat the belt tension operation in the same way for the other side of the Longer Ray5 frame. 

Finally, make sure that the sync wheel is perfectly in line with the belt. To do this, unscrew the Sync Wheel latch as shown in the figure, then put the Sync Wheel in line and secure the latch. 

At this point, check the wheel eccentrics as well. The wheels equipped with an eccentric nut are the lower ones. With your finger, try to rotate the wheel; If but wheel slip, you need to tighten the eccentric nut of the wheel. 

Gradually tighten the eccentric nut of the wheel, gradually checking that the wheel no longer slips. Do not tighten the eccentric nut too much, but stop as soon as the wheel no longer slips. 

Do these for both the left and right sides of Longer Ray5. 

At this point, the installation has been successfully completed for the Y-axis of Longer Ray5. However, you also need to check the status of the X-axis, which is the axis that moves the laser module. 

Following the steps above, first check the X-axis belt, tightening it if necessary. After that, also check the eccentric nut of the wheel, as shown above. 

Once the tuning has been successfully completed for both the Y-axis and the X-axis, Longer Ray5 will have correctly acquired its reliability and accuracy, and therefore it will be possible to obtain precise and dimensionally correct engravings and cuts for a long time.  
Periodically, always check the belts and eccentric nuts, so as to keep the reliability of Longer Ray5 constant over time. 

Ray5 5w-10w-20w, which one is better for you?

The Longer Ray5 Laser Engravers are versatile tools that allow you to engrave and cut a wide range of materials with precision and speed; the powers currently available for Longer Ray5 are 5W, 10W and 20w (also available in 30W laser head). This comparison will explore the key differences between these three models, helping you choose the one that best suits your needs. 

Laser Module Power
One of the factors to take into account is the laser power, measured in watts (W), which is important to consider when choosing a Laser Engravers, as power determines the cutting capacity and processing speed of the laser. 
a) Longer Ray5 5W is ideal for beginners and engraving projects on thin materials such as wood, metal, leather and acrylic and many more. The 5W power is sufficient for most home engravings and offers high accuracy thanks to its ultra-fine spot compression of 0.08mm x 0.08mm.
b) Longer Ray5 10W offers more power, allowing you to cut thicker materials and work faster. This module is suitable for projects that require a little more power than the 5W model, but still remains accessible for home use.
c) The Longer Ray5 20W is a more powerful model, ideal for cutting materials up to 15mm thick and for jobs that require a higher cutting speed. This laser module is perfect for advanced users and professionals who work with more resistant materials and need greater efficiency, so it is a valuable ally both in the home and in professional environments with mass production

Working speed
Working speed is another crucial aspect to consider. All three Longer Ray5 models reach a speed of 10,000 mm/min, but the power of the laser affects the actual cutting and engraving speed. The 20W model, thanks to its higher power, can complete projects faster than the 5W and 10W models, also reducing the number of passes during the cutting phase. 

Workspace
The workspace is another important feature. All three models offer a working area of around 400 x 400 mm, which means that all models are suitable for projects of similar size, but the 20W model allows you to make more use of the area as it can carry out extensive machining in less time. 

Variety of materials
Each Longer Ray5 model is designed to work with a variety of materials, but the power of the laser determines which materials can be cut and engraved more or less effectively. The 5W model is ideal for materials such as wood, metal and acrylic, while the 10W model can handle the same materials but with greater thickness when cutting. On the other hand, the 20W model increases the processing possibilities, as it is perfect for very thick and resistant materials, such as wood up to 15 mm, aluminum, glass, stainless steel, leather, and many other materials typical of the professional field.

Engraving accuracy
The accuracy of the engraving is another factor to consider. All three models offer high accuracy; in particular, the 5W model turns out to be a good compromise between quality and price, but the 10W model is particularly appreciated for its ability to emit a laser beam with an ultra-fine spot of 0.06 mm x 0.06 mm, excellent for detailed engravings. On the other hand, the 20W model, thanks to its greater power, can easily obtain engravings on tough materials such as stainless steel, and expresses its full potential during cutting operations. 

In conclusion, the choice between the Longer Ray5 5W, 10W, and 20W Laser Engravers depends on your specific needs. For a beginner, the 5W model is a good option to start this hobby. For greater power and processing speed, the 10W model is a good option and certainly the most recommended in the home. On the other hand, for more demanding jobs and thick materials, the 20W model is the ideal choice, especially for professional use. 

The LONGER Ray5 and LONGER B1 laser engravers are capable of engraving and cutting a wide range of materials with high precision and efficiency. However, achieving optimal results requires careful adjustment of processing parameters—particularly laser power and engraving speed, as different materials respond uniquely to laser energy.

Understanding Material Response to Laser Settings

Materials react differently when exposed to laser energy. For metals in particular, variations in power output and movement speed can significantly affect the engraving outcome.

By fine-tuning these parameters, users can achieve different surface oxidation levels and heat effects, which can produce subtle color variations on metal surfaces. This controlled thermal interaction is the foundation of multicolor laser engraving on metal, a technique widely used in decorative and industrial applications.

Both the LONGER Ray5 (5W) and LONGER B1 are capable of metal engraving. However, the B1 offers superior stability and higher power capability, making it more suitable for advanced applications such as multicolor metal engraving.

Using LaserGRBL for Parameter Optimization

To achieve precise and repeatable results, LaserGRBL provides a built-in tool called Power vs Speed Test, which allows users to quickly identify optimal engraving parameters for specific materials.

