Academy

Review of LONGER Laser B1 40W Engraver - LONGER
Review of LONGER Laser B1 40W Engraver

Are you an artist, a designer, or even simply a hobbyist who wants to improve his work? If yes, this review is to help you make the best decision for choosing a valuable product. The LONGER Laser B1 40W is the best option for you to consider if you are seeking a laser engraver that is at the cutting edge of technological advancement. Crafting will never be the same again as in the past with this innovative laser engraver, which you can buy from Longer3d at the best price. Let's dive into this review to explore the functions and features of Longer Laser B1 40W:

Remarkable Features of Longer Laser B1 40W:

Ultra-high Power Laser (44-48W):

 This engraver's ultra-high-power laser (44-48W) makes quick work of cutting through a wide variety of materials, from soft wood to hard stainless steel. It's a great resource for a wide range of artistic endeavors.

Bigger Working Frame:

Because it measures 17.72 inches by 17.32 inches (450 mm by 440 mm), the larger working frame is suitable for A3 panels and other requirements of a similar sort. This more expansive space provides you with more room to work in, allowing you to achieve even your most ambitious and intricate concepts.

High-Speed Precision:

 Accuracy while Being Required to Perform at Breakneck Speeds The LONGER Laser B1 40W can cut at a rate of 36,000 mm/min, which is four times as fast as regular machines. The Smart Air-Assist System raises the bar for cutting precision and performance to heights that have never been seen before.

Ease of Use:

An amazing time may be had throughout both the process of setting up and utilizing the LONGER Laser B1. A comprehensive set of instructions is offered, and members of the active community, who come from a wide variety of professional and personal experiences, are on hand to offer support as needed.

Personalization and Adaptability:

The combination of this engraver with software systems such as LaserGRBL and LightBurn allows you to exercise exact control over the designs that you generate, allowing for greater personalization and adaptability. You are free to experiment with the settings in order to fine-tune them to the particular specifications of the project you are working on.

Software Compatibility and Design Capabilities:

The LONGER Laser B1 40W Engraver is compatible with a wide variety of software packages. Customers have additional options available to them in terms of layout and functionality because of this interoperability.

LightBurn is a well-liked option among those who appreciate laser engraving due to its intuitive user interface and extensive collection of tools and settings. LightBurn gives you the versatility you need to achieve stunning results, whether you're engraving detailed patterns into wood or cutting intricate designs from acrylic sheets.

Material Compatibility and Limitations:

It is absolutely necessary to have a full knowledge of the limitations that the machine imposes. Because of the restrictions of its power, it is believable that the LONGER Laser B1 is not suited for engraving or cutting thick metals. On the other hand, because of its versatility, it is a perfect choice for a wide number of applications, ranging from leather and glass to acrylic and wood. These materials are just some of the many that may benefit from its use. It is recommended to use metal engraving equipment designed specifically for metals, especially harder metals.

Value for Money:

A search on how cost-effective the LONGER Laser B1 is to use for your project, and it is the best value for money. Despite the fact that it is not the most powerful laser engraver that is now available on the market, it offers an outstanding balance of power and precision at a cost that is not overly pricy.

Anyone who has a laser cutter and uses it for their hobbies, crafts, or even a small company should seriously consider investing in the LONGER Laser B1. It is a fantastic opportunity for financial gain. Because of its high build quality, user-friendly design, and capacity to interoperate with a number of other software, it may be utilized for a broad range of different jobs.

Laser B1 40w Durability and Maintenance:

It is imperative that one has resiliency. The LONGER Laser B1 will continue to perform well so long as the laser path and fans are cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis.

The ease with which the machine may be maintained provides the opportunity for its useful life to be extended. Because of its modular construction, the LONGER Laser B1 is capable of having its capabilities enhanced and its size increased in response to changes in demand. As your projects progress, you may need to install additional laser modules, replace the existing cooling system, or add new features.

Overall Pros and Cons of LONGER Laser B1 40w

Pros:

  • For a desktop device, the laser engraver's output power is remarkable.
  • The broad space available for engraving is sufficient to accommodate a wide variety of projects of varying complexity.
  • The dependable performance and accurate execution are both guaranteed by the construction's durability.
  • The reduction in anxiety that results from the careful inclusion of safety features is a desirable outcome.
  • It is possible to boost software's usefulness by ensuring compatibility between its many versions.

Cons:

  • It does not have high power, so sometimes tough metals cannot be engraved.
  • Because in-depth purchase assessments might be difficult if specifics are not easily accessible.
  • LightBurn and other software of a like sort are not included in the purchase price of the apparatus; it means you have to pay additional costs to purchase them

Final thoughts:

In the industry of laser engraving, the LONGER Laser B1 40W is head and shoulders above its rivals in terms of power, precision, and the range of applications it can serve. It is considerably better than the other products that are now available on the market. Think of it as an expense that will pay off in the form of improved creative endeavors and the beginning of a voyage into the universe of infinite laser engraving possibilities.

The LONGER Laser B1 40W  is your dependable companion in the field of laser engraving because of its extensive feature set, user-friendly design, and robust community support. Don't pass up the chance to use this remarkable equipment for laser engraving. Your creativity may run free as you bring your ideas to reality by utilizing high-quality materials and laborers that are accomplished in their craft.

By Academy | November 16, 2023
5 Unbeatable Christmas Gifts to Make with a Longer Laser Cutter
5 Unbeatable Christmas Gifts to Make with a Longer Laser Cutter

5 Personalized Christmas Gifts to Make with LONGER Laser Engraving

Christmas shopping can be stressful, but, with LONGER laser engraving and some creativity, you can be stress free this holiday season. Using the LONGER RAY5 and some of our ideas below, you can create and customise festive gifts for your family. 

1. Customized Christmas Mug

A mug of hot chocolate on a cold Christmas evening is one of winter’s simplest delights. But, since mugs are low effort and impersonal gifts, many people don’t give their closest friends and family mugs.

