Power and Safety in One: Meet the xTool S1 40W Enclosed Diode Laser Cutter and Engraver

Makers who have considered a leap into laser cutting and engraving but who have previously been put off by safety concerns and potential complexity may want to think again, as xTool launches its new xTool S1 — the world's first 40W enclosed diode laser cutter and engraver, built with safety firmly in mind.

Designed to rival the power of CO2 lasers with the simplicity of a diode laser, the xTool S1 is a Class 1-rated machine with a wealth of safety features. From a dual-wavelength filtering observation cover with safety cut-out when opened to a rapid flame detection system and high-performance fume extraction system, the xTool S1 aims to find a home on any maker's desk — while delivering accuracy and performance at both cutting and engraving tasks.

The hardware

• Laser Power: 40W (20W model also available)
• Spot Size: 0.1×0.15mm (0.08×0.1mm on 20W model)
• Movement Speed: 600mm/s
• Working Area: 498×319mm (498×330mm on 20W model), expandable with optional automatic conveyor feeder
• Connectivity: USB and Wi-Fi/TF card
• Software: XCS for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS (also Lightburn compatible)
• Supported File Formats: SVG, DXF, JPG, PNG, BMP, TIF
• Dimensions: 765×561×183mm (765×561×268mm including riser base)

What sets the new xTool S1 apart from the competition is its fully-enclosed design. The product of a year-long research and development process, the laser cutter comes in a fire-resistant housing with a high-transparency lid built to filter out dangerous wavelengths of light — allowing you to monitor a job's progress without having to wear special goggles or put your eyesight at risk.

"Safety is non-negotiable. While we always provide protective goggles with our machines, we noticed that users might not always wear them as they should," xTool's spokesperson explains of the company's thinking behind the new design. "To ensure an even safer experience, we designed the S1 as a 'Class 1' laser, the highest safety level. This means you can operate it without protective goggles, ensuring peace of mind during every session."

The casing also includes a smoke extraction system, featuring an active exhaust fan which removes any harmful gases produced during the laser cutting or engraving process for venting outside. The xTool S1 also benefits from a five-way flame sensor system to offer early warning if material is overheated, while integrated cut-offs trigger an emergency stop if the cover is opened during use or the device is tilted or experiences an impact. There's a manual emergency stop, too, placed for easy access.

Twin-point positioning

While the xTool S1 is built with safety at the forefront, though, there are plenty of other innovations within its design. The laser cutter and engraver includes xTool's pioneering TwinPoint positioning system, tracking both the current position of the laser module and the processing range of the material in use. Using the company's XCS software, on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, designs to be cut or engraved can be easily positioned with high accuracy — avoiding distortion issues which can plague camera-based positioning systems.

When in use as a laser engraver, the xTool S1 also benefits from a dynamic-focus engraving system offering a multi-point high-precision automated focus adjustment across three dimensional surfaces, through a motorized Z axis. With this, the company claims, it's possible to engrave on non-flat materials as accurately as on a flat surface — without manual adjustment.

If large-scale creations are on the cards, the xTool S1 offers an optional automatic conveyor feeder system which boosts the cutting and engraving area from 498×319mm (around 19.6×12.6") to handle materials up to 3,000mm (around 118") in length — automatically passing the material to be cut or engraved through the machine. For rounded objects, like mugs, rings, and spheres, the optional RA2 Pro attachment provides automatic rotation — and for larger pieces, a riser base expands the machine to handle objects up to 125mm (sold in Europe and the UK)/133.5mm(sold in non-Europe and the UK).

Powerful performance

Despite being as safe as possible to use, the xTool S1 doesn't skimp on power. The xTool S1 uses eight 6W lasers compressed to offer 40W of output power — equivalent to the output of CO2 lasers and capable of cutting through up solid wood of up to 18mm (around 0.7") in thickness. The laser head is also interchangeable, with an optional 1064nm-wavelength alternative handling materials including wood, leather, plastic, acrylic, and even stainless steel and precious metals — while the laser-filtering safety cover retains full protection.

The xTool S1's laser head movement system delivers stable performance at 600mm/s (around 23.6 inches per second), the company says, offering rapid yet high-precision engraving and cutting. Those who don't need the power of a 40W laser output, meanwhile, have the option of a variant with 20W output power — available at a lower price for the maker on a budget, and with an enlarged working area of 498×330mm (around 19.6×13").

Despite all this, the xTool S1 is claimed to be as easy to use as possible — arriving pre-assembled and with a setup process the company claims can be completed in under five minutes. "Not everyone's a laser pro, right? That's why we decided to spare our users the hassle of assembly," xTool's spokesperson explains. "When you receive the S1, it's ready to roll. A few straightforward setup steps, and you're good to go. It's all about keeping things accessible."

A 'quantum leap' for diode lasers

"The S1 represents a quantum leap in diode laser technology," the company's spokesperson concludes. "It's a potent blend of power, ease of use, precision, and safety. Whether you're just starting your laser journey or you're a seasoned pro, the S1 is your trusty companion for creating, innovating, and exploring new horizons. We believe it's a game-changer, and we can't wait for the world to experience its magic."

The xTool S1 is now available, priced at $1,599.99 for the 20W variant and $1,999.99 for the 40W model. Order now and receive a complimentary air assist worth $169 and a honeycomb accessory also valued at $169, enhancing your crafting capabilities.