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Laser engraving has become a pivotal technique in producing intricate designs on ceramics. Historically, CO2 laser engraving machines, which operate at shorter wavelengths, were commonly used but often proved less effective on ceramics. LONGER will use Diode Ray5 20W continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in ceramic art and customization.

LONGER has been at the forefront of this innovation, offering powerful laser engraving machines like the Ray5 20W. This machine features a working area of 400 x 365 mm, making it well-suited for detailed and precise engravings on ceramics.

The Ray5 20W laser, with a wavelength of 450nm and a fixed focus of 40mm, was fine-tuned for optimal performance. Adjustments in laser power, pulse duration, and scanning speed were made to achieve the highest quality engravings on various ceramic surfaces, especially those with intricate surface profiles or glaze coatings.

The Ray5 20W, with its precise 0.08x0.1mm laser spot size and high engraving speed of up to 10000mm/min, produced detailed and deep engravings. Using Ray5 20W deeper and more detailed, and the engraved designs were harder and more wear-resistant. This makes them suitable for both aesthetic and practical applications, such as dishware, furniture components, and outdoor sculptures.

Ceramic material selection, including stoneware, bone china, and high-fire ceramics. The type of glaze and surface finish were key factors in determining the effectiveness of laser engraving. Additional surface treatments like glazing further improved the aesthetic and functional qualities of the engraved ceramics.

LONGER’s laser engraving machines, such as the Ray5 20W, enable extensive customization of ceramic tableware. Here are some examples of potential designs:

Personalized Text: Clear and precise text can be engraved on plates, mugs, and bowls, making them unique with names, initials, or dates.

Custom Patterns: Fine details and symbols, including geometric shapes, plant motifs, or abstract forms, can be intricately carved on ceramic surfaces.

Logos and Branding: Businesses and special events can benefit from laser engraving to create branded tableware or promotional items.

Artwork and Illustrations: Detailed artwork and illustrations, whether they depict specific scenes, facial features, or simple sketches, can be engraved on ceramic pieces.

Customized Designs: Laser engraving allows for limitless creativity. Any combination of text, images, or new designs can be brought to life on ceramic tableware, reflecting personal or thematic preferences.

By leveraging the capabilities of the Ray5 20W, LONGER continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in ceramic art and customization, offering tools that blend creativity with advanced technology. Longer Ray5 laser engraver is going to bring life to your ideas.

With its powerful 10–12W output, the Longer Ray5 10W laser engraver changes the game when of laser printing. In this full review we will go over all of the amazing features, and functions that make the Longer Ray5 10W the best choice for both professionals and hobbyists.

The Basics of How to Use the Longer Ray5 10W (10-12W Power)

When used for engraving, the Longer Ray5 10W is a technical marvel that will make both the quality and quantity of the work done much better. Because it has a powerful laser source, this engraving machine can perfectly engrave and cut a wide range of materials. Please let me break down how everything works with each other:

Laser Lighting Source:

The Ray5 10W, a very efficient laser light source that can make 10 to 12 watts of power, is the heart of the Longer Ray5.

Careful Attention to Pointing the Laser

The laser source sends out a wave of light that can be directed on the material's surface to do its job. A very precise control over where the focus is placed gives you the most accuracy, especially when working with complicated patterns.

A focused laser beam makes so much heat when it hits something that it either evaporates or burns. One thing that can be done with this method is engraving, and another is cutting. The results will be clean and accurate.

Precision and a sense of being in charge

With the 3.5-inch touchscreen, you will have full control over the engraving process. You can make sure that every job is done properly by fine-tuning the parameters, changing how fast the engraving is done, and managing a lot of different tasks.

The 10 watt power of the Longer Ray5 10W makes it better at working with a wider range of surfaces. The fact that it works with many materials, such as wood, plastic, metal, glass, leather, and more, makes it a useful tool for many tasks.

Features of Ray5 10W (10-12W) that stand out

One reason the Longer Ray5 10W is such a great choice for laser printing and cutting is its 32-bit chipset system, which makes it much easier to use and faster. The carving work you do will go much more quickly and easily now with computer.

The display screen is 3.5 inches wide.

The great thing about the 3.5-inch monitor is that i lets you see the cutting process very clearly. You have full control over the speed of the writing, as well as the settings and everything else.

400x400 mm Work Area

The work area is 400 mm by 400 mm, which is not only big, but also strong and long-lasting. The metal alloy plates will cover your work better to make your work safe from any damages.

