Laser cutting and engraving machines have experienced a recent boom in both popularity and accessibility. There has never been such a diverse array of selections for creators, featuring machines of various sizes and distinctly different features and applications. So, how can you determine where to begin, what you actually need, and how much to invest?
For the majority, a decision will be influenced by the end product. For instance, if your goal is to create wooden building kits, you will require a device capable of slicing wood at dimensions that accommodate your needs. This would most likely be a completely different machine compared to one selected for engraving bespoke pins or dog tags, which would likely necessitate alternative laser technology.
This is where a model like the F1 Ultra comes into play, as it somewhat transcends these boundaries. It features both Fibre and diode lasers within a single unit, thus allowing for cutting and engraving (as well as embossing, which will be discussed later). Although it doesn’t possess the most expansive working area, it does include some useful accessories that can convert it into a production powerhouse.
But does it fulfill its role as a commercial-level device that can also be utilized by artists for more personal projects? I’ve spent several weeks testing its functionalities, juxtaposing it with my other laser cutters and the numerous models I’ve evaluated, rigorously putting it through its trials.
Set-up and Construction Quality
Unlike many laser cutters, the XTool F1 Ultra is essentially ready to operate as soon as you unpack it. No assembly is required at all. Just take out the packaging, ensuring to check the interior where certain components are placed, connect it to power, along with the extraction tube and controller, and finally the USB lock key, and it’s prepared for use.
A couple of initial steps like basic calibration are required, but this only takes a few seconds. Just remember to take off the lens cover, or else you might find yourself puzzled. Other than that, connecting the power and USB-C cables, and the exhaust tube is pretty straightforward. Start the Tool software, and you’re ready.
The construction quality is exceptional. The F1 Ultra is remarkably well made, crafted from robust materials designed to endure for years. Even the handle on the green plastic cover is metallic, and the ports for attaching peripherals have a solid feel.
If you choose the package with rotary or conveyor options, you’ll discover comparable build quality and materials there, as well.
In contrast to some laser models, the F1 Ultra has a fairly compact footprint, with a working area measuring 22cm x 22cm. The platform boasts several useful features, including an extra plate equipped with cooling fins and an ‘L’ shaped screw-down guide, replete with a matrix of threaded holes on the surface to facilitate material placement.
The assembly also feels comprehensive. The motors that raise and lower the upper section for focus are smooth and precise, the fan effectively ventilates the unit, especially when using the excellent XTool SafetyPro purifier, and the emergency stop function is responsive to intervention.
The F1 can connect either wirelessly or through USB-C. I opted for a wired setup due to my desk arrangement, but the wireless connection worked seamlessly when tested.
I’m also quite fond of the control panel. This could have easily been integrated into the machine itself, but XTool wisely chose to keep it as a separate module with a decent cable, enabling flexible placement. The panel features a straightforward touchscreen interface, alongside physical buttons for adjusting focus, framing, and initiating a job once directed to the F1. I’ve even seen individuals 3D print holders for this, allowing it to attach to the F1’s lid, so you can get inventive.
Personally, I prefer to keep it near the computer, with the laser positioned further away. Regardless of your preferred arrangement, the F1 Ultra undoubtedly accommodates diverse working styles.
What can it accomplish?
At its most fundamental level, the F1 Ultra can cut, engrave, and emboss materials ranging from wood and plastics to ceramics, metals, and stone.
This is achieved through its dual lasers. One is a 20-watt fibre laser, while the other is a 20-watt diode laser. These lasers possess sufficient power to slice through .4mm metal sheets, which might seem minimal but allows for intriguing projects such as business cards that boast more character than ordinary printed paper versions. Alternatively, you can design foldable metal toys and endless personalized items.
In addition to engraving and cutting, the F1 Ultra can also emboss patterns, imparting genuine depth to projects. Take a glance at the coin below, engraved…into a brass token. This is achieved by generating a depth map, which the XCS software can subsequently convert into layered passes of the fiber laser, with each pass removing various sections of the material. Envision this as an FDM 3D printer building up layers of material but in reverse. These tasks may require some time, but fortunately, you have the option to pause and resume at any moment.
