Laser Engraver Blogs

Longer laser engravers, such as the Longer Ray5 10W/20W Laser Engraver (the best laser engraver for beginners), the Longer Ray5 40W Laser, the Engraver Longer B1 30W/40W Laser Engraving Machine (the best laser engraver for small business), Longer Nano Pro Portable Laser Engraver ( The best laser engraver for craft fairs), allow you to create intricate works of art on a vast variety of materials. While wood is a common starting point, the versatility of these laser cutter and engraver machines extends dramatically to harder, more durable surfaces, like stone, offering a completely different aesthetic and final product.

Why Choose Stone for Laser Engraving

The material preferred by users for its natural elegance and striking contrast is usually dark slate, which can be engraved with high precision and is highly durable. Engraved slate is perfect for creating a sophisticated, timeless look, much more durable than most organic materials, particularly for items like coasters, plaques, and decorative tiles.

Cardboard can also be processed with a laser; however, great care must be taken, as it is easily flammable. In order to avoid this, it is essential to carefully set the power and speed parameters. Stone, on the other hand, presents no fire risk but requires precise parameter settings to achieve clear, sharp contrasts. The material’s density dictates a completely different approach compared to engraving wood or cardboard, focusing on achieving a bright, precise mark without fracturing the surface. The use of air assist is still highly recommended to remove fine stone dust and keep the workspace clean, allowing for faster and more accurate processing.

Getting Started: Basic Parameters for Slate

In initial tests on slate, it is good practice to start applying settings that allow for a clean, single-pass marking. This allows the laser to ablate a fine surface layer to expose a lighter shade, creating the detailed image. Supposing you want to engrave slate, the following can be considered as basic parameters, tested on a 12W Longer Nano Pro:

Speed: 6000 mm/min
Power: 50%
Steps: 1 pass

These parameters provide a fast yet efficient starting point for clear engravings. Note that different laser powers will require adjustments (e.g., using a 20W or 30W module, you may be able to significantly increase the speed or decrease the power and possibly proceed with the necessary adjustments, doing tests).

Achieving Striking Contrast and Longevity

In this way, the engravings will be carried out with striking contrast, where the dark slate reveals a light, detailed pattern. However, since the engraving is a physical removal of a surface layer, it is necessary to avoid touching the engraved areas with abrasive materials; otherwise, they will be removed and compromised. A practical solution is to apply a light, food-safe mineral oil or a clear matte coat so as to protect the result, deepen the black areas, and make the engraving more durable and permanent.

Creative Possibilities with Stone

An interesting aspect of engraving on stone is the possibility of playing with subtle variations, creating deep engravings or light surface markings. This makes stone an ideal material for experimenting with complex graphics, illustrations, or even stylized photographs, where the high resolution of Longer Laser Engravers shines. In addition, thanks to its durability, stone creations can be made for both indoor and outdoor use.

Stone engravings are used in various practical areas:

• Customization of kitchenware and personalized gifts
• Creation of stencils, architectural accents, and artistic plaques
• Commercial applications, such as high-quality branded items and detailed signs

Thanks to the precise power control, you can experiment freely until you get the desired result.

Maintenance Tips for Stone Engraving

After engraving, it is advisable to clean the countertop and laser module regularly, as stone tends to release fine, abrasive dust. A simple wipe with a damp microfiber cloth avoids accumulations that could compromise the precision of subsequent processing. The air assist filter should also be checked periodically to maintain constant airflow efficiency.

Why Stone is an Exceptional Laser Engraving Material

As far as we have seen, stone is not simply a hard material but an exceptional canvas with its own intrinsic strategic value. In fact, its convenience and easy availability (particularly slate), combined with the millimetric precision of Longer Laser Engravers, make it the ideal tool for efficiency and experimentation.

Ultimately, stone is a superb material to master using Longer Laser Engravers, since by mastering the parameters of speed and power, it is not only possible to obtain pieces with clean lines and high contrast, but it is also possible to have access to artistic creation that is sophisticated, permanent, and highly cost-effective.

This guide explains how to use the LaserBurn PC software to perform engraving with the Ray5 mini. It covers software download, device connection, file import, parameter setup, and engraving steps.