0.06x0.06 mm Laser Spot:

With a tiny laser spot that is only 0.06 by 0.06 millimeters, the Longer Ray5 10W is a precise tool that can be used for both engraving and cutting. It's easier to make complicated shapes with this tiny laser dot, which makes it possible to be very accurate.

10000 mm/min Work Speed:

The fast speed of 10,000 mm/min on this laser cutter makes sure that your projects will be finished quickly and correctly. The cuts are more accurate and shallower because the laser only touches a smaller part of the object for long span of time.

Powerful Cutting Capacity:

The Longer Ray5 10W has a heavy-duty cutting blade that can easily go through 20 mm of wood and 30 mm of plastic. It is a great choice for a lot of different cutting jobs because it uses a technology called Compression Spot.

Package Size:

The Longer Ray5 10W's case is 621 mm long, 299 mm wide, and 127 mm high, making it a small and easy-to-transport option. This makes sure that your engraver will get to you without any damage and in perfect working order.

Movement Protection:

To avoid mistakes, this machine has a feature called "Movement Protection" that turns it off right away if it is moved by accident during use. The addition of this extra protection step makes it less likely that something bad will happen.

Wide Compatibility:

The Longer Ray5 10W works great with many types of apps, such as the famous LaserGRBL and LightBurn. The MKSLaser app lets you handle and operate your laser from afar when you're on the same Wi-Fi network. This makes the printing process more flexible and easier.

FAQs:

We'll answer some of the most important questions about the Longer Ray5 10W below.

What kinds of things can I use in the laser engraver?

The Longer Ray5 10W can cut many different materials, such as wood boards, acrylic, plastic, cardboard, non-woven fabrics, etc.

What does the technology called "compressed double-beam" do in the 10W form of the Longer Ray5?

Compressed double-beam technology is used in the Longer Ray5 10W's laser heads. This makes the laser stronger and more accurate. Even though the laser beam is much smaller than the spot, the spot itself is 0.6 mm across. Because the target length of its laser is longer than 50 mm, it has a high energy density and can cut very well.

What will the engraved material feel like?

The Longer Ray5 10W makes carvings that are accurate, smooth, delicate, and nice to look at.

Could you please tell me how fast the Longer Ray5 10W can go?

The fastest speed that the Longer Ray5 10W can work at is 10,000 mm per minute. Everything will go off without a hitch and exactly as planned because it's all set up so well.

Does the Longer Ray5 10W make noise or movements when it's in use?

The Longer Ray5 10W works in a way that is both quiet and free of noises to make sure that the engraving process is done correctly. With lines that are so straight and clean, engraving is a breeze.

Does the laser engraving tool work with Windows and other popular operating systems?

There are several pieces of software that can be used with the Longer Ray5 10W. Along with Mac and Linux, the LightBurn software works with several versions of Windows, such as XP, 7, 8, and 10. Another thing is that it works with the Windows version of LaserGRBL.

Conclusion

The Longer Ray5 10W (10-12W Power) is the only laser engraving machine you need to go ahead with in the printing field. It is highly customized in a lot of ways; you can use it for both professional and formal work.

You give life to your creative ideas with the accuracy and detail they deserve because you have to work with so many different materials, from wood and plastic to metal and leather. It is possible to make exact drawings because the laser's focus point has a laser spot that is only 0.06 by 0.06 mm. According to our research, the Longer Ray5 10W is the most cost-effective laser engraving machine on the market.

Longer Ray5 10W has a laser module capable of engraving and cutting multiple types of materials. However, depending on the type of work that is carried out, it is possible that a fair amount of smoke is produced, which can inevitably settle on the lens of the laser module and therefore blur it. Once the lens of the laser module is dirty or clouded, the laser beam can no longer pass through it, and therefore the emission of the laser module is drastically reduced. As a consequence, more and more power will be needed to engrave the same materials already engraved previously, until it will be practically impossible to engrave any type of material, even setting 100% power. This problem occurs most when an air assist system is not used; in fact, an air assist system allows you to create air pressure in the vicinity of the lens, thus preventing smoke and dust from settling easily on the lens.

In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to proceed to cleaning the lens of the laser module; once the lens is cleaned, the laser beam can pass through it without suffering losses, and therefore the materials will be engraved or cut again to perfection.

To proceed with the cleaning of the lens of the laser module of Longer Ray5 10W, it is necessary first to completely disassemble the laser module, as shown in the figure:

The laser module of the Longer Ray5 10W has a factory-installed protective lens, which can be unscrewed and cleaned separately from the laser module. This lens is a simple protective glass and has no focusing function. After removing the protective lens, you can proceed to clean the lens with the use of a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. Be careful to prevent alcohol from entering the inside of the lens.

