Longer Ray5 20W — Material Settings Reference

Longer Ray5 20W — Material Settings Reference Diode laser engraver/cutter. 20W optical power (quad diode). 400 × 400 mm work area. LightBurn software. Hardware Specs Laser: 20W optical (quad-diode module) | Wavelength: ~450 nm (blue) Work area: 400 × 400 mm Speed range: 100–10,000 mm/min Focus: Fixed focal length — use included spacer, ~58 mm Software: LightBurn (recommended) | LaserGRBL (free alt) Air assist: Manual — attach pump for cutting, helps clear debris and char -- ⚠️ Safety — Always Goggles required — 450 nm OD5+ rated, always on when beam is possible Ventilation required — fumes from most materials are toxic. Fan + filter or outside Never leave unattended — fire risk, especially on wood Never laser: PVC, vinyl, ABS, polycarbonate, fiberglass, carbon fiber, coated metals without marking spray. All produce toxic/corrosive fumes. Fire extinguisher nearby — always -- WOOD Basswood / Birch Plywood — Engraving Basswood / Birch Plywood — Cutting Pine / Softwood — Engraving Hardwood (Oak, Walnut, Cherry) — Engraving Notes: Hardwood needs more power than ply. Grain direction affects darkness. Mask with tape, engrave, remove tape for clean edges. Walnut engraves beautifully dark. Wipe char with damp cloth after. MDF — Engraving MDF — Cutting ⚠️ MDF Note: Toxic glue fumes. Good ventilation mandatory. More than hardwood. Balsa — Cutting -- ACRYLIC Cast Acrylic — Engraving (frosted/white result) Note: Diode lasers engrave cast acrylic poorly — result is faint. CO2 is better for acrylic. Use high contrast settings. Black acrylic engraves better than clear. Cast Acrylic — Cutting Note: Remove protective film before cutting. Air assist helps prevent melting. Extruded acrylic cuts cleaner than cast for diode. Black Acrylic — Engraving -- LEATHER Genuine Leather — Engraving Genuine Leather — Cutting Faux Leather / PU Leather ⚠️ Note: Some faux leather contains PVC — will produce chlorine gas. Test with small piece and check for sharp acrid smell. If in doubt, don't. -- FABRIC / TEXTILES Cotton Denim Felt Note: Natural fibers (cotton, wool, denim, felt) engrave well. Synthetics vary — polyester can melt. Always test. Use masking tape to prevent fraying edges. -- CARDBOARD / PAPER Corrugated Cardboard Kraft Paper / Card Stock Chipboard / Grey Board Note: Paper burns easily — always air assist and fire watch. -- METALS Anodized Aluminum — Engraving (removes anodizing) Bare Aluminum — Engraving (with marking spray) Use Cermark or LaserBond 100 marking spray: 1. Apply thin coat, let dry 60 seconds 2. Engrave: 300 mm/min, 100%, 1 pass 3. Wash off with water — permanent black mark remains Stainless Steel — Engraving (with marking spray) Same process as aluminum with Cermark/LaserBond 400 mm/min, 100%, 1 pass Excellent contrast, permanent Painted/Powder-Coated Metal Note: 20W diode cannot cut metal. Engraving only, and only bare metal with spray or coated/anodized. -- STONE / SLATE / TILE Slate — Engraving Ceramic Tile — Engraving Note: Results vary hugely by tile glaze color and composition. Dark glazed tiles engrave best. White tiles need maximum power. Marble: 800 mm/min, 90%, clean white mark. -- GLASS Note: Diode lasers work poorly on clear glass — use black paint or wet paper towel technique (apply wet paper, laser through it, peel off). Works on flat glass only — curved glass needs jig. -- FOAM / RUBBER EVA Foam Rubber Stamp Material ⚠️ Note: Never laser chlorinated rubber. Check material data sheet. -- LightBurn Settings Reference Line interval (DPI): 0.1 mm = 254 DPI (fine detail) | 0.15 mm = 169 DPI (standard) | 0.2 mm = 127 DPI (fast) Image mode: Jarvis or Stucki for photos | Threshold for logos/text Overscan: 2–5% to avoid dark edges Z offset: 0 for standard focus | negative value to defocus for softer engraves Air assist: ON for all cutting operations Pass count vs speed: More slower passes = cleaner cuts than one fast pass at 100% -- Maintenance Clean lens: IPA on cotton swab, gently — before every session Clean rails: Dry cloth — weekly or after dusty materials Focus check: Spacer to bed surface — verify each session Exhaust fan: Clean filter monthly Diode life: ~10,000 hrs at rated power. Don't run 100% constantly — use 80–90%

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