Laser engraving has come a long way from the weak, hobby-grade tools that could barely etch wood or burn a logo onto leather. If you’ve ever used one of those entry-level machines, you’ve likely faced slow engraving speeds, shallow cuts, and constant calibration struggles.
That’s exactly why the LONGER RAY5 20W (20000mW) Laser Engraver stands out as a major leap forward. Designed with both DIY enthusiasts and professional makers in mind, this machine delivers true 20W optical output power, a large working area, an intuitive 3.5-inch touchscreen, and the ability to cut and engrave multiple materials — wood, acrylic, glass, metal, and leather — with speed and precision.
If you’re looking for a serious desktop laser that balances performance, safety, and affordability, the RAY5 20W deserves a close look. Let’s explore what makes it one of the best all-around CNC laser engravers of 2025.
- 【20000mW High Output Power】Longer Ray5 20000mW laser engraving machine is equipped with a robust 20000mW laser module, capable of single-pass cutting through 0.59″/15mm pine wood, 0.002″/0.05mm stainless steel, and 0.31″/8mm acrylic. It can even achieve multiple passes for cutting through 25mm wood and 35mm acrylic.
Design and Build Quality — Solid, Stable, and Compact
The LONGER RAY5 20W is built from high-quality anodized aluminum, giving it a premium industrial feel. The rigid frame design minimizes vibration during engraving, ensuring smoother and more accurate results.
Despite being powerful, the unit remains compact and easy to fit on a workbench. The machine footprint measures approximately 24 × 23 × 9 inches, giving you a generous working area of 375 × 375 mm (14.7″ × 14.7″), which is ideal for engraving everything from signs and coasters to metal tags and intricate designs.
The 3.5-inch full-color touchscreen on the front is one of its strongest advantages. You can operate the machine completely offline — no need to connect to a PC every time. Simply insert a microSD card, select your file, and start engraving directly from the screen.
This combination of design simplicity and robust construction gives the RAY5 an edge over many budget engravers in its class.
Power and Performance — True 20W Optical Output
Unlike the cheap 20W engravers that only use 5W diodes “combined” to inflate wattage claims, the LONGER RAY5 20W delivers a genuine 20W optical output — translating to about 130W of electrical input power.
This means you’re getting real cutting performance, not marketing numbers. In real-world terms, it can:
- Cut 15–20 mm pine wood in a single pass.
- Cut 8–10 mm black acrylic cleanly.
- Engrave on stainless steel, anodized aluminum, and leather with detailed precision.
- Etch designs on glass with clarity and minimal residue.
The compressed laser spot (0.08 × 0.1 mm) ensures deep, fine engraving results with sharp edges and high contrast. Whether you’re doing industrial labeling, wood art, jewelry marking, or custom business branding, the output looks professional-grade.
Engraving Speed and Accuracy
The RAY5 20W supports engraving speeds up to 24,000 mm/min, which is nearly three times faster than older 10W models. The stepper motors run smoothly with minimal jitter, and the motion control firmware optimizes pathing for both curves and straight-line designs.
This combination of speed and accuracy lets you handle larger production jobs — like small business orders for custom gifts or signage — with minimal turnaround time.
Accuracy levels reach 0.01 mm, ensuring crisp, repeatable results even on fine detail engravings.
Touchscreen Control and Smart Interface
The 3.5-inch touchscreen isn’t just for display — it’s the control hub of the entire machine. You can adjust laser power, speed, and preview the engraving path before you start.
It also supports real-time pause, resume, and emergency stop, giving you full operational control during the engraving process.
The interface is intuitive and supports multi-language menus, including English, French, German, and more, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals worldwide.
Material Compatibility — Versatility That Matters
The LONGER RAY5 20W is one of the most versatile desktop lasers available in its category. It handles an extensive range of materials, including:
- Wood (pine, MDF, plywood, hardwood)
- Acrylic and plastics
- Anodized aluminum and coated metal
- Stainless steel (engraving)
- Leather, cork, bamboo, and fabric
- Glass (surface engraving)
This versatility makes it perfect for small business owners creating personalized products, hobbyists exploring laser crafts, and professional workshops working on branding, model making, or custom art projects.
Connectivity Options — Flexible and Convenient
The RAY5 gives you multiple ways to connect and control the machine:
- Wi-Fi wireless control via built-in network interface.
- USB connection for PC-based control using LaserGRBL or LightBurn.
- MicroSD card operation for offline engraving (no computer needed).
That flexibility makes it equally effective for home users, shared makerspaces, or professional studios.
The machine is compatible with both LightBurn (premium laser software) and LaserGRBL (free), giving you advanced control over vector paths, layers, grayscale engraving, and power modulation.