Using laser engraving, however, you can make and customise an original mug so your finished product will be just as unique as your friend. As long as you choose a style that isn’t festive, your loved one can sip from this mug for the rest of the year, making it a practical and thoughtful family gift.

How to Make an Engraved Christmas Mug…

Select a white or colored ceramic mug and clean the surface thoroughly with rubbing alcohol. Design your engraving using your chosen graphic design software. Load your design into the laser engraver. Using a LONGER laser rotary roller, it will take no time at all for your LONGER RAY5 to engrave your mug. Don’t forget, to make sure your design is perfect, you should run a test first and then position the mug meticulously in your laser engraving machine.

Tip: The fun doesn’t stop with mugs as long as you have the LONGER RAY5 laser cutter by your side. You should try engraving and decorating some tumblers, water bottles, champagne glasses and cafetières. Or, why not make use of the LONGER RAY5’s capabilities as a wood engraving machine so you can make personalized chopping boards and other kitchen utensils?

2. Beautiful Christmas Beanie

Your loved ones need some stylish and fashionable winter outfits to combat Christmas time’s cold weather. Beanies are a super simple personalized family gift that you can make using your laser engraver. You can add their name, a festive message, or a cute image of a tree or snowman, but whatever design you put on the beanie, one thing is for sure, this gift is going to be a big hit.

There is no more versatile and appropriate for all ages gift than a personalised beanie, making them a superlative gift for all of your loved ones. If your family is very close and loves to go on Christmas outings forever, it’s a sweet idea to create a matching set for your whole family. Remember what your loved one’s fashion sense is like so you can choose a beautiful beanie that they will love to wear and keep forever.

How to Make a Personalized Christmas Beanie…

A good quality beanie is required for this project, alongside a couple of leather patches and your good sewing skills to finish off. To keep your spending as low as possible or make a cruelty-free gift, choose some artificial leather patches which will work just as well as a decoration on your beanie. Next, now you’ll need to design your engraving using your favorite design software, place the patch into the LONGER RAY5 laser engraving machine and just watch as your creation comes to life before your very eyes. To finish off, you will have to sew or glue the patch onto your beanie, which is a very simple process and makes beanies the perfect option for beginner engravers who are strapped for time.

Tip: Make use of some handy heat-transfer vinyl, which when you put it in your laser cutter, can be used to make countless personalized clothing items and all you need to do is iron them on. This Christmas, you can fill your loved one’s wardrobes with a massive variety of stylish clothing like T-shirts and hoodies and scarves and baby clothes.

3. Customized Christmas Jewelry

Jewelry has always been a special and thoughtful gift at Christmas time. Personalized Christmas jewelry is also great to commemorate a special event, especially if you add a date or a sweet message to your pendant. Your loved ones can even use this gift as a home decoration.

Just like the beanie, if your recipient has a special sense of style, it’s easy to customize jewelry that will fit right into their wardrobe. Necklaces, bracelets, engraved rings and earrings are all possible with the LONGER RAY5 laser engraver.

How to Make Personalized Christmas Jewelry…

You can choose your favorite acrylic sheets and metal accessories. Design your favorite Christmas ornaments using some software connected to your laser engraver. Snowmen, Christmas trees and snowflakes are all beautiful to look at. Remember, you need two earrings. Use your LONGER RAY5 with a 20w attachment to cut out the shape. Attach the shape to the chain, hooks or ring - use a longer chain for a necklace and a shorter chain for a bracelet.

Tip: Decorate your personalized Christmas jewelry by incorporating gemstones. Take note of what kinds of gems, diamonds and jewels your loved one likes to wear. Simply glue these onto the final piece for a sparkling necklace or bracelet that’s full of festive cheer. You can even use a laser cutter to form the gems in your desired shape.

 4. Engraved Christmas Picture Frames

Christmas is a special time of year and one of the only times the whole family can get together. Create lifelong Christmas memories by gifting your loved ones a Christmas frame made with a laser engraver. Include a special photo to complete this family gift.

This personalized gift is great for those who are new to laser engraving. It also offers a huge range of options for designs - you can engrave names, dates, messages and even images into your Christmas picture frame.

How to Make an Engraved Christmas Picture Frame…

You will need a wooden frame of any size for this home decoration. Take the frame’s measurements and create a design that fits the edges. Place your frame in the wood engraving machine and add the design. This process shouldn’t take long, so be sure to do a test beforehand to make sure the design works well. Once your frame is completed, add your photo and you’re all done.

Tip: If you use the same laser cutter you used to create personalized Christmas jewelry to add embellishments to your frame, your frame will undoubtedly be taken to the next level. All you’ll need to do is to simply cut out some Christmas shapes from acrylic with your laser engraver and then use some good quality glue to stick them to your frame.

 

5. Laser Engraved Christmas Bauble

Finally, no Christmas is complete without some beautiful baubles to decorate the tree. Thankfully, it couldn’t be easier to engrave a bauble ornament and make stunning family gifts with a laser engraving machine. Be sure to make a note of the kind of baubles and home decorations your loved ones like to hang, so your gift doesn’t look out of place.

Whether you want to engrave an existing bauble or make your own acrylic home decoration and then customize it, the possibilities are endless. The best part about gifting a laser-engraved Christmas bauble is that your loved ones can use it every year and be reminded of you.

How to Make a Laser Engraved Christmas Bauble…

You will need a bauble of any shape and color. Create your design using your design software and load it into the LONGER RAY5. Remember to use your LONGER laser rotary roller to hold your bauble in place. Engrave the design and then add some glitter or a glossy finish to complete your home decoration.

Tip: Why not take this family gift to the next level with a unique addition like a QR code? When your friends or family are scanning this code, it will lead them to a video montage or photo album of all your special memories together that you have made separately. It couldn’t be much easier, when you have the help of LONGER laser engraving, to upload a perfect QR code to your RAY5 machine which will then engrave it onto your beautiful Christmas bauble.

