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 - not marine ply
• MDF
• Non PVC composite woods
• Paper/Card (See additional restrictions)
• Cardboard (See additional restrictions)
• Foamboard - non PVC or other banned material (See additional restrictions)
• Acrylic/Plexiglas/PMMA (See additional restrictions)
• Acetal/Delryn/POM (See additional restrictions)
• Non PVC rubber (such as EPDM) (See additional restrictions)
• 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.

The following materials are banned for safety reasons, because they give off highly toxic fumes, are a fire risk, or may damage the machine.

• PVC/Vinyl - releases Chlorine which will damage the laser
• Polycarbonate
• ABS
• Polyethylene (PE / HDPE)
• Styrene / Polystyrene / HIPS
• Polyethylene (PET / PETG)
• Nylon (PA)
• Treated or coated real leather
• Vegan leather
• Epoxy and similar resin materials
• Carbon fibre composite
• Fibreglass - both raw glass fibre and finished composite
• Any other material containing Bromine (Br), Chlorine (Cl), Flourine (F), or Iodine (I) in its chemical formula
• Any other material containing a CN bond (Carbon-Nitrogen) in its chemical formula
• Any other material advertised as fireproof / flame retardant
• Any metals (pending risk assessment and review)
• Food - do not 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.

Laser power - 20 W Spot size - 0.08 x 0.06 mm Working Speed - 600 mm/s Working Area - 498 x 330 mm Connection - USB/WiFi Supported Files - SVG/DXF/JPG/JPEG/PNG/BMP/TIF