Steps

1. Software Download

First, go to the Longer official website to download the LaserBurn PC software. Install it and then open the software.

2. Device Connection

After opening the software, click "Device" to connect the machine. In the pop-up window, select the Ray5 mini image and click "Confirm". Then choose the correct port and click "Connect". When "Ray5 mini" appears in the device window, the connection is successful.

Import File and Start Engraving

Click the icon in the upper left corner and select "Import" to load the image to be engraved into the software. Then click the layer option and double-click the corresponding layer to modify the engraving parameters and confirm.

Before starting engraving, click "Reset" on the machine, then click "Engraving". Click "Border" to confirm the engraving position, and finally click "Start Engraving".

Conclusion

By following the above steps, you can successfully complete engraving with the Ray5 mini using LaserBurn PC software. Proper device connection, parameter setup, and positioning ensure accurate and efficient engraving results.

Finding the right settings for laser engraving or cutting can be challenging, especially with different materials. LaserBurn makes this process easier with its built-in material library. By following a few simple steps, you can quickly generate the optimal parameters for your project.

1. Access the material library

In LaserBurn, click the “Unknown” button at the top-right corner of the interface.

2. Select Your Material and Confirm

• Choose the material you want to engrave or cut.
• Click Confirm to apply the selection.

3. Generate the Parameter Matrix

After confirming the material:

• Go to the Layer page.
• Select the layer you want to set parameters for.
• Click Parameter Matrix to view the matrix effect chart.
• Choose the effect that matches your desired result.

4. Apply the Parameters Automatically

Once you select the desired effect:

• LaserBurn will automatically fill the chosen parameters into the parameter input fields.
• No manual input is needed, saving time and reducing errors.

Conclusion

Introduction

The Longer Ray5 MiniS Laser Engraver (or Ray5 Mini), when paired with the third axis accessory, allows users to engrave cylindrical objects or perform specialized rotary work with precision. Using the LaserBurn mobile app, operators can control either a chuck or a roller, expanding the machine’s capabilities and enabling more complex laser engraving projects. This guide walks you through connecting the device, configuring the third axis, and preparing your materials.

Steps

1. Tap  to enter the device list.

2. After successful connection, tap the gear icon at the bottom right of the machine card.

3. Third Axis Settings – default is off. Choose Chuck or Roller based on actual usage.

• Chuck requires setting the diameter.

• Roller does not require diameter settings.

4. After setup, add materials in the creation interface. Since the system uses absolute coordinates, place the material at the bottom left corner.

Chuck

Roller

Note: The third axis will automatically turn off if the power is disconnected or the device is disconnected. The chuck’s working area changes according to the diameter setting, while the roller has a fixed, long working area. 

Conclusion

By correctly setting up the third axis, users can expand the functionality of Longer Ray5 mini/miniS Laser Engraver, enabling cylindrical and long-format engraving with precision. Always ensure the device is connected and the third axis is configured before starting your project to achieve optimal results.

Introduction

This document summarizes the common causes and solutions for CH340 driver installation issues on both Windows and macOS systems. It explains how to resolve problems related to system compatibility, driver conflicts, permission restrictions, USB cable issues, and security settings. It also provides methods to verify whether the driver is installed correctly and suggests alternative solutions if installation continues to fail.

By following the troubleshooting steps in this guide, users can quickly diagnose driver installation problems and restore normal communication between their device and computer.

Windows System

Common Causes and Solutions

1. System Compatibility Issues

Windows 10 and Windows 11 usually include a built-in driver for the CH340 chip. However, automatic installation may occasionally fail.

Solution

Download and install the latest driver manually from the official website:
https://www.wch.cn

Install the latest version of the driver package CH341SER.EXE.

2. Old Driver Conflicts

If an older version of the CH340 driver was previously installed, it may conflict with the new installation.

Solution

1. Open Device Manager.

2. Click View → Show hidden devices.

3. Expand Ports (COM & LPT).

4. Right-click any CH340/CH341 related devices and uninstall them.

5. Select Delete the driver software for this device if prompted.

6. Reinstall the latest driver.

3. Driver Signature Issues

Some systems, especially Windows 7 and certain Windows 10 configurations, may block unsigned drivers.

