The Longer Ray5 5W Laser Engraving Machine is one of the best budget-friendly and beginner-friendly laser engravers available today. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a DIY enthusiast, or looking to start a small business, this compact and powerful machine offers an excellent entry point into laser engraving.
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Why Can A $200 Laser Engraver Do?
The Longer Ray5 5W Laser Engraver, priced around $200, is one of the most affordable diode laser engravers on the market. Despite its budget price, it offers surprising capabilities for hobbyists, beginners, and small-scale crafters. Here’s what it can do:
Key Features of the Longer Ray5 5W
- Laser Power: 5W diode laser
- Working Area: ~400 x 400 mm (15.75 x 15.75 inches)
- Touchscreen Interface: 3.5-inch screen for offline use
- Material Support: Wood, leather, paper, acrylic (dark colors), cardboard, and some coated metals
- Safety Features: Flame detector, motion detection, and emergency stop button
- Software Compatibility: LightBurn and LaserGRBL
What Can It Engrave?
The Ray5 5W can engrave on:
- Wood (pine, bamboo, plywood, MDF)
- Leather
- Cardboard & Paper
- Dark Acrylic (only dark/opaque colors)
- Painted/Coated Metal (like anodized aluminum or stainless steel with laser marking spray)
- Glass (with coating or tape technique)
What Can It Cut?
Due to its 5W power, it can cut thinner materials:
- Wood: Up to ~3 mm in one pass (can do more with multiple passes)
- Cardboard & Paper: Easily cuts in one pass
- Leather: Cuts thin leather (2–3 mm) cleanly
- Fabrics & Foam: Select types can be cut safely
What Can You Make with It?
- Personalized wood signs
- Coasters & keychains
- Leather wallets or tags
- Paper cards & invitations
- Custom ornaments
- Jewelry displays
- Small engraving business items (logos, labels, barcodes)
Limitations to Keep in Mind
- Can’t cut clear acrylic or thick hardwood efficiently
- Slow engraving/cutting compared to higher wattage lasers
- No rotary (optional rotary tool available separately for cylindrical objects)
- Not suitable for metal cutting
Final Verdict
The Longer Ray5 5W is ideal if:
- You’re on a tight budget
- You want to explore hobby-level laser engraving
- You need a large workspace at low cost
- You’re okay with slower speeds and light-duty cutting
For under $200, it’s one of the best entry-level lasers for getting started with engraving and basic cutting.
Easy Setup & Beginner-Friendly Operation
Setting up the Longer Ray5 is simple and requires minimal technical knowledge. With clear instructions and a straightforward assembly process, you can start engraving within minutes. The touchscreen interface and offline engraving feature make it even easier to operate, allowing users to engrave without needing to be connected to a computer.
Can the Longer Ray5 5W Laser Engrave Metal?
The Longer Ray5 5W Laser cannot engrave bare metal, but it can mark certain coated or treated metals. Here’s what it can do:
Can Engrave:
- Anodized Aluminum – Produces high-contrast markings.
- Painted, Coated, or Plated Metals – Engraves through the coating.
- Stainless Steel (With Assistance) – Requires laser marking spray (e.g., CerMark or Dry Moly Lube) to create a visible mark.
Cannot Engrave:
- Bare Metals (Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Steel, etc.) – A fiber laser is required for direct metal engraving.
For metal engraving, a fiber laser or a more powerful diode laser (e.g., 10W+ with air assist + 2W Infrared Laser module) is recommended. However, the Longer Ray5 5W works well for marking anodized aluminum or coated metals!
What speed does the Longer Ray5 5W Laser Cut?
The cutting speed of the Longer Ray5 5W Laser depends on the material type, thickness, and number of passes. Here are some general speed recommendations:
Cutting Speed Estimates (at Full Power, Single Pass):
- 4mm Plywood → 200-300 mm/min
- 2mm Acrylic (Dark/Opaque) → 150-250 mm/min
- Cardboard/Paper → 500-1000 mm/min
- Leather (1-2mm) → 300-400 mm/min
- Fabric/Felt → 800-1200 mm/min
Factors Affecting Speed:
- Material Density – Harder materials require slower speeds.
- Passes Required – Thicker materials need multiple passes.
- Air Assist – Helps improve cut quality and allows for slightly faster speeds.
For precise settings, test different speeds and power levels on a sample piece before running a full job!