The LONGER RAY5 10W Is Your Little Helper This Holiday Season

With the enduring assistance of the LONGER RAY5 laser engraving machine from LONGER, you can let your creative potential fly as you work together to create, make and decorate countless perfect gifts for everyone who you love. The machine has precision engraving and laser cutter capabilities, and best of all, it’s available to you at an affordable price that is the best in market, so heartfelt, customized gifts are merely a few minutes away.

Why should you be choosing the LONGER RAY5 as your go-to laser engraver:

Delicate Detailed Designs For Everyone - The LONGER RAY5 has an unbetable combination of an ultra-fine 5.5W optical output and the 0.08 x 0.08mm FAC compressed laser, and this coupling means for you that the LONGER RAY5 will always allow you to create a huge amount of gorgeous, detailed designs, so if you can dream it, then the RAY5 desktop laser engraver can certainly achieve it for you.

You Won’t Find Better Ease of Use - The LONGER RAY5 is the best and most loved option for those who are new to laser engravers and the art of laser engraving this Christmas. The LONGER RAY5 is what is known as a desktop laser engraver, so this means that it can be set up and getting to work in no time at all and it even works hand in hand with a range of your favourite design software. The machine is equipped with perfect offline cutting capabilities, and this means that you don’t even need to connect the RAY5 to your computer or the internet to get creating some incredible designs. All you need to do is simply to use the 3.5-inch touchscreen to locate your design file and get started with engraving.

Versatile Compatibility for Lots of Different Materials - It doesn’t matter whether you might be looking for a wood engraving machine or a laser engraver that can engrave acrylic, ceramic, leather, glass or some other material you can dream up because the LONGER RAY5 has always got your back no matter what you want to design. The 400mm x 400mm (15.75’’ x 15.75’’) workspace is definitely big and large enough to fit a sheet of whatever material you are choosing, and this is great for allowing you to create designs that are much bigger because bigger is always better. The laser is upgradable to 10W/20W laser modules, so if you want to do something different, don’t be afraid to test your creativity with the LONGER RAY5 and an upgraded laser by your side.

Always Putting Your Safety Above Everything - Just the same as all our LONGER laser engraving and cutting machines, the RAY5 comes to you with 5 built-in safety protections to ensure you have a fun and safe time when creating Christmas gifts. These are thermal protection, which ceases cutting if there is a danger of fire and alerts you with an alarm, move protection to stop cutting if the machine is out of place, motionless protection to turn the laser off if there is a motion issue, an acrylic laser cover to protect your eyes, and an emergency stop button.

Conclusion

And there you have it - 5 unbeatable family gift ideas to make this Christmas with the help of the LONGER RAY5 laser engraving machine. With just one laser engraver, you open the door to endless gifting opportunities for your loved ones, friends and colleagues. No matter what your loved ones like, there’s a way to decorate it with laser engraving. So, now you have everything you need, it’s the time to unleash your festive spirit and get engraving with your new laser engraver to create some gifts this Christmas season.

There is a place for comments on this post, so if you want to, you can share your laser engraving machine creations and any tips with us and other laser engraver lovers. Or, if you’ve made some Christmas gifts with your machine, you must tell us which gift you made with your LONGER RAY5 that you are the most proud of?

Remember, if you maybe need some help with your creations or if you might have some questions about LONGER laser engraving, we are always available for you to get into contact with us. You can either email our expert team with the email sales@longer3d.com, or check out our other contact information here. A member of our LONGER team is always available and more than ready to assist you with any enquiries or issues you might come across when making your Christmas gifts.

By Academy | November 8, 2023
Introducing the application process of laser engraving on common materials
Introducing the application process of laser engraving on common materials

As an emerging processing technology in the 21st century, laser technology has been widely used in various industries due to its many characteristics. It occupies a place in all aspects, from food, clothing, housing, and transportation to social and urban construction. Laser engravers are everywhere; there are countless materials used for laser engraving. Today LONGER will take stock of several common materials and their laser engraving technologies for your reference.

Acrylic (plexiglass)

Acrylic laser engraving Acrylic is particularly widely used in the advertising industry. Laser engravers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and are relatively inexpensive. Generally speaking, Plexiglas adopts the back-carving method, that is, it is carved from the front and viewed from the back, which makes the finished product more three-dimensional. When back engraving, please mirror the graphics first. The engraving speed should be fast and the power should be low. Plexiglas is easier to cut, and an air-blowing device should be used when cutting to improve cutting quality. When cutting plexiglass larger than 8 mm, large-size lenses should be replaced. (Note: Operators are not allowed to leave when cutting plexiglass, as there may be flames during cutting.)

Wood

Wood is one of the most commonly used materials for laser processing. Light-colored woods such as birch, cherry, or maple take advantage of laser vaporization well, making them more suitable for engraving. Each wood has its own characteristics. Some are denser, such as hardwood, and require more laser power when engraving or cutting. The depth of laser cutting wood is generally not deep, within 20 mm. This is because the laser has less power. Slowing down the cutting speed can cause the wood to burn. For specific operations, you can try to use large-size lenses and use repeated cutting methods.

Wood

Density veneer panel

It's a wooden pallet that we often use to make sign liners. The material is high-density board with fine wood grain on the surface. Lasers can engrave on these materials, but the engraved patterns are uneven and dark in color and generally require coloring. Under normal circumstances, learning the correct design and using 0.5 mm two-color plates for inlay can achieve better results. After engraving, just clean the surface of the density board with a damp cloth.

Double-color board

Double color board is an engineering plastic composed of two or more layers of colors specially used for engraving. Its specifications are generally 600*1200 mm, and a few brands have specifications of 600*900 mm. The effect of laser engraving will be very good, with obvious contrast and clear edges. Be careful not to be too slow, and don't cut through it in one go. Just three or four times is enough so that the edges of the cut material are smooth and there are no traces of melting. When engraving, the power should be just right and should not be too high to avoid melt marks.