Use one or more cotton swabs soaked in alcohol until the lens is completely clean and free of dirt; at this point, therefore, you can proceed to screw it to the laser module and reassemble the laser module of Longer Ray5 10W. At the end of the cleaning procedure, you can proceed to engrave a sample file contained in the microSD card of Longer Ray5 10W so you can evaluate the total restoration of the functionality of the laser module.

Longer Ray5 5W has a laser module capable of engraving and cutting multiple types of materials. However, depending on the type of work that is carried out, it is possible that a fair amount of smoke is produced, which can inevitably settle on the lens of the laser module and therefore blur it. Once the lens of the laser module is dirty or foggy, the laser beam can no longer pass through it, and therefore the emission of the laser module is drastically reduced. As a consequence, more and more power will be needed to engrave the same materials already engraved previously, until it will be practically impossible to engrave any type of material, even at 100% power.

In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to proceed to cleaning the lens of the laser module; once the lens is cleaned, the laser beam can pass through it without suffering losses, and therefore the materials will be engraved or cut again to perfection.

To proceed with the cleaning of the lens of the laser module of Longer Ray5 5W, it is necessary to first completely disassemble the laser module, as shown in the figure:

The laser module of the Longer Ray5 5W has a factory-calibrated lens, so be careful not to unscrew or screw on the lens. Otherwise, the focus will be lost irreparably. Once the lens is accessible, with one hand you have to hold the whole laser module upside down, while with the other you can proceed to clean the lens with the use of a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. Be careful to prevent alcohol from entering the laser module.

Use one or more cotton swabs soaked in alcohol until the lens is completely clean and free of dirt; at this point, therefore, you can proceed to reassemble the laser module of Longer Ray5 5W. At the end of the cleaning procedure, you can proceed to engrave a sample file contained in the microSD card of Longer Ray5 5W so you can evaluate the total restoration of the functionality of the laser module.

Longer Ray5 allows you to engrave and cut multiple types of materials. In particular, many users of Longer Ray5 prefer to create a custom text and then engrave or cut it on wood panels or similar material. Engraving a text using the laser beam is not a big problem, as it is sufficient to set the right parameters for the type of material chosen, and the result will be excellent. However, if you want to cut (e.g., on wood or paper) your custom text, then setting the right parameters may not be enough.

In fact, depending on the type of text chosen, it may be necessary to make manual changes to the text so that the cut can take place correctly. Analyzing the issue in detail, assuming you want to laser cut the word "NICE," then there is no problem; however, if the word is "HELLO," then it should be noted that the letter "O" consists of a closed surface, which when cut will fall away from the material and thus change the layout of the letter "O."

Specifically, this problem occurs with all letters that contain a closed surface within them, such as the letters "A – B – D – O – P – Q – R."

Using LightBurn software, you can solve this problem really easily and quickly. In detail, first you proceed with the creation of your own personalized text within LightBurn. After entering the text, you will visually check for any letters that have problems when cutting.

In the example given here, there are some letters that cannot be cut correctly and therefore need to be corrected first. The solution to this problem lies in eliminating the closed surface inside the letter: to do this, just create a "bridge" that connects this closed surface with the rest of the letter.

In this way, after making the cut, this closed surface will remain attached to the cut panel, and therefore the layout of the letter will not be changed.

In particular, you must manually create a small rectangle, which must be pasted inside each problematic letter in order to create a bridge between the closed surface of the letter and the letter itself, as shown in the example below. After that, you have to make a Boolean subtraction between the letter and the rectangle.

We proceed to insert a rectangle for each letter that needs to be corrected, then we proceed with the subtraction (the procedure must be repeated for each letter, one letter at a time). Finally, the end result will look like this:

At this point, you can make a cutting preview or proceed with the export of the G-code on the microSD of Longer Ray5 and perform the cut (always remembering to set the correct parameters first to be able to cut the type of material chosen).

This technique can also be applied when using different text layouts, such as italic text or number format, so that you always eliminate any closed surfaces that prevent you from making a correct laser cut.

Longer Ray5 allows you to engrave and cut multiple types of materials. In particular, many users of Longer Ray5 prefer to carry out engraving and cutting work at the same time, especially when it comes to working with wood panels; however, engraving and cutting do not necessarily have to be two distinct processes, as using Lightburn, you can perform both machining operations in one operation.

