1. Introduction
The LONGER RAY5 Mini is a compact and powerful 3.5W laser engraver designed for high-precision engraving and cutting on a wide range of materials. Featuring a 0.04mm laser spot size and an engraving speed of up to 12,000mm/min, it offers outstanding performance for both intricate designs and comprehensive cutting tasks. This manual provides essential information for safe operation, setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting to help you get the most out of your device.
2. Safety Instructions
Your safety is paramount when operating the LONGER RAY5 Mini. Please read and adhere to all safety guidelines to prevent injury or damage to the device.
- Eye Protection: Always wear the provided protective goggles when the laser is active. Never look directly at the laser beam or its reflection.
- Emergency Stop: Familiarize yourself with the emergency stop button and its location. In case of any malfunction or emergency, press this button immediately to cut power to the laser.
- Movement Protection: The machine has built-in movement protection that activates a safety mechanism if the device is moved or falls during operation.
- Laser Head Cover: The laser head is equipped with an acrylic cover for light shielding. Ensure it is properly in place during operation.
- Ventilation: Operate the engraver in a well-ventilated area to dissipate fumes and smoke produced during engraving, especially when working with materials like wood or acrylic.
- Flammable Materials: Keep flammable materials away from the engraving area. Always supervise the machine during operation.
- Children and Pets: Keep children and pets away from the laser engraver at all times.
3. Package Contents
Please check the package carefully upon receipt to ensure all items are present and undamaged:
- 1 x Laser Engraver (Main Unit)
- 1 x Laser Head Assembly
- 1 x USB Cable
- 1 x Power Adapter
- 1 x Power Cord
- 1 x Goggles (for eye protection)
- 1 x Wrench
- 1 x Engraving Tool Bit
- 1 x Brush
- 1 x Engraving Board (sample material)
- 1 x User Manual (this document)
4. Setup
The LONGER RAY5 Mini comes largely pre-assembled, making setup quick and easy.
- Unpack: Carefully remove all components from the packaging.
- Place the Engraver: Position the pre-assembled engraver on a stable, level, and heat-resistant surface in a well-ventilated area.
- Install Laser Head: Attach the laser head assembly to the designated slot on the gantry. Ensure it is securely fastened.
- Connect Power: Connect the power adapter to the engraver and then plug it into a suitable power outlet.
- Connect to Computer (Optional): Use the provided USB cable to connect the engraver to your computer if you plan to use a wired connection. Alternatively, you can use Wi-Fi or the mobile app for connection.
- Power On: Flip the power switch to the 'ON' position. The device should power up.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Software Compatibility
The LONGER RAY5 Mini is compatible with popular laser engraving software:
- LightBurn: A powerful, feature-rich software for laser cutters.
- LaserGRBL: A free, open-source software for GRBL-based laser engravers.
The device also supports connection via Wi-Fi, USB, and a dedicated mobile APP, allowing for stable and smooth data transmission, including offline engraving capabilities.
5.2 Supported Materials
The RAY5 Mini can engrave over 300 different materials, including but not limited to:
- Wood
- Acrylic
- Leather
- Cloth
- Metal (painted or anodized)
- Ceramics
- Paper
- Rubber
- Food
5.3 Engraving Process
- Design Preparation: Create or import your design in your chosen software (LightBurn, LaserGRBL, or APP).
- Material Placement: Place the material to be engraved on the working area (130x140mm). Ensure it is flat and secured to prevent movement during engraving.
- Focus Adjustment: Adjust the laser focus according to your material and desired engraving depth. The RAY5 Mini offers an ultra-fine laser spot size of 0.04x0.04mm for exquisite precision.
- Parameter Settings: Set the laser power, speed (up to 12,000mm/min), and number of passes in your software based on the material type and desired effect.
- Start Engraving: Initiate the engraving process from your software. Always supervise the machine during operation and wear your protective goggles.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the lifespan of your laser engraver.
- Cleaning the Lens: Periodically clean the laser lens with a soft, lint-free cloth and lens cleaning solution to maintain laser power and engraving quality.
- Cleaning the Engraving Area: Use the provided brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the working area after each use.
- Lubrication: Occasionally apply a small amount of lubricant to the guide rails to ensure smooth movement of the laser head.
- Firmware Updates: Check the manufacturer's website for any available firmware updates to ensure your device has the latest features and bug fixes.
- Storage: When not in use, store the engraver in a clean, dry environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
7. Troubleshooting
Here are some common issues and their potential solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Laser not firing | Power cable loose, emergency stop engaged, software issue, laser head not properly connected. | Check all cable connections. Ensure the emergency stop button is disengaged. Restart software and engraver. Re-seat the laser head. |
| Poor engraving quality / inconsistent lines | Incorrect focus, dirty lens, material not flat, incorrect speed/power settings. | Adjust laser focus. Clean the laser lens. Ensure material is flat and secured. Adjust speed and power settings in software. |
| Engraver not connecting to computer/app | USB cable issue, Wi-Fi interference, incorrect driver/app settings. | Try a different USB port/cable. Ensure Wi-Fi signal is strong. Reinstall drivers or app. Check firewall settings. |
| Machine stops mid-engraving | Movement protection triggered, power interruption, software crash. | Ensure the machine is on a stable surface. Check power supply. Restart software and engraver. |
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | LONGER |
| Type | Laser Engraver |
| Model | RAY5 Mini |
| Color | Black |
| Laser Power | 3.5W |
| Working Area | 130 x 140 mm |
| Engraving Speed | Up to 12,000 mm/min |
| Engraving Accuracy | 0.04 mm |
| Protections | Emergency stop, motion protection, acrylic protective cover, goggles |
| Connection Method | Wi-Fi, USB, APP |
| Support System | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Applicable Materials | Wood, acrylic, leather, cloth, metal, ceramics, etc. |
| Product Weight | 1.47 kg |
| Package Weight | 2.32 kg |
| Product Size (L x W x H) | 28.6 x 29.2 x 16.5 cm |
| Package Size (L x W x H) | 32.5 x 31.8 x 18.5 cm |
9. User Tips
- Test Settings: Before a large project, always perform small test engravings on scrap material to fine-tune laser power and speed settings for optimal results.
- Material Preparation: Ensure your material is clean and free of dust or oils for better engraving adhesion and quality.
- Software Learning: Take time to learn the features of LightBurn or LaserGRBL. Many tutorials are available online that can significantly enhance your engraving capabilities.
- Ventilation is Key: Even with an acrylic cover, proper ventilation is crucial. Consider using an enclosure with an exhaust fan for prolonged engraving sessions.
- Regular Calibration: Periodically check and calibrate the machine's axes to ensure consistent engraving accuracy over time.
10. Warranty and Support
The LONGER RAY5 Mini Laser Engraver comes with a manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or visit the official LONGER website.
For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or spare parts, please contact LONGER customer service through their official channels. When contacting support, please have your product model (RAY5 Mini) and purchase information ready.
