Material Testing for Longer Ray5 5W & 10W

Longer Ray5 5W and  Ray5 10W allow users to engrave and cut a wide range of materials with high precision and efficiency. However, different materials require different combinations of laser power and speed.

Each material reacts differently to the laser beam. Even the same type of material can behave differently depending on its density, moisture, or manufacturing process. For this reason, using the correct laser engraving settings and laser cutting settings is essential to achieve consistent results.

To help users get started, LONGER provides a reference table with recommended parameters for different materials. This table is useful as a general guide for beginners and experienced users.

Recommended Parameters as a Starting Point

Why Material Testing Is Necessary

Many users begin a project by using the recommended settings provided by LONGER. These values offer a great starting point, but they are not guaranteed to work perfectly for every material.

For example, two pieces of 3 mm basswood may come from different manufacturers or production batches. Differences in density, moisture content, and grain can all affect how the material responds to the laser.

Without testing, you may experience problems such as:

• Incomplete cuts that require additional passes
• Engraving that appears too light or lacks detail
• Burn marks caused by excessive power
• Lower processing efficiency and unnecessary material waste

A material test helps you compare multiple combinations of speed and power in one job, making it easier to identify the settings that work best for your specific material.

Use LightBurn Material Test to Optimize Your Settings

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 laser engraving and cutting capabilities, the Longer Ray5 Series stands out as the best laser engraver, laser engraving machine, and laser cutter for a wide range of materials. Effortlessly switch from a precision wood laser cutter to a high-performance metal laser engraver, or create intricate designs as a professional jewelry engraver. Unlock limitless creativity and endless possibilities with the Longer Ray5 Series.