Solution

1. Restart your computer.

2. Enter Advanced Startup Options.

3. Select Disable driver signature enforcement.

4. Run the driver installer again.

4. Insufficient Permissions

Installing drivers requires administrator privileges.

Solution

Right-click the installer and select Run as administrator.

5. USB Cable or Port Problems

Some USB cables only support charging and do not transfer data. If such a cable is used, the device will not be recognized even if the driver is installed.

Solution

• Use a USB cable that supports data transfer.

• Connect the cable directly to the computer’s USB port (preferably USB 2.0).

How to Confirm the Driver Installation

1. Connect the Longer laser engraver to your computer.

2. Open Device Manager.

Under Ports (COM & LPT) you should see something similar to:

USB-SERIAL CH340 (COM3)

If this appears, the driver has been installed successfully.

If a yellow warning icon appears, the driver installation may have failed or there may be a driver conflict.

Alternative Solutions

If the driver still cannot be installed:

• Try using another computer to rule out system-related issues.

• Replace the adapter module with FT232 or CP2102, which often offer better compatibility.

macOS System

1. Check Whether a Driver Is Needed

Starting from macOS 10.13, the CH340 chip may sometimes be recognized automatically without installing a driver.

1. Connect your Longer laser engraver.

2. Open Terminal and enter:

ls /dev/tty.*

If you see a device such as:

/dev/tty.wchusbserial1410

The device has been detected successfully and no driver installation is required.

2. Install the Driver (If the Device Is Not Recognized)

Download the Driver

Official driver
https://www.wch.cn/downloads/CH341SER_MAC_ZIP.html

Open-source driver (recommended)
https://github.com/adrianmihalko/ch340g-ch34g-ch34x-mac-os-x-driver

The open-source version often provides better compatibility with newer macOS systems.

Allow System Extensions

During installation, macOS may display a message such as “System Extension Blocked.”

To allow the driver:

1. Open System Settings / System Preferences.

2. Go to Security & Privacy.

3. Under the General tab, click Allow for WCH Electronics Co., Ltd.

Restart Your Computer

After installation, restart your Mac so the driver can be loaded correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Driver Installed but No Port Appears

Open Terminal and run:

ls /dev/tty.*

Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable to check whether a new device appears.

Apple Silicon Macs (M1 / M2 / M3)

Many official drivers were originally designed for Intel-based Macs, which may cause compatibility issues on Apple Silicon devices.

For better stability, we recommend using the open-source driver from GitHub mentioned above.

Permission Restrictions on New macOS Versions

Recent macOS versions such as Big Sur, Monterey, and Ventura enforce stricter security policies for third-party drivers.

If the Allow option does not appear in Security & Privacy, you may need to:

1. Restart your Mac in Recovery Mode.

2. Temporarily disable System Integrity Protection (SIP).

3. Install the driver again.

Alternative Options

If you still cannot install the CH340 driver, you may consider these alternatives:

• Use an FTDI USB-to-serial module, which macOS supports natively without additional drivers.

• Use a Wi-Fi connection if your GRBL controller board supports wireless communication.

Offline engraving on the Ray5 Series allows you to operate your laser projects directly from a TF card without connecting to a computer. This tutorial walks you through preparing GCode files, confirming engraving boundaries, and executing offline engraving for both old and new Ray5 models.

Table of Contents

1. What This Guide Covers
2. Quick Answer: How to Use TF Card for Offline Engraving
3. Why This Process Matters
4. Before You Start
   • Requirements
   • Precautions
5. Step-by-Step Tutorial
6. Model Version Differences
7. Common Problems and Solutions
8. Tips for Better Results
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Final Thoughts

What This Guide Covers

This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for performing offline engraving on Ray5 Series laser engravers. You will learn:

• How to prepare GCode files for offline use
• How to load and run engraving directly from a TF card
• Differences between old and new Ray5 models
• Tips for avoiding common errors and ensuring precise engraving

Quick Answer: How to Use TF Card for Offline Engraving

To perform offline engraving on the Ray5 Series:

1. Save your design as a GCode file (.gc or .nc) onto a TF card.
2. Insert the TF card into the Ray5 control box.
3. Access the file list via the File menu and select your design.
4. Verify the engraving boundary using Frame mode.
5. Start engraving and monitor the process.