In particular, after opening an image in LightBurn, proceed to set the engraving parameters in the window on the right of the screen. I know that the engraving parameters are those of the model image.

After setting the engraving parameters, right-click with the mouse on the imported image, then select Trace Image.

In the screen that opens, define the quality of the cutting perimeter by increasing or decreasing the Threshold value, then confirm by pressing OK.

The image will be superimposed by a perimeter, as set in the previous screen, and at the same time in the window on the right of the screen will appear a new entry relating to the cut to be made, indicated with Model Line. For Model Line, set image cropping parameters, such as speed, power, and number of passes.

At the end, press Save Gcode to export the working file to the microSD of Longer Ray5, then proceed to start working on Longer Ray5. Alternatively, before exporting the GCode, you can check the simulation of the engraving and cutting process by pressing Preview.

In this way, Longer Ray5 will engrave the selected image, after which it will cut the image following the perimeter set above.

Above is the introduction of the first layer calibration; I hope it can help you. If you still have any questions during the operation, please visit our Support Page. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to assist you and your team with any questions.

Want to learn more about RAY5 Laser Engraver? Check out the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLz1z_0pXsW0rjYbC2V_upO1YlU4HeuAg

Step into a world of precision craftsmanship with LONGER RAY5 Series. These high-accuracy laser engravers and cutters redefine what's possible, effortlessly mastering materials with unparalleled precision and ease. Whether you seek to infuse your home with personalized charm or elevate your professional projects, these versatile machines seamlessly adapt to your needs. Their compact design makes them an excellent choice for home laser engravers and cutters, adding a touch of sophistication to your creative space. Meanwhile, their precision engineering makes them equally at home in the professional arena, where they serve as the quintessential desktop laser cutter, providing industrial-grade precision right at your fingertips. Explore limitless possibilities and unlock your creativity with Longer RAY5 Series.

Read more

• LONGER How To: LightBurn Path Optimization Settings
• LONGER How To｜Using the Mask Feature in LightBurn
• LONGER How To：Use Overcut in LightBurn for Laser Cutting
• LONGER How To: Test Material Parameters in LightBurn with the Material Test Tool
• LONGER How to: Ray5 Mini Laser Engraver Tips Using LightBurn

Longer Ray5 5W and Longer Ray5 10W allow you to engrave and cut different types of materials, quickly and easily. However, for each type of processing it is necessary to set different parameters regarding power and speed, precisely because each type of material reacts differently to the laser beam.

To have a reference about what power and speed to adopt for each type of material, there is a fairly complete table accurately reporting the best parameters to use.

However, the table can only be understood as a general reference; in fact, assuming you want to cut the basswood with Longer Ray5 10W, the recommended parameter is 100% power & 350 mm/min speed, but there are various types of basswood, and each one reacts differently during cutting, so it is not said that these parameters are perfect for each type of basswood, since some basswood could be burned instead of simply cut or not cut at all.

In order to obtain the correct parameters for the type of basswood you intend to cut, Lightburn has a powerful material test tool, which allows you to quickly determine the most specific and correct parameters. From the Lightburn home screen, select Laser Tools – Material Test; this screen will open:

First, set the Count value to 5 for Vertical and Count to 4 for Horizontal; Also, set Height and Width to 5.00 mm.

Since the recommended parameters for cutting the basswood are 100% power & 350 mm/min speed, you can set a range between 100 and 500 mm/min for speed and a range between 50% and 80% for power (so as to avoid stressing the laser with 100% power).

Next, proceed with Edit Text Setting:

This screen is used to engrave the labels of the test table. Since it is an engraving, set 3000 mm/min speed and 50% Power; Also, set Mode Fill.
Confirm by pressing OK.

At this point, proceed with Edit Material Settings:

In this screen you can set the method of processing the material; since it is a matter of cutting, select Mode Line, and possibly set Number of Passes to 1 or more.
Confirm by pressing OK.

Once back on the main screen, press Save Gcode to export the test file, copy it to the microSD, and start testing on Longer Ray5.

When Ray5 has completed the job, reviewing the table will help you determine which parameters are best to set.

Similarly, if you want to proceed with an engraving test instead of cutting, open the Material Test screen. Since the recommended parameters for engraving the basswood are 35% Power & 3000 mm/min speed, set the testing range as shown in the image below:

On the Edit Material Settings screen, since this is an engraving, select Mode Fill:

Once back on the main screen, press Save Gcode to export the test file, copy it to the microSD and start testing on Longer Ray5.

When Ray5 has completed the job, reviewing the table will help you determine which parameters are best to set.