Can the Ray5 5W Laser cut leather?
Yes, the Longer Ray5 5W Laser can cut leather, but with some limitations.
Leather Cutting Capabilities:
- Thin Leather (1-2mm) → Cuts well in one or two passes.
- Thicker Leather (2-3mm) → Requires multiple passes and slower speed.
- Veg-Tanned, Chrome-Tanned, & Suede → Can be cut with proper settings.
Recommended Cutting Settings:
- Power: 100%
- Speed: 300-400 mm/min (adjust based on thickness)
- Passes: 1-3 (for thicker leather)
- Air Assist: Recommended for cleaner cuts.
Things to Consider:
- Thick Leather (4mm+) → Difficult to cut; may require a more powerful laser.
- Synthetic Leather (PU, PVC) → ⚠ Avoid cutting! Releases toxic fumes.
For best results, always test settings on a scrap piece before making final cuts!
Longer Ray5 5W Laser Engraver Accessories
The Longer Ray5 5W Laser Engraving Machine has several accessories that can enhance its performance and expand its capabilities. Here are some of the most useful add-ons:
Rotary Roller (For Engraving Cylindrical Objects)
- Used For: Engraving tumblers, bottles, glasses, and other cylindrical objects.
- Benefit: Provides smooth rotation for precise engraving on curved surfaces.
Air Assist Kit (For Cleaner Cuts)
- Used For: Blowing air onto the engraving/cutting area to reduce burning and charring.
- Benefit: Improves cutting efficiency and produces cleaner, sharper edges.
Honeycomb Worktable (For Better Cutting Performance)
- Used For: Placing materials on a ventilated surface to improve airflow and reduce heat buildup.
- Benefit: Minimizes scorch marks and improves cutting precision.
Laser Protective Shield or Goggles (For Eye Protection)
- Used For: Blocking harmful laser reflections and protecting your eyes.
- Benefit: Ensures safe operation during engraving.
Expansion Kit (For Enlarging the Engraving Area)
- Used For: Increasing the working area to accommodate larger projects.
- Benefit: Allows engraving on bigger materials without repositioning.
Laser Modules (For Different Engraving Needs)
- Used For: Improving precision, or upgrading to a more powerful laser.
- Benefit: Increases flexibility in engraving and cutting capabilities.
The Longer Ray5 5W Laser Rotary Roller
The Longer Ray5 5W Laser Rotary Roller is an essential accessory for those looking to engrave cylindrical objects like tumblers, bottles, and cups. Designed to work seamlessly with the Longer Ray5 5W Laser Engraver, this rotary attachment expands the capabilities of your laser machine, making it more versatile for custom engraving projects.
What Is the Longer Ray5 5W Laser Rotary Roller?
A rotary roller is an add-on that allows laser engravers to work on cylindrical or irregularly shaped objects by rotating them while engraving. The Longer Ray5 Rotary Roller ensures precise and accurate engravings on curved surfaces, preventing distortion and maintaining high detail.
Key Features of the Longer Ray5 Rotary Roller
- Adjustable Roller Design – Fits various sizes of cylindrical objects.
- Plug-and-Play Setup – Easy installation with no complicated wiring.
- Compatible with Longer Ray5 5W Laser Engraver – Works seamlessly with the machine.
- Smooth & Precise Rotation – Ensures even engraving without slippage.
- Durable Build – Made from high-quality materials for long-lasting use.
What Can You Engrave with the Longer Ray5 Rotary Roller?
The rotary roller allows engraving on:
- Tumblers & Water Bottles (Stainless steel, glass, plastic)
- Wine Glasses & Mugs
- Cylindrical Wooden Objects (Rolling pins, pens, batons)
- Personalized Gifts (Custom logos, names, and artwork)
How to Use the Longer Ray5 Rotary Roller
- Connect the Roller: Plug it into your Longer Ray5 5W Laser Engraver.
- Position the Object: Place the cylindrical item securely on the rollers.
- Adjust Roller Spacing: Set the roller width based on the object’s diameter.
- Set the Software Parameters: Enable rotary mode in your laser engraving software (e.g., LightBurn or LaserGRBL).
- Start Engraving: Run a test to ensure alignment, then engrave your design.
Why Use a Rotary Roller?
- Expands Your Engraving Capabilities – Engrave beyond flat surfaces.