Double color board

Galvanized copper plate

Typically, copper cannot be laser engraved. But now there is a material with a special paint film attached to its surface. The laser completely vaporizes the paint film on the surface, exposing the copper underneath. Usually, manufacturers will polish or specially treat the copper plate before electroplating so that the exposed area after engraving can be smooth enough and can be preserved for a long time. If the copper surface has not been treated, a protective film needs to be applied after using the laser engraving machine to prevent oxidation and surface contamination over time.

Microfiber

The most common types of microfibers are made from polyester, polyamide (nylon), and/or a combination of polyester and polyamide. It is a durable laser-engraved fabric that produces beautiful results. Using high speed and low power, users can quickly burn off even the slightest layer on top, resulting in engravings with tremendous contrast. To avoid completely burning the fabric layers, we recommend testing various samples until you find the right settings.

Microfiber

Leather and synthetic leather

Synthetic or "faux" leather has proven to be an excellent fabric for carving. When laser engraved, this material creates an almost dimpled look that is very classy and sophisticated. Leather is flexible and durable. It is a material that can definitely withstand laser engraving. And many leathers have back stickers. After laser engraving and cutting, they can be placed directly in many places as exquisite decorations.

Cotton cloth

100% cotton, tightly woven to create a subtle yet elegant sculptural effect. It's important to note how tight the threads are—the tighter the threads, the better the engraving will be. Make sure the cotton is tight enough to withstand the power of the laser. Generally speaking, we can engrave the desired pattern on pure cotton clothing, which requires:

  • Generally speaking, higher speeds and lower power settings are required. The idea is simply to quickly burn off the top layer of fabric to create sculptural contrast.
  • Use strong materials that are tightly bonded. Loose knits, such as those in terry cloth, are more susceptible to scorching than engraving.
  • Fabrics that do not engrave well include terrycloth (robes, towels, etc.) and stuffed animals (bathroom rugs, toys, etc.). In most cases, the threads are not tightly woven and tend to burn rather than be burned. Sculpture.
Cotton cloth

Non-woven fabric (felt)

Nowadays, more and more people are using laser engraving machines to cut felt to create exquisite decorative objects. For example, the Christmas bag below was cut using LONGER B1 30W. In the eyes of young people, this is as fashionable as Christmas stockings. To make a beautiful felt bag, take advantage of the laser's color mapping feature. You can set up various vector lines to cut the two lasers into the fabric or just kiss-cut the fabric to reveal the color underneath. After cutting the fabric, you can DIY this ornament.

Conclusion

Have you tried cutting or engraving these materials? Using laser engraving machines to turn ordinary raw materials into exquisite handicrafts one after another is what we are all doing. I look forward to seeing what you post!

Remember, if you maybe need some help with your creations or if you might have some questions about LONGER laser engraving, we are always available for you to get into contact with us. You can either email our expert team at sales@longer3d.com or check out our other contact information here. A member of our LONGER team is always available and more than ready to assist you with any inquiries or issues you might come across.

By Academy | November 8, 2023
A Hauntingly Exquisite Halloween: 10 Laser Cutting and Engraving Ideas for Halloween 2023
A Hauntingly Exquisite Halloween: 10 Laser Cutting and Engraving Ideas for Halloween 2023

Halloween is coming! You will definitely need some unique decorations. Using a laser engraving machine can efficiently help you create small decorations. In the following sections, we’ll discuss some of the most amazing Christmas themed laser cut crafts that will bring joy this upcoming Halloween.

1.Laser-Cut Elegant Masks
When you go to a party or invite others to your party, you must have an elegant mask. With a laser engraver, you can create a variety of laser-cut masks.

Handmade tutorial on how to make exquisite pumpkin masks using laser engraving machine

2. Wooden Signs
People love to stick Halloween wooden signs on doors, houses, and inside offices. It's a great gift for anyone. There are hundreds of ideas and designs to make unique and spooky Halloween wooden signs that will surprise the receiver. You can use wood or acrylic to create these.

Laser Engraving Machine to Make Halloween Signs
3. Vintage Skull Halloween Invitation
The vintage skull invitation is one of the best laser engraving ideas for Halloween. If you want to invite people to your Halloween party in a unique and thrilling way, you can make a skull Halloween invitation with spiders, spider webs, and other ghostly creatures. All you need is a piece of wood and then engrave the whole invitation on it. It will be unique, extraordinary. The recipients will be thrilled to join the party.
LONGER RAY5 Make Halloween Invitations

4. Spooky Halloween Jewelry
Jewelry is a woman's first love, even on Halloween. You can wear some ghostly jewelry, such as pumpkin, spooky bat, skull, witch hat, spider, raven shaped earrings. Rings and necklaces can also be made of wood. If your machine can engrave metal, you can engrave any spooky thing on a metal band.

LONGER laser engraving machine for making jewelry necklaces

5. Skull Rock Glass
Halloween wouldn’t be complete without a skull rock glass. Add a rotary attachment to your laser engraver, and you can engrave any design on any glass. We can use the skull rock glass to welcome guests - I believe that everyone will love this idea.

Beautifully handcrafted Halloween skull glasses

6.Halloween Party Banners
Banners can be used for decorating houses and party venues. They are usually made of cardstock or similar material. We can use a desktop laser engraver to engrave party banners with Halloween slogans and good-looking candies, which will make your Halloween party the most creative in town.

Halloween banner made with LONGER Laser B1 40W

7.Halloween Light Box
The light box is another good idea for Halloween. It looks very attractive and is one of the appealing decor ideas. Making a Halloween light box is not so difficult. All you need to do is make four pieces of engraved and cut wood and then connect them to form a rectangle. You can also provide a lamp with the box; it will be a complete set. People will love this surprising item and will be more willing to come to your party.

Halloween light boxes made by laser engraving machine to decorate the house

8. Halloween Cupcake Toppers/Decorations
People gift cupcakes on Halloween and decorate them with toppers. The cake decorations are made of acrylic, paper, or wood. With a laser machine, making cupcake toppers becomes easier. There are hundreds of designs for Halloween cupcake toppers. You can make different types of toppers and package them in dozens on this special day.