Note that, before exporting the Gcode, both for a cut test and for an engraving test, you can always select Preview, which allows you to see in advance how the final result will look.

Above is the introduction of parameter settings and material testing , hope it can help you. If you still have any questions during the operation, please visit our Support Page. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to assist you and your team with any questions.

The Longer Laser RAY5 Series is capable of engraving a wide range of materials, including plywood, basswood, hardwood, pinewood, acrylic, kraft paper, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, ceramics, and more. Additionally, the Longer RAY5 can cut materials such as basswood, acrylic, bamboo, kraft paper, and more.

With its powerful engraving and cutting capabilities, it transcends boundaries to become the best engraving machine and the best laser cutter for a variety of materials. Seamlessly transition from a wood laser cutter to a metal laser engraver, or even become a master jewelry engraver. Discover boundless, unlimited potential with the Longer Laser RAY5 Series.

Read more

• LONGER Test: Cutting Images with LaserGRBL and Longer Laser B1 & Ray5
• Longer Ray5 Laser Engraving, Carving and Cutting Applications
• LONGER Research: Exploring Ray5 10W Laser Engraving Applications in the Food Industry
• LONGER Research: Ray5 5W Laser Engraving Techniques for Personal Protective Equipment
• Lens Cleaning for Longer Ray5 5W

Visible light and laser beam have in common the same nature, as both are composed of photons, however the difference between them is in the fact that visible light has an optically isotropic propagation (that is, it propagates identically in all directions) while in the laser all the energy is concentrated within a single beam of very small section. Therefore, when the laser hits matter, it is instantly able to radiate a great power in a very small area, causing a sudden and rapid increase in temperature that alters the state of matter.

Laser engraving machines, such as Longer Ray5, are able to emit a laser beam that instantly transforms the state of matter by combustion, and the contrast between the laser-subjected surface and the surrounding surface creates the visual effect commonly called Laser Engraving. However, the energy hitting a single point is not limited to that point, but the heat generated is also transmitted to the areas surrounding the point, causing the typical burning effect of laser processing.

In order to avoid or reduce this effect, an air assist mechanism can be used, which consists of a compressor capable of continuously blowing pressurized air directly onto the area subjected to the laser. In this way, the heat exchanged between the laser area and the surrounding area is mitigated by the fresh air of the Air Assist compressor, thus avoiding the burnt effect around the laser engraving. In addition, the air blown on the engraving zone cancels the heat exchange with the surrounding areas but does not damage the engraving ability of the laser beam. A simple example to understand this phenomenon can be this: if on a summer day with the sun high in the sky you go to the sea, if there is wind, then you feel cool, while if there is no wind, then you feel hot, but in both cases the sun causes burns to the skin in the same way.

Longer Ray5 10W Air Assist installation

The longer Ray5 10W has an official Air Assist kit that consists of two parts, the nozzle kit and the air compressor, available at the following link: https://www.longer3d.com/products/air-assist-set .

Installing the Longer Air Assist on the 10W laser module is really easy; just follow the steps below:

• First, proceed to disassemble the laser module from the rest of the machine

• Install the metal nozzle on the laser module

• Connect a rubber hose between the metal nozzle and the pressure regulator, and connect another part of the rubber hose to the regulator inlet

• Connect the inlet pipe of the regulator to the outlet of the air compressor

• Finally, install the laser module on the Ray5, activate the compressor switch and start an engraving from the Longer Ray5 display

Longer Ray5 5W Air Assist installation

To proceed with the installation of the Air Assist kit on the Longer Ray5 5W, it is necessary to purchase, as for the 10W version, the kit consisting of the nozzle kit and the air compressor, available at the following link: https://www.longer3d.com/products/air-assist-set . However, the metal nozzle included inside the kit is compatible with 10W module only; therefore, it is necessary to have a 3D printer to print with PLA or PETG the following nozzle:https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5585296 .

Installing the Longer Air Assist on the 5W laser module is really easy; just follow the same steps as the installing method for the 10W laser module, but install the 3D-printed nozzle on the laser module instead of the metal nozzle. After that, as mentioned, just follow the same steps as shown for installation on the 10W module.

Conclusions

The use of air assist not only increases the engraving quality but can also increase the laser's cutting capacity thanks to the possibility of removing smoke and combustion debris thanks to the continuous breath of air; without air assist, these would end up settling on the laser lens, hindering the output laser beam of the module. Whether for hobbyist or professional use, Longer Air Assist is absolutely recommended if you want to achieve the maximum performance offered by Longer Ray5 10W and Longer Ray5 5W.

