Longer vs ACMER: Laser Engravers Compared by Specs
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This longer vs ACMER laser engraver comparison looks at two very different machines. Both support LightBurn and LaserGRBL software, making them compatible with common workflows. The main difference is scale and power. The Longer Ray5 is a high-power, large-format cutter for serious work. The ACMER S1 is a low-power, portable engraver for quick, detailed projects. You need to choose based on the size of your materials and the thickness you intend to cut.
Key differences
| Aspect | Longer Ray5 40W Laser Engraver | ACMER S1 6W Portable Laser Engraver |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Power | 40W | 6W (6000mW) |
| Working Area | 385 x 385 mm | 130 x 130 mm |
| Engraving Speed | Up to 24,000 mm/min | Up to 10,000 mm/min |
| Cutting Capacity | 20 mm pine wood, 15 mm acrylic | Thin plywood, MDF, acrylic |
| Software | LaserGRBL, LightBurn, LaserBurn | ACMER Studio, LightBurn, LaserGRBL |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Longer Ray5 40W Laser Engraver if
- You need to cut thick wood or acrylic in a single pass.
- You require a large working area for big projects.
- You want high-speed engraving for commercial production.
Choose ACMER S1 6W Portable Laser Engraver if
- You have limited desk space and need a portable unit.
- You primarily do detailed engraving on small items.
- You prefer a machine that arrives preassembled for quick setup.
Verdict: The Longer Ray5 is the better choice for users who need serious cutting power and a large workspace. The ACMER S1 is ideal for hobbyists who value portability and simple setup for small, detailed projects. Your decision depends on whether you prioritize power and size or convenience and compactness.
Longer vs ACMER Specs Compared
laser power
The Longer Ray5 features a 40W laser module, delivering significant cutting depth. It handles single-pass cuts through 20mm pine wood and 15mm acrylic. Multiple passes allow cutting up to 40mm wood and 50mm acrylic. The ACMER S1 uses a 6000mW diode laser, which equals 6W output. It cuts thin plywood, MDF, and acrylic but lacks the power for thick materials. The Ray5 offers far greater cutting capacity for heavy-duty tasks. The S1 is limited to thinner substrates due to its lower wattage. You need the Ray5 for substantial material removal.
platen size
Working area size dictates the maximum project dimensions you can process. The Longer Ray5 provides a spacious 385 x 385mm working area. This allows you to engrave or cut larger boards and multiple smaller items at once. The ACMER S1 has a compact 130 x 130mm working area. This limits you to small crafts, jewelry, or detailed miniatures. The Ray5’s area is nearly four times larger than the S1. If you plan to make signs, large trays, or batch produce, the Ray5 is necessary. The S1 is only suitable for tiny objects.
engraving speed
Maximum engraving speed affects how quickly you can complete designs. The Longer Ray5 reaches up to 24,000mm/min. This high speed reduces production time for large areas or repetitive patterns. The ACMER S1 tops out at 10,000mm/min. While adequate for small projects, it is significantly slower than the Ray5. The Ray5’s 240MHz ESP32 chipset supports this rapid movement. The S1 uses a multi-core processor but does not match the higher velocity. For time-sensitive commercial work, the Ray5 processes jobs faster.
software compatibility
Both machines support industry-standard third-party software, including LightBurn and LaserGRBL. The Longer Ray5 also works with LONGER’s LaserBurn software. The ACMER S1 includes free ACMER Studio software with AI design tools. This allows you to generate designs from text prompts or photos. The S1 also accepts NC, DXF, BMP, JPG, and PNG files. The Ray5 supports USB, TF card, Wi-Fi, and app connectivity. Both offer offline operation options. The S1 has a unique AI feature for beginners, while the Ray5 offers broader connectivity methods.
form factor
Physical dimensions determine where you can place the machine. The ACMER S1 is a portable unit weighing 2kg. Its compact size of 250 x 250 x 162mm fits easily on a desk. It is built from industrial-grade aluminum alloy. The Longer Ray5 is a larger, stationary machine. It measures 24.2 inches in length and 17 inches in width. It requires a dedicated workspace and is not designed for frequent transport. If you need to move your engraver between locations, the S1 is the only viable option.
Which Laser Engraver Should You Buy
Commercial users needing high power and large area
The Longer Ray5 offers 40W power and a 385 x 385mm workspace. It cuts 20mm pine wood in one pass and reaches speeds of 24,000mm/min. The ESP32 chipset allows controlling multiple units. This setup handles high-intensity commercial demands and large projects efficiently.
Beginners wanting easy setup and AI tools
The ACMER S1 arrives 99% preassembled for quick start. It includes AI design tools in its free software. The 130 x 130mm area suits small crafts. Its lightweight aluminum body is portable. You get simple operation without complex assembly, ideal for hobbyists starting out.
Users requiring fine detail on metal and wood
The Longer Ray5 features a 0.1 x 0.15mm laser spot for 0.01mm precision. It supports 256-color palette engraving on stainless steel and glass. The 3.5-inch touchscreen aids parameter adjustments. This high-precision system delivers richer details and natural color transitions for artistic work.
Small desk users needing compact portable design
The ACMER S1 measures 250 x 250 x 162mm and weighs only 2kg. Its small footprint fits tight spaces. The 6W diode laser handles thin materials like plywood and acrylic. This compact machine is easy to store and carry, making it perfect for limited home offices.
