Cutting Test with LaserGRBL for Longer Ray5 & B1

The Longer Ray5 (5W/10W) and Longer B1 laser machines allow you to engrave and cut a variety of materials quickly and precisely. However, each material reacts differently to laser power and speed. To achieve the best results, it’s essential to adjust parameters specifically for each material.

This is where LaserGRBL’s Cutting Test feature comes in, helping you determine the optimal power, speed, and pass count to avoid burning or incomplete cuts.

Why You Need a Cutting Test

Official parameter tables provide recommended power and speed values for common materials. For example:

• Cutting Basswood with Longer Ray5 10W: recommended 100% power & 350 mm/min speed.

However, not all materials of the same type behave identically:

• Some wood may burn instead of cutting cleanly

• Others may resist cutting altogether

By running a LaserGRBL Cutting Test, you can fine-tune parameters for your specific material batch, ensuring consistent and reliable results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using LaserGRBL Cutting Test

1️⃣ Open the Cutting Test Tool

In LaserGRBL, go to:

Generate → Cutting Test

This opens the cutting test setup screen.

2️⃣ Set Laser Power (S Value)

• LaserGRBL uses S-10 = 1% power and S-1000 = 100% power

• Set your starting power based on the material table (e.g., Basswood = 100% → S-1000)

3️⃣ Set Number of Passes

• You can test 1–4 passes to determine how many layers are needed for a clean cut

4️⃣ Set Speed Range

• Example for Basswood: recommended 350 mm/min

• Test a range: 100–500 mm/min to find the optimal cutting speed

5️⃣ Edit Text Labels for Test

• Add labels to mark different parameter settings

• Helps track which speed/power combinations produce the best results

6️⃣ Create the Test File

• Click “Create!” to generate a sample cutting test

7️⃣ Export GCode & Run Test

• Click File → Save (Advanced Option) to export G-code

• Copy to microSD card

• Run the Cutting Test on Longer Ray5 or B1

Tip: You can also run the Cutting Test via USB before exporting GCode for faster adjustments.

Conclusion

Using LaserGRBL’s Cutting Test is a critical step to achieve precise, efficient, and reliable laser cutting on the Longer laser engraver.

Benefits include:

• Avoid burning or incomplete cuts

• Optimize production efficiency

• Achieve consistent, high-quality results

• Extend the lifespan of your laser module

A short cutting test can save materials, time, and troubleshooting, helping you achieve perfect cuts every time.