xTool S1 Diode Laser

The xTool S1 is a 20W 455nm (blue, #0061ff) diode laser with a 608 x 385mm bed and a maximum material thickness of 42mm.

Our setup includes the honeycomb panel and air assist. With the honeycomb panel installed the maximum material thickness is 15mm.

See xTool S1 - Lightburn for a step by step guide.

The materials approved for use on the diode laser are mostly the same as the other laser with important additional restrictions.

Only the following materials may be used with the xTool laser cutter (subject to additional restrictions below):

• Solid wood sheets
• Plywood
• MDF
• Non PVC composite woods
• Paper/Card (See additional restrictions)
• Cardboard (See additional restrictions)
• Acrylic/Plexiglas/PMMA (See additional restrictions)
• Acetal/Delryn/POM (See additional restrictions)
• Non PVC foamcore (See additional restrictions)
• Non PVC rubber
• Cotton/Hemp based textiles https://www.xtool.com/blogs/xtool-academy/laser-cutting-fabric
• Untreated real leather https://www.xtool.com/blogs/xtool-academy/leather-laser-engraving

The laser uses blue light, materials reflective or transparent to blue light will not work.

Materials with colours inside the black dashed line may not work very well.

Do not attempt to cut clear, white or blue plastics such as Acrylic, Plexiglas etc.

• PVC/Vinyl - releases Chlorine which will damage the laser
• Any other material containing chlorinated or halogen based compounds
• Treated Leather - releases Formaldehyde
• Any other material containing more than trace levels of Formaldehyde
• Polycarbonate
• Polystyrene foam
• Epoxy/Fibreglass
• PETG - releases large amounts of fine dust which can contaminate the optics and is flammable
• Coated carbon fibre
• Food - please don't eat anything out of the laser cutter

• Do not defeat the interlock
• Do not disable the fire detection system
• Only use approved materials
• Actively supervise the laser cutter while cutting
• Do not turn off the blower unless you are certain it is necessary

The laser module can move with the lid open. Ensure fingers and hands are clear when:

• Turning on
• Jogging the tool in software
• Homing
• Resetting after emergency stop
• Running “Detect” operations

The emergency stop button is located on the right side of the laser cutter at the back.

Also indicated with the red arrow below:

Other ways of stopping the laser include:

• The button on the front - when running this acts as a “Pause” button
• The software “Stop” button in LightBurn
• The right-hand isolator switch

Flammable materials like wood, paper and plastic can catch fire when cutting. You must actively supervise all laser cutting and be prepared to stop the machine if a fire breaks out.

Only use a CO2 fire extinguisher with the laser. This is located next to the door to the CNC room, directly behind you when facing the laser.

Before starting any work with the laser ensure the surrounding area is clear of flammable materials, especially volatile substances like isopropyl alcohol.

If a fire breaks out while using the laser stop the job immediately, do not assume that the on-board fire detection system will work. Use any of the following:

• The “Stop” button on the PC.
• The button on the front of the machine (“Pause” if a job is running).
• The emergency stop button
• The isolator switch

If it is safe to do so continue to tackle the fire with the CO2 fire extinguisher.

If the fire has spread beyond the confines of the machine follow the Hackspace Fire! procedure.