Aligning a material with a design can be challenging on certain machines, where you may have to utilize a pin to pinpoint a corner or a camera to observe a live view of the bed. The F1 employs a camera, which is my personal preference and it’s positioned high to minimize some of the unusual skewing that can occasionally occur. While it’s not completely flawless, it’s quite close. The F1 further includes a framing guide, where you press a button and the outline of your design is projected down, making it effortless to position the material precisely where it’s required. The synergy of this feature and the camera ensures misaligned cuts are a relic of the past.
The F1 Ultra operates using fixed lasers, where the beam is redirected via mirrors and a lens. Unlike larger machines, where the laser module shifts parallel to the work surface. For engraved designs, this presents no issues. However, should you wish to sever thicker materials, the closer you get to the edges the more you will encounter a problem, which are angled cuts. Though minor, the angles are noticeable, so keep this in consideration. It’s primarily an issue for anything beyond a few millimeters, but for individuals cutting larger, thicker materials, this machine likely isn’t on your priority list anyway.
For the vast majority, the F1 Ultra performs exceptionally well. It is precise, relatively quiet, and quite rapid. It can operate at speeds of up to 10,000mm per second. While that may seem considerable, witnessing a business card design being engraved on a metal card is even more astounding. One of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments.
Another highly beneficial attribute of the F1 Ultra is its ability to function on curved surfaces, thanks to the motorized height adjustment. Without this feature, similar to a conventional XY gantry-style machine, the laser would lose focus at particular points of the material.
The F1 Ultra can be acquired with a range of accessories that elevate its capabilities to a new dimension. Rotary attachments aren’t novel and the F1’s variant follows suit. It enables you to attach cylindrical items, such as glasses and bottles, allowing you to engrave designs on them without any distortion. The XTool rotary is manufactured with the same attention to detail and quality of materials as the F1 and I would highly recommend it.
Additionally, they provide a conveyor add-on for batch processing. This is an astute device that leverages the camera to locate multiple items for engraving the same design. It even adjusts the rotation of the cut, ensuring consistency across items. While nearly perfect, the occasional piece may occasionally miss the mark.
All these features cumulatively build a compelling argument for acquisition. The F1 Ultra is swift, precise, and versatile for various applications. You could be an individual seeking a capable desktop laser engraver or a crafter running an Etsy shop, looking to offer personalized pieces alongside your unique products. Regardless of your needs, this laser will undertake the task efficiently. While it comes at a premium price, it is exceptionally well-crafted and meets the demands of individuals or small businesses admirably.
Software and user experience
XTool’s software for the F1 Ultra is named XCS. It is a relatively user-friendly application, offering options for designing using standard operations and shapes, as well as a section for layout, configuring laser parameters, and more.
Clicking the camera icon reveals an image of the current status of the machine, easing the alignment of a design with your chosen material. Coupled with the framing tool, this feature performs exceptionally well.
You can also navigate to the design community/store where a variety of projects in diverse styles are available, pre-made with settings for various materials, which can be imported directly into XCS.
For those desiring something tailored but lacking design confidence, there’s even an AI feature, enabling you to input a prompt and receive a customized creation from the software. I experimented with this and it functions adequately, but I prefer utilizing my own designs. Nonetheless, it’s a welcome addition.
I appreciate the materials button located at the top right, which opens a library where you can select each material, with appropriate settings for the F1. After testing several of these, I can affirm they yield satisfactory results, although this will depend on where you procure your materials. I experimented with black metal business cards from various suppliers, and they are not created equally. They all performed adequately but some adjustments were required to achieve the best outcomes.
Price
The F1 Ultra ranges from £4,579 – £6,112, although XTool frequently offers significant discounts during sales.
Although it’s not inexpensive, you can select the package that best fits your requirements, ensuring you won’t pay for anything unnecessary. Overall, the value is quite fair as the combination of build quality, performance, and functionality is genuinely commendable.
Who is it for?
The F1 Ultra is suited for anyone in search of a laser engraver/cutter capable of handling multiple material types, cutting rapidly and providing batch processing options. Embossing is a relatively new feature but opens exciting avenues for creativity.
Buy it if…
- You work with varied materials
- Precision is crucial
- You wish to create bulk orders
- Space is limited
Don’t purchase it if…
- You are on a constrained budget
- You need to cut larger sheet materials