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Here’s an image of the Longer Nano Pro 12W portable laser engraver—compact, sleek, and built for precision on the go.
Longer Nano Pro 12W Laser Engraver – In-Depth Overview
Design & Portability
- The Nano Pro 12W adopts a galvo-based system, using mirrors to direct the laser beam instead of moving the unit itself—enabling high-speed engraving up to 5,000 mm/s techreviewer3dwithus.com.
- Its compact design and sturdy metal build, complete with a magnetic protective shield and electric height adjustment, make it both portable and robust techreviewerThe Gadgeteer.
- Packs neatly (especially in bundled versions) into a premium carrying case with custom cutouts, ideal for mobile crafting or trade show use The Gadgeteer.
Power & Precision
- Equipped with a 12W blue diode laser (450 nm), delivering fine detail with precision down to 0.01 × 0.01 mm John’s Tech Blog3dwithus.comThe Makers Chest.
- The system incorporates twin diode lasers, FAC mirrors, and an F-Theta field lens for edge consistency and high resolution The Makers Chest.
Workspace & Extensions
- Standard working area: 100 × 100 mm.
- Add the optional slide extension to expand to 100 × 300 mm for larger projects.
- A rotary attachment enables engraving on cylindrical or rounded objects—ideal for drinkware or rolling crafts techreviewer3dwithus.com.
Materials & Capability
- Supports engraving (and light cutting) on a wide range: wood, leather, cloth, anodized metals, ceramics, acrylic, and stone The Makers Chesttechreviewer3dwithus.com.
- Excellent results on anodized aluminum, wooden surfaces, and slate—provides crisp engraving without fraying techreviewerThe Gadgeteer.
- Cutting performance is limited: e.g., ~3 mm plywood requires multiple passes; clear acrylic resists due to laser wavelength characteristics techreviewer.
Software & Connectivity
- Fully compatible with industry-standard software: LightBurn, LaserGRBL, and Longer’s LaserBurn app (for mobile)
- Convenient device setup—LightBurn can import a device profile automatically
- Connectivity options include USB-C and Wi-Fi, though Wi-Fi can be unstable; the LaserBurn app is functional but lacks polish and can be prone to mirror errors.
Setup & Usability
- Quick to assemble—most users are operational in under 10 minutes using the included hardware, manual, and color-coded cables.
- The magnetic protective hood simplifies setup, though it can get in the way of visual alignment, making framing somewhat tricky.
- It works well, is easy to use and is light and portable
- It can also be used to mark on surfaces as well.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
| Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Compact, intuitive galvo design | Small default work area |
| High-speed engraving (5,000 mm/s) | Weak cutting—especially on thicker materials or clear acrylic |
| Excellent precision on various materials | Protective cover hampers visibility; Wi-Fi is unreliable |
| Expansions (slide & rotary) enhance flexibility | LaserBurn app is rudimentary |
| Easy to set up and transport | — |
Recommended For…
- Crafters, makers, and small-business artisans needing a portable yet precise engraving tool.
- Perfect for personalized gifts, decorative wood plaques, anodized metal branding, or crafting on stones and leather.
Summary
The Longer Nano Pro 12W bridges portability and power with remarkable speed and precision. It shines in detail work on a variety of materials, while offering just enough flexibility through its slide and rotary accessories. Though not a heavy-duty cutter, it excels at engraving and is user-friendly from assembly to software use—making it an excellent tool for hobbyists and creative professionals alike.
Let me know if you’d like comparisons with other engravers or help sourcing one for your setup!