Make handmade Halloween cake trays that can be sold

9. Homemade Candles/Candle Holders
Halloween is incomplete without candles. People light candles at home to make the environment even scarier. Using candle holders can make candles more attractive. When you put a candle into the holder, the shadows from the spooky design look more appealing. You could use your laser machine to make various Halloween candle holders. It's a simple project, and people love to put them on candles. Holders can be made from wood, acrylic, or card stock.

Small Businessman Learns to Make Halloween Lanterns and Makes Lots of Money

10. Various Halloween decorations
Once you have a Halloween mask, don’t forget to make a few accessories for yourself. I suggest you carve acrylic into the shape of a skull and turn it into earrings, or carve weird patterns on stainless steel jewelry. So you have the perfect set of Halloween ornaments.

Exquisite Halloween wooden hang tags to decorate your party


With a laser engraving and cutting machine, anything is possible because you can make almost anything you like. You can seize the opportunity of Halloween to make some relevant items that families can use. To make it easy for you, we've shared some astonishing ideas. You can make these items and then share them on social media. I believe all viewers will love these crafts!

Happy Halloween!

By Academy | November 2, 2023
Introduction to different types of lasers - LONGER
Introduction to different types of lasers

Laser is produced by the process of stimulated radiation and is the abbreviation of "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation." Stimulated emission was proposed by Einstein in 1917, and Dirac first experimentally proved the existence of stimulated emission in 1927. Laser is another major invention of mankind since the 20th century, after atomic energy, computers, and semiconductors. It is a kind of artificial light and is known as "the fastest knife," "the most accurate ruler," and "the brightest light." A laser is a laser-generating device with three major functional components: a pump source, gain medium, and a resonant cavity. The pump source provides the light source for the laser. The gain medium (also called the working material) absorbs the energy provided by the pump source and amplifies the light. The resonant cavity is the loop between the pump light source and the gain medium. The resonant cavity oscillates in a selected mode to output the laser. 

Laser processing is a technology that uses high-intensity laser beams, focused by an optical system, to process materials (including metals and non-metals) through the relative movement of the laser beam and the workpiece. It is widely used in cutting and etching. , welding and fine micro-processing and many other industrial production fields. Laser processing has significant features such as wide range of processing objects, small deformation, high precision, low energy consumption, low pollution, long-distance processing, and automated processing. It has become a new manufacturing technology and method.

Different lasers use different laser media or structures, oscillation wavelengths, excitation sources, etc. Laser media is a substance containing atoms that can convert the energy of excitation light into laser light. The types of lasers are classified according to the type of medium and can be roughly divided into four types. That is, solid lasers, semiconductor lasers, gas lasers, and fiber lasers.

 Kinds of Laser

Laser Media

Wavelength

Solid Laser

Nd:YAG, Nd:YVO4

1064 nm

Gas Laser

CO₂

10600 nm

Semiconductor Laser

AlGaAs, GaN

375-2000nm

Fiber Laser

Yb-doped fiber

1000-1150nm

Wavelengths of commercially available lasers

Wavelengths of commercially available lasers


Semiconductor lasers, also known as laser diodes, are lasers that use semiconductor materials as their working material. Semiconductor lasers take electric injection semiconductor lasers as an example. GaN, GaAs, and other materials are usually added to the semiconductor material to make a semiconductor junction diode. When a large enough current is injected into the diode, the electrons (negatively charged) in the middle active region will spontaneously recombine with holes (positively charged) and release the excess energy in the form of photons, which will then be amplified by multiple reflections in the resonant cavity to form a laser.

Basic structure of semiconductor laser

Basic structure of semiconductor laser

A CO₂ gas laser is a laser that uses CO₂ gas as the medium. In the tube filled with CO₂ gas, electrode plates are arranged to generate discharge. The electrode plate is connected to an external power source, allowing it to input high-frequency power as an excitation source. Plasma is generated in the gas due to the discharge between the electrodes, and the CO₂ molecules are converted into an excited state. When the number increases, stimulated emission begins.

Structure of CO2 Laser

Structure of CO2 Laser

YAG laser solid laser is a solid laser that uses YAG crystal as the laser medium. YAG refers to the crystallization of yttrium aluminum garnet with the addition of neodymium. The laser is configured such that excitation LDs are arranged on both sides parallel to the axis of the YAG crystal. A pair of mirrors is used to form a resonator, and a Q-switch is placed between them. Used for marking, cutting, engraving, and welding metal.

Structure of YAG solid Laser

Structure of YAG solid Laser

Fiber laser uses optical fiber as the medium and is the product of the development of interrupt amplification technology for long-distance communication into high-power output laser. Optical fibers consist of a core that transmits light in the center and a metal cladding that surrounds the core in concentric circles. Fiber laser uses this core as the laser medium to amplify light. The fiber laser is generally composed of pulsed light called a seed light source (seed light) generated by a laser diode (Seed LD), and then amplified by more than two fiber amplifiers. The excitation LD is equipped with multiple single-tube emitters (one for the light-emitting layer). Each LD has a low power output, so it has the advantage of a small thermal load and achieves a long life. In addition, the greater the number of LDs, the more high-power output laser can be achieved. Fiber laser oscillation efficiency is high, and compared with solid lasers and gas lasers, it has the characteristic of lower power consumption.

Structure of Fiber Laser

Structure of Fiber Laser

The optical fiber for amplification (preamplifier, main amplifier) has a three-layer structure, including a core and two metal cladding layers. The excitation light enters the inner metal cladding (inner cladding) and the Yb-added core, causing the atoms inside the core to transform into an excited state. The laser is enclosed in the core and advances, and then amplified by exciting atoms. The further it advances in the medium, the stronger the intensity. Unlike solid-state or gas lasers, the light goes in one direction and does not go back and forth.