The products compared
Longer Ray5 40W Laser Engraver
Best for: Large workspace and high-speed engraving tasks
- Laser Power
- 40W
- Working Area
- 385 x 385 mm
- Engraving Speed
- 24,000 mm/min
- Software Compatibility
- LaserGRBL, LightBurn
- Cutting Capacity
- 20 mm pine wood, 15 mm acrylic
- Compatible Material
- Wood, Metal, Acrylic, Leather, Glass
View on Amazon: Longer Ray5 40W Laser Engraver Affiliate link
The Longer Ray5 40W delivers 40W of laser power with a 385 x 385 mm working area. It reaches engraving speeds up to 24,000 mm/min and cuts 20 mm pine wood in a single pass. The machine includes a 3.5-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity, and supports LightBurn software. This setup suits users who need high speed and a large workspace for detailed projects.
Pros
- 40W laser module for strong cutting power
- 385 x 385 mm large working area
- Engraving speed up to 24,000 mm/min
- 3.5-inch touchscreen for direct control
Cons
- Smaller working area than the 850x850mm variation
- Single-pass wood cutting limited to 20 mm
- No mention of Bluetooth connectivity in specs
Good fit if
- You need a large 385 x 385 mm workspace
- You require high engraving speeds up to 24,000 mm/min
- You want a machine with a built-in touchscreen
Skip if
- You need to cut wood thicker than 20 mm in one pass
- You require Bluetooth connectivity for file transfer
- You prefer a smaller footprint than 385 x 385 mm
Verdict: The Longer Ray5 40W 385x385mm Engraver fits users who prioritize a large workspace and fast engraving speeds for detailed work. It is a solid choice for those who value direct touchscreen control and high-power cutting capabilities.
ACMER S1 6W Portable Laser Engraver
Best for: small detailed engraving projects
- Laser Type
- Diode
- Laser Power
- 6000mW
- Working Area
- 130 x 130mm
- Engraving Speed
- 10,000mm/min
- Software Compatibility
- ACMER studio, LightBurn, LaserGRBL
- Compatible Material
- Wood, Acrylic, Silver
View on Amazon: ACMER S1 6W Portable Laser Engraver Affiliate link
The ACMER S1 is a 6W diode laser engraver with a 130x130mm working area. It reaches 10,000mm/min engraving speed and 0.01mm positioning accuracy. You get free ACMER Studio software with AI tools, plus LightBurn compatibility. It arrives 99% preassembled. This compact unit suits beginners needing a lightweight, portable machine for small detailed projects on wood and acrylic.
Pros
- 6000mW diode laser power
- 10,000mm/min engraving speed
- 0.01mm repeatable positioning accuracy
- 99% preassembled for quick setup
- LightBurn and LaserGRBL compatible
Cons
- Small 130x130mm working area
- Limited to thin materials due to 6W power
- No app control mentioned in data
Good fit if
- You need a lightweight, portable engraver
- You want preassembled ease for beginners
- You work on small detailed projects
Skip if
- You require large format cutting
- You need high-power thick material cutting
- You prefer a larger working area
Verdict: The ACMER S1 6W Portable Laser fits hobbyists who value portability and ease of setup over large workspaces. It is ideal for small, detailed engraving tasks rather than large-scale production.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Longer Ray5 40W Laser Engraver | ACMER S1 6W Portable Laser Engraver |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Type | not stated | Diode |
| Laser Power | 40W | 6000mW |
| Working Area | 385 x 385 mm | 130 x 130mm |
| Engraving Speed | 24,000 mm/min | 10,000mm/min |
| Software Compatibility | LaserGRBL, LightBurn | ACMER studio, LightBurn, LaserGRBL |
| Cutting Capacity | 20 mm pine wood, 15 mm acrylic | not stated |
| Compatible Material | Wood, Metal, Acrylic, Leather, Glass | Wood, Acrylic, Silver |
| Features | Touchscreen | not stated |
| Target Audience | DIY | DIY |
| Form Factor | not stated | Desktop |
| Dimensions | 24.2 × 17 × 5.2 inches | not stated |
| Size | 385×385mm | 6000mW |
| Color | black | Silver, White-6 |
| Model | Ray5 40W | not stated |
Frequently asked questions
Which laser engraver is better for cutting thick wood?
The Longer Ray5 40W is the better choice for thick materials. Its 40W laser module allows single-pass cuts through 20mm pine wood. It can also handle up to 40mm wood with multiple passes. The ACMER S1 6W is not designed for heavy cutting tasks.
Which machine has a larger working area?
The Longer Ray5 offers a significantly larger workspace. Its engraving area measures 385 by 385mm, which equals roughly 17 by 15 inches. The ACMER S1 is a portable unit designed for smaller, detailed projects and does not offer a comparable large-format working area.
Can I use LightBurn software with these machines?
Yes, both the Longer Ray5 and the ACMER S1 support LightBurn software. This compatibility allows you to use common workflows and advanced design features on either device. Both machines also work with LaserGRBL, giving you flexibility in how you control the laser head.
Which laser engraver is more portable?
The ACMER S1 is designed for portability. It is a compact unit ideal for hobbyists who need to move the device or store it easily. The Longer Ray5 is a larger, stationary machine with a 385mm workspace, making it less suitable for frequent transport.
What is the difference in laser power between these two?
The Longer Ray5 features a 40W laser module, providing high power for cutting and fast engraving. The ACMER S1 uses a 6W laser module. This lower power makes the ACMER S1 suitable for small, detailed tasks on materials like wood, acrylic, and silver.
Which machine is best for detailed engraving on small items?
The ACMER S1 is ideal for small, detailed engraving projects. Its 6W power level allows for precision work on materials like silver and thin wood. The Longer Ray5 is better suited for large workspace tasks and high-speed engraving rather than intricate small-scale details.