Why This Process Matters

Offline engraving offers several advantages:

• Reduces dependence on a connected computer
• Avoids connectivity issues with USB or Wi-Fi
• Supports multiple projects simultaneously
• Provides consistent, repeatable results for professional-quality work

This method is ideal for both hobbyists and small businesses seeking efficient workflows.

Before You Start

Requirements

• Ray5 Series laser engraver (old or new version)
• TF card compatible with your machine
• Engraving file in GCode format (.gc or .nc)
• Safety equipment: laser safety glasses and proper ventilation

Precautions

• Only use TF cards recommended by the manufacturer
• Do not remove the TF card during engraving
• Confirm the machine’s working area before starting
• Keep fingers and other objects away from the laser head during operation
• Follow official machine specifications or instructions

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prepare Engraving File

Action: Save the engraving file in GCode format (.gc or .nc) to the TF card. Users can design patterns using LightBurn and export the GCode file directly to the TF card.
Expected Result: The TF card contains a ready-to-use engraving file.
Important Notes: Ensure the design dimensions fit the material and the machine’s working area.

Step 2: Start Offline Engraving

Action: Insert the TF card into the Ray5 control box and press File to access the TF card file list. Select the imported GCode file.

Expected Result: The file loads on the machine, ready for engraving.

Action: Enter the engraving preparation interface and click Frame to verify the engraving boundary.

Expected Result: The machine outlines the engraving area, confirming placement and size.

Action: After confirming the working area, press Start Engraving to begin the process.

Expected Result: The Ray5 laser engraves the selected design offline.

Important Notes: Interface layouts differ between old and new Ray5 models. Ensure you are following instructions corresponding to your version.

Model Version Differences

• Old Version Ray5: No air pump interface above the touchscreen

• New Version Ray5: Air pump interface located above the touchscreen

Understanding these differences helps ensure you navigate the interface correctly and avoid misconfigurations.

Common Problems and Solutions

Tips for Better Results

• Always use clean, properly formatted TF cards
• Secure material flat on the work area to prevent shifting
• Test engravings on scrap material before finalizing
• Keep lenses, mirrors, and the workspace clean
• Use adequate ventilation to minimize smoke residue

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use any TF card with Ray5 Series?
A: Only use cards recommended by the manufacturer to prevent errors or device damage.

Q2: Do old and new Ray5 models operate the same offline?
A: Core steps are identical, but interface layouts and air pump placement differ.

Q3: What GCode formats are supported?
A: .gc and .nc files are supported for offline engraving.

Q4: How do I ensure the engraving fits the material?
A: Use Frame mode to preview the boundary before starting.

Q5: Can I pause offline engraving?
A: Yes, but never remove the TF card during operation.

Q6: Why is my TF card not recognized?
A: Ensure it is formatted correctly and compatible with the Ray5 Series.

Q7: Can I edit files on the machine?
A: Follow official machine specifications or instructions—editing on the device is not supported.

Final Thoughts

The Ray5 Series supports reliable offline engraving using a TF card. Properly preparing GCode files, verifying the engraving boundary, and understanding model differences ensures stable, professional-quality results. This method allows you to operate efficiently, minimize errors, and achieve consistent outcomes, making it ideal for hobbyists and small-scale production.

Video Tutorial

The Longer Laser Engravers are equipped with a powerful ESP32-based mainboard, which can offer high computing speeds and advanced features such as WiFi, Touchscreen Display, microSD slot and so on. In particular, Longer Ray5 has an MKS LTS mainboard, which offers excellent engraving speeds with precise adjustment of the laser module's power.