Safety Features — Built for Responsible Operation
Laser engraving involves high temperatures and light intensity, so safety features are essential. The LONGER RAY5 20W includes multiple layers of protection:
- Flame Detection Sensor — Automatically halts the laser and sounds an alarm if excessive heat or flame is detected.
- Motion Protection — Stops operation immediately if the machine is bumped or tilted.
- Eye Protection Filter — The laser head includes a specially coated shield that blocks harmful blue light.
- Thermal Protection — The system pauses automatically if internal temperatures exceed safe thresholds.
- Child Lock & Password Lock — Prevents accidental or unauthorized use.
These features make the RAY5 suitable for use in workshops, schools, or small business settings where safety compliance matters.
Assembly and Setup
Assembly takes about 20–30 minutes using the included detailed manual and labeled parts. The frame fits together with precision, and all necessary tools are provided.
Once assembled, connecting to LightBurn or LaserGRBL is straightforward — the system is recognized as a GRBL device, and you can begin engraving immediately.
The auto-focus function and laser height gauge simplify calibration, reducing setup time between different materials.
Real-World Performance and Use Cases
When tested across different materials, the RAY5 20W produced consistently impressive results:
| Material | Cut Depth (1 Pass) | Engraving Speed (mm/min) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3mm Plywood | 1 Pass | 20,000 | Clean cut, no burn edges |
| 10mm Acrylic | 1 Pass | 18,000 | Smooth, glass-like finish |
| Leather | 1 Pass | 22,000 | Deep contrast engraving |
| Anodized Aluminum | 1 Pass | 23,000 | Crisp, permanent mark |
| Stainless Steel | 2 Pass | 18,000 | Clear etching with reflective contrast |
From custom jewelry, wood signage, and home décor, to metal branding plates and business merchandise, the machine handles it all reliably.
Software Compatibility and Workflow
For beginners, LaserGRBL offers a simple drag-and-drop interface for vector and raster files (.jpg, .svg, .bmp, .gcode). Advanced users can switch to LightBurn, which supports layered power/speed adjustments, camera alignment, and nesting optimization for batch work.
Both software options are compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, and files can also be imported via SD card if you prefer offline operation.
This flexibility ensures the RAY5 fits seamlessly into almost any workflow, from hobbyist projects to professional manufacturing pipelines.
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Pros and Cons
Pros
- True 20W Optical Output Power — Cuts through 15–20 mm wood and engraves metal.
- 3.5-inch Touchscreen Interface — Full offline control with intuitive UI.
- Wi-Fi, USB, and SD Card Support — Multiple control options.
- High Engraving Speed (24,000 mm/min) — 3× faster than older models.
- Exceptional Material Compatibility — Wood, acrylic, metal, glass, leather, and more.
- Advanced Safety Features — Flame, motion, and thermal protection.
- Compact, Rigid Aluminum Frame — Stable and vibration-free.
- Supports LightBurn & LaserGRBL — Flexible for both hobbyists and pros.
Cons
- No built-in enclosure — external housing recommended for fume control.
- Laser lens requires occasional cleaning for best precision.
- Noise from cooling fans at full power (normal for high-output lasers).
Who Should Buy the LONGER RAY5 20W
1. Small Business Owners and Makers:
Perfect for entrepreneurs producing personalized items like cutting boards, jewelry, signage, and custom leather goods.
2. Professional Workshops:
Ideal for small-scale manufacturing, branding, or prototyping — it bridges the gap between desktop engravers and industrial lasers.
3. DIY Enthusiasts and Hobbyists:
If you want to bring your creative ideas to life on multiple materials, the RAY5 offers power, precision, and usability far beyond entry-level machines.
4. Educational and Technical Labs:
The safety features and intuitive interface make it suitable for classroom demonstrations and training environments.
Long-Term Value and Reliability
The LONGER RAY5 is built for years of consistent use. The 20W module features integrated air assist, improving cut quality and extending laser lifespan by reducing heat buildup.
Spare parts like laser modules, belts, and fans are readily available from Longer’s official site, making maintenance simple and affordable. Firmware updates are frequent, and the company has a solid reputation for after-sales support and firmware documentation.
Given its build quality, safety, and cutting capacity, the RAY5 20W easily competes with machines priced hundreds more — making it one of the best price-to-performance laser engravers available today.
Final Verdict
The LONGER RAY5 20W Laser Engraver and 130W CNC Cutter is an impressive fusion of power, speed, and user-friendly design. It brings professional engraving capability to the desktop level, giving creators and businesses the freedom to work on wood, metal, acrylic, leather, and glass — all with stunning precision.
With its true 20W optical power, smart touchscreen control, Wi-Fi and offline operation, and robust safety systems, the RAY5 isn’t just another hobby machine — it’s a serious production tool.
Whether you’re upgrading from a 10W engraver or starting a small laser business, the LONGER RAY5 20W offers the best balance of power, precision, and reliability in 2025.
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