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

If you want to correctly engrave practically anything, you will need a laser engraver. This is because lasers are extremely precise. Because they sell the RAY5 5W and RAY5 10W engravers, the people at LONGER are a fantastic place to begin. The beam's size, power, and focal length are the key distinctions between them; nonetheless, they can engrave a significant amount of material.

If you are looking for a tool to engrave your selected object, then you should choose the model that is most suitable for your needs. Well, worry not, as we are here to tell you about the three basic types of laser engraving, their differences, and a guide to choose which one suits you according to your need. Without further ado, let's dive right in.

What Is Laser Power?

Before we learn about the three types of laser powers, let's just investigate what laser power is. The strength of the laser is what determines how much energy is taken up by the worksheet. The basic rule is that when the laser power is increased, the bend angle grows as well, reaches a peak, and then begins to fall again as the laser power is increased even further.

The higher the laser power, the more heat is absorbed, which results in a higher peak temperature and, therefore, a more incredible amount of plastic deformation at the scanned surface. This causes the bend angle to increase. After reaching its maximum, the bend angle begins to fall because of an increase in laser power.

This is primarily the result of two factors. First, the melting takes place in the region that is being irradiated at higher power, and the heat energy that is being applied is used up in the phase transformation rather than in the bending of the material. Second, when the power is increased, the peak temperature of the surface of the bottom of the vessel likewise increases.

This results in a reduction in the difference between the plastic deformation at the top surface and the bottom surface, which in turn leads to a reduction in the bend angle at greater power.

In terms of optical laser power, the vast majority of the most popular laser engravers on the market now fit into only two primary categories, namely the 5W and 10W optical power. The modules in the first category each contain a single laser diode. In contrast, the 10W modules contain ingenious optics that combine laser light from two different laser diode sources, resulting in output power that is twice as strong as that of the lower-powered modules.

What Exactly Does The "W" Stand For?

Wattage is one of the most significant aspects to consider when discussing laser cutters. It is something that you will need to specify when you first purchase the machine, and it is the factor that affects the final cutting power and speed of your project.

When the wattage rating is increased, the flow of energy also increases. When it comes to laser cutters, having a 20W laser rather than a 5W laser will enable energy to transfer at a substantially faster rate.

You can see a sequence of lasers inside the head of a LONGER RAY 5 if you crack it apart and look at the laser inside of it. However, we strongly advise against doing this. The head of the 20W laser is made up of four 5W lasers, all of which are pointed in the same direction and concentrated through the head of the laser.

Why? The purpose of this is to generate more power and more energy from a single laser beam.

Differences Between LONGER RAY 5  5W Vs. 10W Vs. 20W

The 5W, 10W, and 20W LONGER RAY 5 all share quite a few characteristics in common with one another. On the other hand, there are a comparable number of differences. Let's focus on what differentiates these machines in a series of head-to-head comparisons so that you can make the most informed decision possible about which one to purchase.

Power Of The Laser Head

Before we go any further, there is something that needs to be clarified: although the laser head is the only difference between the two, it has a significant impact on the operation of your LONGER RAY 5 laser engraver, and we will go over those differences in depth here.

Regardless of which wattage option you go with, the LONGER RAY 5 will provide you with the same framework, sensors, and attachments to use. The laser head is the only component that is different.

The LONGER RAY 5 staff refers to it as a "plug-and-play module" in their explanation. You only need two cables and ten minutes of your time to upgrade from a 5W or 10W laser cutter to a 20W model, which gives you more cutting power.

Variations in Laser Power Depend on Which Laser Head You Use and the Different Materials You Can Cut. You can improve the power of your 5W or 10W laser by purchasing a 20W module to add to it.

To put it another way, if you want a 20W, you have the option of either purchasing one specifically designed for that purpose. The only choice available to you if you want a 5W or 10W is to purchase the machine in its current state.

The benefits are significant even though the adjustment is rather straightforward. The next sections are all about the difference that the simple head swap makes.

Quickness Of Project Completion

The exact amount of time it will take to finish the project is contingent on a few different factors:

• Quickness of the route
• Precision in cutting depth, selection of materials, and complexity in design.
• The depth of the etching or cut.

The remaining three of these five parameters are not dependent on your laser cutter in any way. The speed with which your laser cutter completes your job is solely dependent on the routing speed and cutting speed settings.

In this competition, the speeds of the various routes do not differ from one another. The routing speed of the 5W, 10W, and 20W is all 10000mm/min, which is far quicker than the previous generations.