One of the main risks for the mainboard of Longer Laser Engravers is to manually move the motor axes. This action, in fact, generates a current that goes from the motors to the mainboard, damaging the stepper drivers irreparably. When this happens, the mainboard can no longer move the axle motors, and must be replaced. However, as mentioned before, the mainboard is based on ESP32, and therefore even if it is no longer suitable for use with Longer Ray5, it can still be useful for other projects.

The fact that the heart of the system is an ESP32 completely changes the perspective in the event of a driver failure. In a traditional mainboard, damage to the stepper drivers would mean total death of the component. With ESP32, on the other hand, we are faced with an open and versatile architecture that keeps its computational value intact. So even though the power section of the MKS LTS is compromised and can no longer handle PWM signals for the Longer Ray5 motors, the onboard microcontroller remains an amazing asset.

As with Arduino, ESP32 can also be programmed according to what you need most; it is possible, for example, to create an RF receiving station, a home automation control system, an anti-theft system, and so on. The only thing you need is writing proper C++ code.

Unlike a ready-to-use ESP32 board, on MKS LTS the pins are not directly indicated and ready to use, but must be identified among the various pins of the mainboard, as they are connected to the different functions in the design phase. For individuals, just use a function like:

int pins[] = {2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 32, 33};

int numPins = sizeof(pins) / sizeof(int);

 

void setup() {

  Serial.begin(115200);

  delay(1000);

  Serial.println("--- ACTIVE INVESTIGATOR MODE ---");

  Serial.println("Connect a wire to GND and tap the pins one at a time.");

 

  for (int i = 0; i < numPins; i++) {

    // We use INPUT_PULLUP for pins that support it

    // Note: 34, 35, 36, 39 don't have internal pullups, we will test them too

    if (pins[i] < 34) {

      pinMode(pins[i], INPUT_PULLUP);

    }

  }

}

 

void loop() {

  for (int i = 0; i < numPins; i++) {

    // If the pin reads LOW, you are touching it with GND

    if (digitalRead(pins[i]) == LOW) {

      Serial.print("FOUND! The pin you're tapping is the GPIO: ");

      Serial.println(pins[i]);

      

      // Wait for the wire to disconnect so as not to clog the serial

      while(digitalRead(pins[i]) == LOW) { delay(10); }

      Serial.println("---------------------------------------");

    }

  }

}

At this point, simply connect the respective pins to GND via a 10k pull-down resistor for safety, and the pin-detected will appear on consoles.

However, at the end of the detection procedure (which will take several hours) the available result pins are only these shown in the figure:

That is, the pins are available:

GPIO Main Function Usage notes

2 I/O Connected to Probe.

4 ADC2_CH0 / Touch General Purpose. Great for CSN - SPI communication.

18 VSPI SCK Great for SPI communication.

19 VSPI MISO Great for SPI communication.

23 VSPI MOSI Great for SPI communication.

33 ADC1_CH5 / Touch 8 General Purpose. Great for GDO0.

34 ADC1_CH6 Hardware pull-ups. Input only. 3.3V always present.

35 ADC1_CH7 Hardware pull-ups. Input only. 3.3V always present.

36 ADC1_CH0 Hardware pull-ups. Input only. 3.3V always present.

13 ADC2_CH4 HSPI communication connected to microSD.

14 ADC2_CH6 HSPI communication connected to microSD.

15 ADC2_CH3 / Strapping HSPI communication connected to microSD.

39 Solo Input Great for ADC1 but connected to microSD.

The GPIOs available are some of the best in ESP32, as you can use the SPI protocol with them, which allows you to do many useful things, such as using a CC1101 RF chip.

With the well-known GPIO pins, even a damaged MKS LTS becomes a valuable resource, to be used in a thousand different ways and just as many fun projects.

The Longer Laser Engravers are equipped with a powerful ESP32-based mainboard, which can offer high computing speeds and advanced features such as WiFi, Touchscreen Display, microSD slot and so on. In particular, Longer Ray5 has an MKS LTS mainboard, which offers excellent engraving speeds with precise adjustment of the laser module's power.