Optical fiber structure for amplification

Optical fiber structure for amplification

Taking the blue laser as an example, its wavelength is 450 nm, and it is a semiconductor laser using GaN as the working material. Thanks to the high absorption rate of blue light with wood, metal, ceramics, organic matter, etc., and with the mass production and power increase of blue light semiconductor lasers in recent years, it has become possible to apply it to consumer-grade laser engravers and greatly reduce the cost. Compared with CO₂ consumer-level engravers of about $5,000, the price of entry-level blue laser engravers, such as LONGER RAY5 5W, is only about $200, while the price of high-power 40W blue laser engraving machines is just $1,399, such as LONGER Laser B1 40W, but can cut depths up to 40 mm in basswood and 50 mm in acrylic.

By Academy | October 23, 2023
Introduction to the principle, development history and application of 450nm blue lasers - LONGER
Introduction to the principle, development history and application of 450nm blue lasers

The development of industrial laser technology has always followed the roadmap of production technology and new social requirements. Over the past 60 years, laser technology has made great contributions to solving important tasks in the future of mankind, from digital economy and society, to sustainable energy, to healthy life. Among them, blue-light laser refers to a laser with a wavelength in the range of about 400nm-500nm. Industrial-grade blue-light laser is generally a semiconductor laser.


Semiconductor lasers, also known as laser diodes, are lasers that use semiconductor materials as their working material. Semiconductor lasers take electric injection semiconductor lasers as an example. GaN, GaAS and other materials are usually added to the semiconductor material to make a semiconductor junction diode.

When a large enough current is injected into the diode, the electrons (negatively charged) in the middle active region It will spontaneously recombine with holes (positively charged) and release the excess energy in the form of photons, which will then be amplified by multiple reflections in the resonant cavity to form a laser.

Basic structure of semiconductor laser

Basic structure of semiconductor laser

Among them, in addition to the common characteristics of lasers, semiconductor lasers also have the advantages of small size, low driving power current, high efficiency, long life, easy optoelectronic integration with various optoelectronic devices, and compatibility with semiconductor manufacturing technology for mass production. They are favored by extensive attention and research from various countries. It has become the fastest growing, most widely used, the first to be commercialized out of the laboratory and the largest output value of lasers.


In terms of optical storage optical discs, because the possible recording and reproducing capacity is inversely proportional to the square of the light source wavelength, for example, an optical disc prepared using a 650nm red light semiconductor laser can record 4.7GB, while using 430nm blue light can store 4.7GB. The capacity has been increased to 15GB, so to achieve high density of optical storage, it is necessary to shorten the wavelength of the laser light source. In addition, blue-ray laser has the characteristics of short wavelength, small diffraction effect, and high energy. It has broad application prospects in material processing, optical information storage, display technology, communication technology, laser medical treatment, etc. The radiation wavelength of the semiconductor laser is determined by the bandgap width of the active area material.

Therefore, in order to meet the needs of miniaturization, low power consumption, high reliability and low cost, the use of GaN semiconductor materials has become the best choice for preparing blue lasers.


Therefore, at the 1997 GaN International Conference held in Japan, Nichia announced that the working life of the room-temperature continuous lasing blue laser had exceeded 10,000H. Major companies and powerful universities and research units in the world have invested in research and have successively achieved major achievements. breakthrough. In October 1999, GaN laser was commercialized with output characteristics of 5mW, wavelength of 400nm, operating current of 40mA, operating voltage of 5V, and a lifespan of 10,000h at room temperature, becoming a milestone in the development of GaN. In 2001, Nichia prepared a 150mW laser.


Early bluet lasers were low-power and did not gain much attention. Until recent years, with the marketization of single-tube blue TO packages, prices have been reduced, power has been increased, and various industrial manufacturing and fiber coupling technologies have been continuously enriched. People have realized the feasibility of developing high-power blue lasers.

Nichia NUBM44 Blue Laser Diode
Nichia NUBM44 Blue Laser Diode
With the winning of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2014 and the increasing awareness of global environmental protection, GaN light-emitting devices have received widespread attention, especially in the field of lighting. By continuously improving the high brightness and high output of blue light semiconductor devices, blue light semiconductor lasers have entered the era of mass production. But for laser processing, higher power than the blue laser used for these lightings is required. Since blue-light lasers have many advantages as mentioned above, people have been working hard to develop high-power blue-light lasers for laser processing.

So far, the actual power of each chip of a blue semiconductor laser is about 5W at a single wavelength, so beam combining technology that combines the output of multiple chips is essential to obtain higher power output.

The first method is to use laser bar technology, which is to systematically generate a laser single chip (Single Emitter) on a wafer of semiconductor material. First, multiple individual laser chips are efficiently integrated into a so-called laser bar. Each laser bar can produce at least 50W of blue light. Then, through appropriate electrical connections, cooling and heat dissipation, and the use of special optical devices, multiple semiconductor laser bars are installed and combined into a semiconductor laser stack (Stack). The entire semiconductor laser can be composed of one or several semiconductor laser stacks. Currently, laser bar technology can reach 2kW blue light power.
Beam synthesis using semiconductor laser bar technology
Beam synthesis using semiconductor laser bar technology
The second method is to use semiconductor laser single tube (Single Emitter) technology, that is, each laser single tube is collimated with its own dedicated lens, so that the combined beam divergence can be kept as unchanged as possible and the beam divergence can be minimized. , thereby increasing the brightness of the laser. Current laser single-tube technology produces the best beam quality currently capable of reaching 1.5kW output power, which can be used in battery, electric vehicle and consumer electronics manufacturing.
Semiconductor laser single tube technology beam synthesis
Semiconductor laser single tube technology beam synthesis
Benefiting from the high efficiency and absorption rate of blue light with a variety of materials, consumer-grade laser engravers, such as LONGER RAY5 and B1 series, have been widely used in the processing of wood, metal, food, acrylic, ceramics and other materials.

Laser Engravers on Wood: For wood and wood-based materials, the blue laser engraver offers the best performance. The blue laser engraver has the efficiency of 20-25% and, based on the available research papers, blue 445-450nm wavelength has the absorption rate of 68% and 73% on pine wood and beech wood respectively. A CO2 laser engraver has an overall energy efficiency of 5% and its wavelength has the absorption rate of 85% and 88% on the same two materials. Hence, a blue laser engraver is approximately 3.4 times more efficient than a CO2 laser at the same power consumption.

