Last October, the manufacturer presented the xTool S1, a powerful and particularly safe laser engraving machine. It relies on a 40 watt laser, innovative features and a closed system that ensures maximum safety. We took a closer look at the xTool S1 in a test.
Technical data
| The product | S1 |
| Engraving size | 498 mm x 320 mm |
| Laser power | 40 watts |
| Dot size | 0.08 x 0.10 mm |
| Working speed | 600 mm/s |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, iPadOS |
| File formats | SVG/DXF/JPG/JPEG/PNG/BMP/TIF |
| Interfaces | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Operation | App (XCS; Lightburn) |
| Weight | 20 kg |
| Size | 765 mm x 561 mm x 183 mm |
| Price | € 2,649.00 * |
xTool S1 test: Scope of delivery and assembly
xTool delivers the S1 with lots of accessories, all of which are supplied in separate boxes. In addition to the laser engraving machine itself, the Air Assist, a honeycomb plate, a fire protection set and a material box are always included, which together naturally weigh quite a bit.
The xTool S1 alone weighs around 20 kg and measures 765 mm x 561 mm x 183 mm without the elevation plate. The laser engraver comes fully assembled, so you don’t have to do much other than connect the cables, loosen the locking screws and connect the accessories, which can be done very quickly.
You can then connect the xTool S1 to your PC or notebook via USB. The laser engraver is a bit tricky with the WLAN connection. A search on the Internet revealed that many users apparently have a problem here, one solution is to set it up via app, which also worked in our test.
xTool S1 test: design and workmanship
The xTool S1 is available either in black with a green lens or in white with an orange lens. Our test model comes in the black color scheme and looks very appealing. The workmanship of the device is also very high quality, while the machine itself is fireproof.
The lid is pleasantly easy to open, but is robust enough to ensure safety. Another advantage of the glass lid is that the laser engraving machine is particularly safe thanks to the lid and you can still see the results of the work immediately.
The cover not only consistently filters out the diode laser, but also the 1064 nm infrared laser, so that all potentially dangerous rays are blocked and the S1 can be used without safety goggles.
In addition, the laser engraver has a powerful fume extraction system with an active exhaust fan, which extracts all harmful substances generated during work and thus protects your health. As soon as the lid is opened, the S1 also switches off automatically. In an emergency, there is also a red emergency stop button on the side that stops engraving immediately. The safety features of the xTool S1 are rounded off by a 5-way flame detection system, so more safety is not possible.
The xTool S1 is switched on via a solid button on the front. It is also surrounded by a colored light ring that indicates the different modes or possible errors. We have already mentioned the enormous size. It ensures that a working area of 498 x 330 mm is available, which means that even larger jobs can be carried out.
The xTool S1 in a practical test
Once the quick and easy setup is complete, it’s time to get down to business. The xTool S1 is extremely versatile here. A practical feature is the two-point positioning of the camera, which improves precision together with the encoder and algorithm.
The software can be used to view the positioning of the laser in real time and check the processing area in order to achieve precise results with pinpoint accuracy. Production can also be viewed here in order to implement patterns quickly and easily.
In addition, the S1 has an intelligent Dynamicfocus system that enables high-precision multi-point measurement and automatic 3D object modeling. As the focus is constantly recalculated during engraving and adjusted in real time, precise engraving effects can be achieved.
A total of eight lasers with a total output of 40 watts are used, which enables an output comparable to CO2 machines and makes the possibilities for material selection extremely diverse. Even solid wood up to 18 mm thick poses no problems for the laser engraver. However, engraving on acrylic, metal, leather, stone and much more is also possible. A complete list of all compatible materials can be found on the manufacturer’s website.
The engraving process takes place at up to 600 mm/s, although particularly demanding materials or particularly fine details naturally require a significantly lower speed.
You can switch between three modes by pressing the button on the front. These allow a circle-shaped positioning for round objects, a two-point positioning for elongated objects such as pens or similar and a polygonal positioning in which the edges of the engraving surface can be freely adjusted.
A particularly practical feature is that the S1 can also mark and engrave several different shapes at the same time. The practical xTool software is also easy to use and offers several presets for most materials, which we found to be very precise.
In combination with the Air Assist, which allows adjustment in three stages, a maximum output or an automatic mode, and the reliable Smoke Purifier, the results are even better. The Air Assist adjusts the airflow to improve the performance of the xTool S1 and achieve clearer edges. The exhaust air filter, on the other hand, extracts the air via a hose and purifies the air by a whopping 99.97 percent, which minimizes possible contamination from smoke and dust and thus further improves the engraving results.
Keyword results: The results from the xTool S1 are absolutely impressive. The laser engraver works out even the finest details, shades and nuances excellently and achieves highly precise and clean engravings that are impressive regardless of the material.
xTool S1 test: Conclusion
With the xTool S1, the manufacturer delivers an outstanding and powerful laser engraving machine that also offers maximum safety and is quick and easy to set up. The 40 watt laser power makes the device individually applicable and suitable for most materials, so that there are virtually no limits to creativity.
Compared to cheaper models, the high price is of course an investment, but it really pays off in terms of quality and performance. Thanks to its intuitive operation and impressive app, the laser is easy to use even for non-experts and is particularly versatile.
The enormous size also allows the implementation of larger projects, which makes the xTool S1 an absolutely recommendable laser engraver for hobby users and semi-professional users.
xTool S1
Design and Workmanship
Performance
Precision
Value For Money
91/100
Powerful and fast laser engraving machine with maximum safety and a precise laser that can handle many materials. The xTool S1 is powerful, but easy to operate even for non-experts.
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