One of the main risks for the mainboard of Longer Laser Engravers is to manually move the motor axes. This action, in fact, generates a current that goes from the motors to the mainboard, damaging the stepper drivers irreparably. When this happens, the mainboard can no longer move the axle motors and must be replaced. However, as mentioned before, the mainboard is based on ESP32, and therefore even if it is no longer suitable for use with Longer Ray5, it can still be useful for other projects.

As seen in the previous article, once you understand that the Longer Ray5 mainboard is to all intents and purposes a powerful ESP32-based development board, and after identifying the location of the various GPIOs, the next step is to make it operational. To do this, the reference software is Arduino IDE, the environment that allows you to write and run C++ code on ATMEGA and ESP32 boards.

The first step is to download the latest stable version of the Arduino IDE from the official website (arduino.cc). By default, the Arduino IDE is configured for classic Arduino boards, so in order to see the ESP32 of MKS LTS you need to add the definitions of the Espressif boards.

In the Boards Manager, search for "ESP32" and click Install for the Espressif Systems package.

Once this has been done successfully, unlike a commercial board, MKS LTS does not appear with its specific name in the list. However, since it is based on a standard module, the correct configuration to select is "ESP32 Dev Module, with the following configuration:

Board: ESP32 Dev Module

Flash Mode: DIO

Flash Frequency: 80MHz

Upload Speed: 921600

At this point, power MKS LTS with 12V DC, and connect the mainboard to the PC via the USB cable. Select the COM port for the CH340 serial chip, and then run a test sketch. Once you click on Upload, keep an eye on the console: if the upload reaches 100%, the MKS LTS is officially reborn as a development board.

Keep in mind that in order to use the console, it is always necessary to set a delay of 5 seconds in each sketch, as shown in the figure:

Having the environment configured correctly is the only real barrier between a corrupted board and a working project. With the Arduino IDE ready and the GPIO pins already mapped, the limit is no longer the hardware that no longer moves the motors but only the complexity of the code you decide to write on it.

Introduction

When connecting your device to the LaserBurn software via USB, connection failures may occasionally occur due to cable issues, driver conflicts, power management settings, or system compatibility problems.

This guide provides a structured, step-by-step troubleshooting process—starting from simple physical checks to advanced system diagnostics—to help you quickly identify the root cause and restore a stable USB connection.

Stage 1: Quick Check and Basic Troubleshooting

These steps are the simplest and most often overlooked, but they often resolve the issue.

1. Reseat the USB cable:

Unplug the USB cable, wait a few seconds, then reseat it, ensuring it is fully inserted.

Purpose: Eliminate a momentary poor contact or software handshake failure.

2. Try a different USB port:

Unplug the USB cable from the current computer port and try another one (for example, from the front panel to the back panel).

Purpose: Eliminate a single USB port failure or insufficient power.

3. Restart the device and computer:

Shut down and restart both the device and computer.

Purpose: Clears temporary system caches and driver errors, a universal solution for various esoteric issues.

4. Check the physical connection:

Check the USB cable for visible damage or bends.

Check the device's USB port for loose connections, foreign objects, or damage.

Purpose: Eliminate the most basic physical layer issues.

5. Check if the USB port is occupied.

Stage 2: Software and Driver Troubleshooting

If basic troubleshooting doesn't work, the problem may lie with the software or driver.

1. Check the Device Manager:

On Windows, right-click "This PC" -> "Manage" -> "Device Manager."

Check for devices with a yellow exclamation mark (!) or question mark (?), especially under "Universal Serial Bus controllers" and "Other devices."

Action: If you see an unknown device or your device with an exclamation mark, right-click it and select "Update driver" -> "Search automatically for driver." If that doesn't work, try "Uninstall device" and then restart your computer to allow the system to automatically re-identify and install the driver.

2. Disable the USB selective suspend setting:

This is a power-saving feature that can sometimes cause unstable connections.

Path: Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Power Options -> Change plan settings -> Change advanced power settings -> Find "USB settings" -> "USB selective suspend setting" -> Set it to "Disabled."

3. Check power management:

In Device Manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers, right-click each USB root hub, select Properties -> Power Management, and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." Repeat this step for all USB root hubs.

Stage 3: In-depth hardware and system troubleshooting

If all of the above steps fail, you may need to consider more complex issues.