Laser Engraving on Leather: Academic research has shown that the absorption rate of blue laser wavelength stands at 88% for a blue laser beam and approximately 38% for a 1.06µm infrared fiber laser beam. Hence, a blue laser engraver is approximately 2.3 times more efficient than a 1.06μm infrared laser at the same laser power, which guarantees that a blue laser engraver will perform better in leather engraving.

Laser Engraving on Food and Organic Materials: Fiber and CO2 lasers struggle with engraving food and the vast majority of organic materials. This is because food and organic materials have high water content, often as high as 70%. Water absorbs the majority of laser spectrum, however it transmits almost full blue laser beams as the absorption coefficient for water is 3*10^-4 cm-1 for 450nm laser. For 1.06µm wavelength, the absorption rate is 6000 cm-1, while for a 10.6µm CO2 laser beam the absorption even higher as it is 7000000 cm-1. This means that the practically all of a CO2 and fiber laser beams' power is spent on evaporating water, while a blue laser ignores water content and engraves on the actual organic material that need to be engraved, making the process much faster. In addition to that, plant species are very absorbent for blue laser beams.

Relevant data comes from the project of "Development of a multi-diode laser source technology based on diodes with wavelengths in the range of 350-550 nm, allowing modification of laser beam parameters to optimize cutting, engraving and sintering processes of materials used in industry.", which is co-financed by the European Union with funds from the European Regional Development Fund under the Intelligent Development Operational Program 2014-2020.
By Academy | October 23, 2023
Longer Honeycomb Working Table - LONGER
Longer Honeycomb Working Table

Laser engraving quality is affected by more than just the laser module itself. Accessories can also play a major role in cutting performance, smoke control, and workpiece quality. The Longer Honeycomb Working Table is designed to improve airflow during engraving and cutting while protecting work surfaces and helping users achieve cleaner results.

Whether you are a beginner making your first laser projects or an experienced maker running frequent jobs, understanding how a honeycomb table works can help improve workflow and consistency.


Table of Contents

  • What Is This Product?
  • Quick Answer
  • Key Features and Benefits
  • Compatible Models and Applications
  • Why Users May Need This Product
  • How to Use the Product
  • Common Questions or Issues
  • Tips for Better Results
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Final Thoughts

What Is This Product?

Quick Answer

The Longer Honeycomb Working Table is a laser engraving accessory that provides a stable support surface beneath materials during engraving and cutting. It improves airflow, reduces smoke accumulation, protects the working surface, and helps produce cleaner cutting edges.

It is suitable for:

  • Laser engraving hobbyists
  • Small workshop users
  • Makers and DIY creators
  • Educational environments
  • Users performing frequent cutting operations

Its primary purpose is to improve engraving and cutting results while protecting equipment and work surfaces.


Key Features and Benefits

Feature 1: High-Strength Steel Construction

What it does

The honeycomb panel is made from high-strength steel.

Why it matters

A stable platform helps keep materials supported during cutting and engraving.

User benefit

  • Better support for workpieces
  • Improved durability
  • Rust-resistant structure
  • Longer service life

The steel structure is also designed for repeated use under regular laser operating conditions.


Feature 2: Fast Heat Dissipation

What it does

The honeycomb structure accelerates heat and smoke release.

Why it matters

Heat buildup can increase burn marks and smoke residue.

User benefit

  • Cleaner cuts
  • Reduced material discoloration
  • Improved engraving appearance

The flat honeycomb hole design allows smoke to escape more efficiently.


Feature 3: Optimized 9 mm Honeycomb Aperture

What it does

The table uses a honeycomb network with a 9 mm aperture size.

Why it matters

Airflow below the material can affect engraving and cutting quality.

User benefit

  • Better smoke removal
  • Improved cutting conditions
  • Cleaner edges on materials

Community feedback from laser users commonly notes that airflow underneath the workpiece can reduce smoke staining and scorching.


Feature 4: Built-In Measurement Scale

What it does

The X-axis and Y-axis include precise scale markings.

Why it matters

Material positioning can affect alignment and repeatability.

User benefit

  • Faster setup
  • Easier material placement
  • Convenient measurements

Feature 5: Surface Protection

What it does

The workbench set includes an aluminum cutting pad.

Why it matters

Laser cutting can damage the work surface beneath materials.

User benefit

  • Protects desks and work areas
  • Reduces accidental damage
  • Improves work safety

The aluminum panel also helps reduce reflections that may affect the laser head.

Compatible Models and Applications

The Longer Honeycomb Working Table is designed for broad compatibility.

Supported laser machine categories include:

  • Diode laser engravers
  • Fiber laser engravers
  • CO2 laser engravers

Compatible machine examples depend on official product specifications.

Supported material examples include:

  • Wood
  • Acrylic
  • Other supported engraving materials

Usage scenarios:

  • Sign making
  • DIY crafts
  • Small business production
  • Educational projects
  • Model making
  • Personalized gifts
  • Batch cutting jobs

Why Users May Need This Product

Many laser users encounter similar issues:

  • Dark burn marks beneath materials
  • Smoke buildup
  • Uneven support
  • Surface damage
  • Reduced workflow efficiency

A honeycomb table may help address these situations.

Improve engraving quality

Better airflow below materials may reduce smoke accumulation.

Improve workflow

Built-in measuring lines can speed up positioning.

Protect work surfaces

The included aluminum panel helps protect the desk area.

Increase efficiency

Users may spend less time cleaning smoke residue.

Reduce common cutting issues

Air circulation can help reduce dark edges and excessive scorching.

Community discussions frequently mention airflow and support as practical advantages of honeycomb beds. 


How to Use the Product

The following procedure follows available product information.

Step 1: Place the Honeycomb Working Table

Action

Position the honeycomb board beneath the engraving area.