Step 1: Access the Power vs Speed Test Tool

From the LaserGRBL main interface:

Select:

Generate → Power vs Speed Test

This will open the parameter configuration window.

Step 2: Configure Power Settings

LaserGRBL uses a scaled power system:

• S-10 = 1% power
• S-1000 = 100% power

For testing purposes, it is recommended to define a power range such as:

• Minimum: 100
• Maximum: 1000
• Step size: 10

This allows fine-grained control over laser output for accurate material testing.

Step 3: Configure Speed Settings

Next, define engraving speed based on material type:

• Wood: approximately 3000–9000 mm/min
• Metal & steel: approximately 100–1500 mm/min

A recommended configuration is to use 7 steps for balanced testing coverage.

Step 4: Set Line Density (Quality)

The engraving resolution can be adjusted using line density settings:

• Recommended range: 8000–12000 lines/mm

Higher values result in finer detail but longer processing time.

Step 5: Generate the Test File

After configuring parameters, click:

“Create!”

LaserGRBL will generate a test pattern combining multiple power and speed combinations for evaluation.

Step 6: Export and Run the Test

To proceed:

1. Select File → Save (Advanced Option)
2. Export the generated file as G-code
3. Transfer it to a microSD card or device storage
4. Run the test on the LONGER Ray5 or B1

Alternatively, the test can also be executed directly via USB connection using the Cutting Test mode, if preferred.

Step 7: Analyze Results and Optimize Settings

After completion, carefully inspect the engraved test pattern. The variations in tone, depth, and clarity will help determine the most suitable combination of power and speed for your specific material and desired effect.

This calibration process is essential for achieving consistent high-quality results, especially in advanced applications such as metal marking and multicolor engraving.

Conclusion

By leveraging the Power vs Speed Test in LaserGRBL, users of the LONGER Ray5 and B1 can efficiently identify optimal engraving parameters for different materials. While both machines are capable of metal engraving, the B1 provides enhanced performance and stability, making it the preferred choice for precision-driven and multicolor metal engraving applications.

As the new school year approached, Mrs. Thompson, a dedicated special education teacher at a secondary school in Seattle, Washington, began searching for new ways to engage her diverse classroom. Her students came from different backgrounds and abilities, including learners with physical disabilities and varying learning needs.

She believed strongly in hands-on, creative learning—an approach that helps students express themselves, build confidence, and discover their strengths beyond traditional academic methods.

Discovering a New Teaching Tool

During a staff meeting, Mrs. Thompson learned about the LONGER Ray5 20W Laser Engraving Machine. A colleague shared how the device could be used for educational projects ranging from personalized items to intricate design work.

Intrigued by its potential, she proposed integrating the machine into her classroom as a creative learning tool. The school administration, known for supporting innovative teaching methods, approved the initiative, allowing the project to move forward.

Bringing Digital Fabrication into the Classroom

The Ray5 20W arrived just in time for the start of the semester. Equipped with diode laser technology and a large working area of 450 × 440 mm, the machine offered both flexibility and precision for classroom use.

Key technical features included:

• 20W laser output suitable for a wide range of materials
• 450nm laser wavelength for stable engraving performance
• 50mm fixed focus for consistent accuracy
• High-resolution laser spot size of 0.1 × 0.15mm
• Engraving speed up to 36,000 mm/min for efficient production

These capabilities made it possible for students to work on meaningful projects with professional-level results.

A Student’s Breakthrough Moment

Among the students was Alex, a learner with cerebral palsy who experienced limited hand mobility. While he had a strong interest in art, traditional tools often made creative expression difficult.

The introduction of the Ray5 changed that.

Using intuitive design software and assisted control systems, Alex was able to create his first project—a custom-designed wooden nameplate for his desk. The laser precisely engraved his design onto the surface, translating his digital creation into a tangible object with remarkable clarity.

For Alex, the experience was transformative. It was not just about making something—it was about realizing that his ideas could take physical form without being limited by physical constraints.

Creativity Spreads Across the Classroom

As students became more familiar with the machine, the classroom quickly evolved into a small creative workshop. Projects expanded to include:

• Personalized bookmarks
• Custom keychains
• Inspirational quote plaques
• Decorative classroom items

Each project combined elements of design, technology, and self-expression, helping students develop both technical and creative skills.

The Ray5 20W became more than a tool—it became a medium for inclusion, collaboration, and confidence-building.

A Meaningful Gesture of Gratitude

One of the most memorable moments of the semester came when the students worked together on a surprise project for Mrs. Thompson.

They designed a wooden plaque engraved with the message:

“For Mrs. Thompson, who sees our abilities, not our disabilities.”

When presented with the finished piece, carefully engraved by the Ray5 20W, Mrs. Thompson was deeply moved. The project reflected not only what the students had learned, but also how they had grown as individuals and as a community.

Conclusion: Technology with Educational Impact

The LONGER Ray5 20W Laser Engraving Machine proved to be far more than a fabrication tool in Mrs. Thompson’s classroom. It became a bridge between creativity and accessibility, enabling students of all abilities to participate equally in design-based learning.

By integrating laser engraving technology into education, teachers can open new pathways for expression, engagement, and skill development—helping students turn ideas into reality.

For educators seeking innovative tools for inclusive and hands-on learning environments, the Ray5 20W represents a powerful opportunity to enrich the classroom experience and inspire lasting impact.