1. Replace the USB cable:

This is a very common problem! Many USB cables only charge, not transfer data. Be sure to use the original cable that came with your device or a high-quality USB cable that's proven to transfer data properly.

2. Test on another computer:

Connect your device to another working computer.

Result Interpretation:

If it works on the other computer: The problem lies with your original computer (driver, system, hardware port).

If it doesn't work on the other computer: The problem is most likely with your device or the USB cable.

3. Check the system log (Windows):

Right-click "This PC" -> "Manage" -> "Event Viewer" -> "Windows Logs" -> "System."

Check for error or warning logs around the time you plugged in the USB device; these logs will provide more specific error codes.

4. Update the motherboard chipset and USB controller drivers:

Go to the official website of your computer brand or motherboard manufacturer to download and install the latest chipset drivers. This can fundamentally resolve USB compatibility issues.

Introduction

Before using the visual functions of the RAY5 series, a visual alignment (visual calibration) procedure must be completed. This process ensures accurate positioning and engraving precision by properly aligning the machine’s camera system with the working area.

During calibration, you will engrave four marker patterns (①②③④) onto the target material, capture an image using the built-in camera, and mark the center of each target point in the correct sequence within the software. Accurate completion of each step is essential to avoid positioning errors and ensure stable visual engraving performance.

Before starting, please ensure that no other programs are accessing the RAY5 camera.

1. Precautions Before Operation

Please read carefully before beginning:

• Place the engraving paper within the engraving work area. A scale value of 95 is recommended.
• Ensure no other cameras are connected, and the machine’s camera is not being used by another program.
• During visual calibration, do not move the machine or the engraving paper. Complete all steps in one continuous process.
• Each marker pattern supports single calibration only. For recalibration, engrave a new marker pattern.
• Reset the machine before starting visual calibration to prevent collisions during engraving.
• Ensure the camera lens is perpendicular to the engraving surface (use a spirit level to confirm).
• Adjust the camera to a working distance of 550 mm from the engraving surface so the entire machine is within the field of view.
• The engraving surface must be parallel and level to avoid calibration errors.
• Place the support bracket in the center of the machine’s front beam.

2. Engraving the Marking Pattern

You will use the laser to engrave the target pattern onto the material and mark the center of each target.

Step 1: Enter Visual Correction Page

After connecting the RAY5, click on the camera icon that appears in the menu bar to enter the visual correction function page.

Before accessing the visual correction features page, please zoom out and move the canvas to the side so that the entire canvas is visible when the visual features page opens.

Step 2: Adjust Engraving Parameters

Enter appropriate speed and power settings to achieve moderate engraving without burning through. Increase or decrease the scaling value until the canvas can accommodate the marked pattern.

Step 3: Border Preview

Click the border preview button to display the marked pattern on the canvas, ensuring it does not exceed the canvas size.

⚠️ Important:
After modifying speed, power, or scaling parameters, you must click “Border Preview” again to synchronize and update the marking pattern on the canvas.

Step 4: Begin Engraving

Begin carving. If it's not clear enough, you can adjust the settings and run it again. Once the pattern is clearly visible and easy to see, click Next.

3. Capture the Target Image

During this process, you will capture aligned images. You may need to wait a few seconds on this screen for the camera to successfully capture the images.

When the machine's camera is detected, click the capture button. You should see the camera view displayed in the lower left of the window, with all four target points visible, and the captured image on the right, as shown below. Click Next when all four target points are clearly visible in the captured image.

4. Marking the Target Points

In this step, you need to mark each target by double-clicking the center of each target in sequence.
Move the image by holding down the spacebar and using the mouse, and zoom in or out using the scroll wheel to ensure accurate clicking on the center position. A red marker will appear each time you double-click. If you mark incorrectly, click "Undo Mark" to remove it and try again. The double-clicking sequence must follow the order (1, 2, 3, 4) shown on the marking pattern. Once all four target points are marked, click "Complete" to finish the entire process.

✅ Calibration Complete

After completing all steps, the RAY5 visual correction system will be properly aligned and ready for accurate visual engraving.