Why it matters

Correct placement ensures support and airflow.

Expected result

Stable workpiece positioning.


Step 2: Place the Aluminum Cutting Pad

Action

Position the aluminum panel beneath the honeycomb structure.

Why it matters

The panel protects the working surface.

Expected result

Reduced risk of desk damage.


Step 3: Position the Material

Action

Place wood, acrylic, or other supported materials on the honeycomb surface.

Why it matters

Correct positioning improves cutting consistency.

Expected result

Stable material placement.


Step 4: Align Using Scale Lines

Action

Use X-axis and Y-axis markings for positioning.

Why it matters

Improves measurement accuracy.

Expected result

Faster setup and alignment.


Step 5: Start Engraving or Cutting

Action

Begin the laser job according to machine instructions.

Why it matters

Airflow beneath the material assists smoke release.

Expected result

Cleaner cutting and engraving results.


Common Questions or Issues

Question/Issue Explanation Recommendation
Dark marks under wood Smoke accumulation beneath material Improve ventilation and use honeycomb airflow
Uneven material support Material may shift or bend Ensure material sits flat
Desk damage concerns Laser energy can affect surfaces Use included aluminum cutting pad
Material alignment difficulties Incorrect positioning Use X/Y scale markings
Unsure about compatibility Machine dimensions vary Follow official product specifications

Tips for Better Results

  • Keep the honeycomb surface clean
  • Remove accumulated debris regularly
  • Use proper ventilation during engraving
  • Position materials flat against the work area
  • Check machine focus before starting
  • Use suitable cutting parameters for each material
  • Verify machine compatibility before installation

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this compatible with all laser engravers?

The Longer Honeycomb Working Table is compatible with various diode, fiber, and CO2 laser engravers. Follow official product specifications for exact compatibility.


2. Does this improve engraving quality?

It can improve airflow and smoke removal, which may help produce cleaner cutting results and reduce smoke discoloration.


3. Do I need additional accessories?

The package includes:

  • Honeycomb board ×1
  • Aluminum cutting pad ×1

Additional accessories depend on user requirements.


4. How often should it be replaced?

Replacement frequency depends on usage intensity and maintenance.


5. Can beginners use it?

Yes. The accessory is straightforward to set up and use.

6. What are the product specifications?

Product specifications:

  • Material: High-strength steel
  • Product size: 300 × 200 × 22 mm
  • Diameter of honeycomb network: 9 mm
  • Cutting pad: 295 × 195 × 0.5 mm
  • Gross weight: 1 kg
  • Package size: 335 × 245 × 40 mm

7. Does it help reduce smoke marks?

The honeycomb design allows smoke to escape more effectively during operation, which may reduce smoke-related discoloration.


Final Thoughts

The Longer Honeycomb Working Table is designed to solve several common laser engraving challenges: smoke buildup, surface protection, and material support.

Users who frequently cut wood, acrylic, or similar materials may benefit from improved airflow and cleaner edges. The included aluminum cutting pad adds protection for work surfaces, while the built-in measurement markings help improve workflow efficiency.

Before purchasing or installation, always confirm machine compatibility and follow official product specifications.


By Academy | April 19, 2023
Longer Laser Rotary Roller - LONGER
Longer Laser Rotary Roller

Longer Laser Rotary Roller is a fundamental accessory for all those who carry out laser engraving work, as it is possible to make engravings on curved surfaces with ease, which would be impossible to perform without this accessory.

Everyone who uses a laser engraving machine knows well that in order for the laser to engrave a surface it is necessary that the laser beam is focused. Assuming that, in order for the laser beam to be in focus it is necessary that the distance between the laser module and the surface to be engraved is 50mm, once the right distance has been established it is possible to engrave any point of the surface as the equidistance is respected at every point. However, if the surface to be engraved is not flat but curved, then the equidistance is not respected; in fact, as you can see from the image below, the focus (fixed in point A) is lost as soon as the laser module moves with respect to the focus point.

To solverand this problem it is necessary to use the Longer Laser Rotary Roller, which causes the surface to be engraved (through a rotation) to move instead of the laser module. In this way, each point of the curved surface to be engraved is brought to the focus point of the laser, i.e. the surface to be engraved makes a "rotation". For this technique to work correctly it is necessary that the surface to be engraved is cylindrical in shape, otherwise the problem of focusing would be solved with respect to the Y axis with the Rotary Roller, but it would occur with respect to the X axis.

The installation of Longer Rotary Roller is really easy: just connect it to the Y-axis connector of your Longer Ray5, and in this way the laser module will move to the X axis, but the movement with respect to the Y axis will be applied to the Rotary Roller instead of the Y axis of the laser module. As for the settings, they are almost the same settings used for engraving on a flat surface. In fact, if you want to engrave a 10x10cm image, instead of getting a 10x10cm image on a flat surface you will get a 10x10cm engraving on a curved surface, so the result in terms of size does not change. To better understand this concept, it is similar to when you remove the label from a jar: the label on the jar is curved, when you remove it and place it on a plane it becomes flat, but in both cases the label is always the same and the dimensions do not change.  

In order for the movement steps to be respected, the Rotary Roller must be set differently according to the size of the object on which you intend to make the laser engraving. In detail, about the gear of the roller, you can refer to these dimensions in order to keep the correct steps:

1: Distance between two axes is 5mm, suitable for engraving 6-38mm diameter objects

2: Distance between two axes is 23mm, suitable for engraving 38-70mm diameter objects

3: Distance between two axes is 41mm, suitable for engraving 70-102mm diameter objects

4: Distance between two axes is 59mm, suitable for engraving 102-134mm diameter objects

5: Distance between two axes is 77mm, suitable for engraving 134-166mm diameter objects

6: Distance between two axes is 95mm, suitable for engraving 166-200mm diameter objects

 

Using the Longer Laser Rotary Roller allows you to expand the functionality of your Longer Ray5, as you can easily engrave many everyday objects, such as pens, jars, cylindrical objects and much more.

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

By Academy | April 7, 2023