Where do we stand with the cutting depth now? Here is where you'll see a significant deviation from the norm. A laser with 10W of power can cut nearly exactly twice as deep as a laser with 5W of power. When compared to the 10W, the 20W has twice the cutting depth.

This indicates that there is a theoretical difference in cutting depth that is equivalent to four times greater when going from 5W to 20W.

LONGER RAY 5 states that the difference might be very different depending on the material that is used:

When it comes to the amount of time, it will take to accomplish a project. A 20W laser cutter will get the job done the quickest, followed by a 10W laser cutter, and finally, a 5W RAY laser cutter will be the slowest.

Space For Making Cuts and Working Area LONGER RAY 5

While the chassis of each LONGER RAY 5 is the same, the cutting areas of the various configurations are also quite comparable. The LONGER RAY 5  5W and the LONGER RAY 5 10W lasers offer precisely the same cutting area, measuring 400x400mm (15.75×15.75inch).

Although the laser head on the 20W is significantly larger than that found on the 10W, the cutting area is marginally reduced. The cutting area for a 20-watt laser is 375×375mm (14.76×14.76 inch).

Although the difference isn't huge, it's nevertheless significant enough to indicate that the 5W and 10W laser cutters have a little advantage in this category.

Alternatives To Materials(Cutting Capability)

One further aspect of the topic that is connected to laser power is the many kinds of materials that can be worked with. While attempting to engrave or cut certain materials, significantly greater force and forcefulness are required.

You can work with a greater selection of materials when you have a 20W. You can also work with more substantial materials, which opens even more possibilities for the kinds of projects you can develop.

The Ray5 20W comes equipped with a powerful laser module with a 20W output. Also, this machine features the most recent generation of laser enhancement technology, which increases its capacity for cutting. It can cut through 0.002 inches (0.05 mm) of stainless steel, as well as 0.59 inches (15 mm) of pine wood and 0.31 inches (8 mm) of acrylic in a single pass.

Because of recent advancements in compressed laser technology, the laser spot may now be as small as 0.08*0.1mm2, making it possible to engrave artwork with thinner lines, clearer texture, and more attractive details. And the air-assisted interface is reserved, which allows for a wide variety of air pumps to be easily matched up with more hygienic surfaces.

While utilizing the 5W cutter, metal, ceramic, and stone become a great deal more challenging to work with, and in all honesty, the 5W power setting is more commonly used for engraving than it is for cutting. When utilizing a 5W or 10W laser cutter, most people adhere to cutting materials made of All Wood, Paper, Plastic, Leather, PCB Board, Aluminum Oxide, Non-Reflective Plating, And Lacquered Metal.

Think about getting the 20W laser if you wish to work with a variety of various types of materials. For the purposes of our projects, we have successfully cut through even the denser woodlands.

Precision

What should you do if you need to draw lines on a component that are extremely thin and accurate? In this scenario, we strongly advise you to avoid using the 20W laser head, even though the risk is still relatively low.

The spot size of the 20W laser is 0.08×0.10mm. Imagine that the laser spot is the point at which a laser pointer is pointed. If the RAY uses this laser pointer to cut, you will want the tip to be as small as it possibly can be.

The laser spots of the 5W are 0.08×0.08mm, and the 10W are 0.06×0.06mm lasers. The laser spot of the 20W laser is significantly larger.

So, if you require an accurate component, you should stick to either the 5W or the 10W.

Different Engraving Capability

Pieces can also be engraved with this type of laser cutter, which is another useful function of these machines. A small amount of material is removed from the top surface to produce designs via engraving. Because engraving does not go as deep as cutting, the power required is not as significant.

The 5W RAY's capacity to engrave is significantly improved thanks to a smaller laser point and higher precision than its predecessor. Because the component only needs one pass with the laser, and the routing speed is the same across the board for these three possibilities, the 5W is the one that should be chosen.

If you need to engrave and cut the same object, going with the 10W laser might be the best choice for you. It possesses an excellent equilibrium of slicing force and accuracy.

Make Colourful Creations

The ability to generate colorful engravings on metal is a special capability that is exclusive to the 20W LONGER RAY 5 and cannot be found on any other machine. What is the mechanism behind this? Because of the increased power provided by the 20W laser, it is capable of oxidizing metal at a variety of rates. It's hard to believe when you see it in person.

Altering the laser's power causes the metal's oxidation to occur at varying rates, ultimately producing a variety of colors. It is effective on brass, copper, stainless steel, and titanium in addition to aluminum. The only difference is the range of colors that are available to you (which depends on the metal type).