- Higher Precision – Reduces distortion on curved objects.
- Personalization – Ideal for businesses offering custom engravings.
- Easy to Use – Beginner-friendly and requires minimal setup.
The Longer Ray5 5W Laser Rotary Roller is a must-have for anyone looking to engrave cylindrical objects with precision and ease. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a small business owner, this accessory will help you take your laser engraving to the next level. If you already own a Longer Ray5 5W Laser Engraver, adding a rotary roller is a smart investment for expanding your creative possibilities!
What is the difference between the Longer Ray5 5W and 10W Laser?
The Longer Ray5 5W vs. 10W lasers differ mainly in power, cutting ability, and speed. The 10W version is more powerful, allowing for faster engraving and cutting of thicker materials. Here’s a detailed comparison:
Key Differences:
- Power Output: The 10W laser is twice as powerful as the 5W, leading to deeper cuts and faster engraving.
- Cutting Ability: The 10W laser can cut thicker materials (up to 8mm wood) compared to the 5W (max 3-4mm).
- Engraving Speed: The 10W model engraves faster and requires fewer passes for deeper cuts.
- Material Compatibility: Both can engrave wood, leather, acrylic, and anodized aluminum, but only the 10W can cut thicker acrylic and harder materials.
Comparison Table: Longer Ray5 5W vs. 10W
Feature | Ray5 5W | Ray5 10W |
|---|---|---|
Laser Power | 5W | 10W |
Engraving Speed | Moderate | Faster (2x speed of 5W) |
Max Cutting Depth (Wood) | 3-4mm | 8-10mm |
Max Cutting Depth (Acrylic) | 2mm (Dark/Opaque) 8mm max – multiple passes | 8mm (Dark/Opaque) |
Engraves Anodized Aluminum | Yes | Yes |
Engraves Stainless Steel (with spray) | Yes | Yes |
Cuts Leather | Up to 2-3mm | Up to 4-5mm |
Best For | Beginners, Hobbyists, Small Projects | Advanced Users, Faster & Deeper Cuts, Business Use |
Price | Lower | Higher |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the Ray5 5W if you’re a beginner, hobbyist, or need a budget-friendly option.
- Choose the Ray5 10W if you need faster engraving, deeper cuts, and better material versatility.
For more demanding projects, the 10W laser is the better choice. But for basic engraving and light cutting, the 5W model is a great budget option!
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can the Longer Ray5 5W engrave and cut?
The Ray5 5W can engrave on wood, leather, cardboard, paper, dark acrylic, coated metal (like anodized aluminum), and glass (with coating). It can cut thin wood (up to ~3 mm), cardboard, paper, and thin leather. However, it cannot cut clear acrylic or metal, and cutting performance is limited compared to higher wattage lasers.
Is the Longer Ray5 5W good for beginners?
Yes, it’s great for beginners due to its affordable price, intuitive touchscreen interface, and support for popular laser software like LightBurn and LaserGRBL. It also includes safety features like flame detection and an emergency stop button, which are ideal for first-time users.
Does the Longer Ray5 5W support offline engraving?
Yes, it features a 3.5-inch touchscreen that supports offline engraving via a TF card (microSD). This means you don’t need to stay connected to a computer during use—just load your design, set parameters, and start engraving right from the touchscreen.
Can I use the Ray5 5W to engrave on cylindrical objects like tumblers?
Not out of the box. The Ray5 5W does not include a rotary roller, but it supports rotary engraving if you purchase the optional rotary attachment. With that accessory, you can engrave on tumblers, mugs, and other cylindrical items.
What safety features are included in the Longer Ray5 5W?
The Ray5 5W includes several built-in safety features:
Flame detection that halts operation if fire is detected
Motion detection (gyroscope) that stops the laser if the machine is moved or bumped
Emergency stop button for quick manual shutdown
Laser shielding around the module for eye protection
However, it’s still recommended to use safety goggles and proper ventilation during use.
Final Thoughts
The Longer Ray5 5W Laser Engraving Machine is an excellent choice for beginners looking for an affordable yet powerful engraving solution. With user-friendly features, a versatile engraving range, and a budget-friendly price of just $199, it’s a great investment for anyone interested in laser engraving.
Whether you’re customizing gifts, creating artwork, or starting a small business, the Longer Ray5 5W makes laser engraving accessible and enjoyable!