Lasers with 5W and 10W outputs are not powerful enough to accomplish this task. You'll need the 20W model if you wish to create vivid engravings on metal.

Pricing LONGER RAY 5 Laser, Available In 5W, 10W, And 20W.

What should I expect to pay for this? The distinction is not as bizarre as it may initially appear to be:

• LONGER RAY 5W: $299.99
• LONGER RAY 10W: $449.99
• LONGER RAY 20W: $899.99

These are currently on discount. Hence it's high time to make a purchase.

What Different Material Can Different Laser Power Cut Or Engrave?

Cutting using a laser can be done on a wide variety of materials, including but not limited to wood, paper, plastics, glass, leather, foam, textiles, and metals. By selecting the parameters that are most suitable for the laser, one can ensure that the cuts produced are of high quality and have a smooth surface finish. On the other hand, it is not suggested to use a laser cutter for cutting certain materials, such as vinyl or ABS.

To produce the desired cut, a laser cutter operates by concentrating a high-energy laser beam on the surface of the substance it is cutting. This causes the material to burn and evaporate.

When being worked on by a laser, each material exhibits its own unique characteristics and necessitates a unique configuration of the various laser parameters to achieve a clean cut with a high level of surface finish.

Aside from that, the capacity of a laser to cut through the material is determined by the sort of laser that is being employed.

In general, laser cutting works best with natural materials like wood, paper, leather, and metals, among other things, because these materials produce no or only a limited amount of potentially dangerous by-products.

Final Takeaway

The best possible outcome will be achieved with a laser power that is tailored specifically to the constituent material. For example, engraving paper uses significantly less power than engraving wood does on average. A minimal amount of power is required to achieve an engraving that is uniformly homogenous in acrylic and is not very deep. In addition, having a higher power enables speedier work while processing engraving materials.

The software allows for straightforward control of the laser's output power. Nonetheless, the hardware has a role in determining the maximum power. The following criteria must be met: You are able to process a wide variety of materials with a laser machine that has a high laser power, which provides you with a great deal of freedom.

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

Visible light and laser beams have in common the same nature, as both are composed of photons; however, the difference between them is in the fact that visible light has an optically isotropic propagation (that is, it propagates identically in all directions), while in the laser all the energy is concentrated within a single beam of a very small section. Therefore, when the laser hits matter, it is instantly able to radiate great power in a very small area, causing a sudden and rapid increase in temperature that alters the state of matter.

Laser engraving machines, such as Longer Ray5, are able to emit a laser beam that instantly transforms the state of matter by combustion, and the contrast between the laser-subjected surface and the surrounding surface creates the visual effect commonly called laser engraving. However, the energy hitting a single point is not limited to that point, but the heat generated is also transmitted to the areas surrounding the point causing the typical burning effect of laser processing.

In order to avoid or reduce this effect, an air assist mechanism can be used, which consists of a compressor capable of continuously blowing pressurized air directly onto the area subjected to the laser. In this way, the heat exchanged between the laser area and the surrounding area is mitigated by the fresh air of the Air Assist compressor, thus avoiding the burnt effect around the laser engraving. In addition, the air blown on the engraving zone cancels the heat exchange with the surrounding areas but does not damage the engraving ability of the laser beam. A simple example to understand this phenomenon can be this: if on a summer day with the sun high in the sky you go to the sea, if there is wind, then you feel cool, while if there is no wind, then you feel hot, but in both cases the sun causes burns to the skin in the same way.

Longer Ray5 10W has an official Air Assist kit that consists of two parts, the nozzle kit and the air compressor. Installing the Longer Air Assist is really easy; just follow the steps below:

• First, proceed to disassemble the laser module from the rest of the machine

• Install the metal nozzle on the laser module

• Connect a rubber hose between the metal nozzle and the pressure regulator, and connect another part of the rubber hose to the regulator inlet

• Connect the inlet pipe of the regulator to the outlet of the air compressor

• Finally, install the laser module on the Ray5, activate the compressor switch and start an engraving from the Longer Ray5 display

The use of air assist not only increases the engraving quality but can also increase the laser's cutting capacity thanks to the possibility of removing smoke and combustion debris thanks to the continuous breath of air; without air assist, these would end up settling on the laser lens, hindering the output laser beam of the module. Whether for hobbyist or professional use, Longer Air Assist is absolutely recommended if you want to achieve the maximum performance offered by Longer Ray5 10W.

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