xTool S1 40W Laser Cutter and Engraver User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective operation of your xTool S1 40W Laser Cutter and Engraver. The xTool S1 is a powerful and versatile machine designed for precision cutting and engraving on a wide range of materials, offering advanced features like Pin-point Positioning and AutoPassthrough Technology.

Figure 1: xTool S1 40W Laser Cutter and Engraver with included accessories.

2. Safety Information

WARNING: Laser radiation can cause eye and skin damage. Always follow safety guidelines.

The xTool S1 is designed with Class 1 safety features to ensure a secure operating environment. These features include:

• Enclosed Design: The fully enclosed structure helps contain laser light, smoke, and noise.
• Protective Cover: Filters 99% of laser light, eliminating the need for external goggles during operation.
• Flame Sensors: Built-in 5-direction flame sensors automatically halt operation if a flame is detected.
• Emergency Stop Button: Provides an immediate shutdown in case of an emergency.
• Lid-Open Safety Stop: Automatically stops the laser if the lid is opened during operation.

Figure 2: Overview of xTool S1's Class 1 safety features.

Ensure proper ventilation when operating the machine, especially when engraving materials that produce fumes. Consider using an air assist system or smoke purifier for optimal air quality.

Video 1: "Create Boldly, Protect Wisely" - Demonstrates the safety features of the xTool S1.

3. Setup

The xTool S1 is designed for ease of use, often ready out of the box. Follow these general steps for initial setup:

1. Unboxing: Carefully remove the machine and all accessories from the packaging. Retain packaging for future transport or storage.
2. Placement: Place the xTool S1 on a stable, level surface with adequate space around it for ventilation and operation.
3. Power Connection: Connect the power adapter to the machine and a suitable power outlet.
4. Software Installation: Download and install the xTool Creative Space (XCS) software from the official xTool website.
5. Firmware Update: Before first use, connect the machine to your computer via USB and check for firmware updates within XCS. It is strongly recommended to use USB for the initial firmware upgrade.

Video 2: "Unbox xTool S1 Section 2 Riser Base" - Demonstrates the assembly of the riser base for the xTool S1.

For detailed instructions on assembling the riser base or other accessories, refer to the specific guides provided with those components or the official xTool support resources.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Basic Operation with XCS Software

1. Material Placement: Place your material on the honeycomb panel inside the machine.
2. Auto-Focus: Move the laser module above the material and click the focusing button in XCS to automatically set the focal length.
3. Measure Processing Area: Use the "Measure" function to define the working area by marking the top-left and bottom-right coordinates of your material.
4. Design & Parameter Setting: Import or create your design in XCS. Select the appropriate material type and adjust parameters (power, speed, passes) based on the material and desired effect (score, engrave, cut). XCS offers preset parameters for over 400 materials.
5. Framing: Use the "Framing" function to preview the laser path on your material before starting the process.
6. Start Processing: Once satisfied with the preview, click "Start" in XCS and press the button on the machine to begin processing.

Video 3: "xTool Creative Space-Software designed for xTool machines" - A guide to using the XCS software for your first project.

4.2 Engraving Curved Surfaces

The xTool S1 supports 3D curve engraving. To engrave on curved surfaces like tumblers or plates:

1. Material Preparation: Ensure your curved material is stable and properly positioned. For plates, use a specially cut foam to secure it.
2. Select Curve Process: In XCS, select the "Curve process" mode.
3. Curve Measurement: Use the "Curve-measure" function. Move the laser module to mark the upper-left and bottom-right vertices of the processing area. The software will then measure the surface curvature.
4. Adjust Model: After measurement, XCS generates a 3D model of the surface. You can adjust smoothness and tension for optimal results.
5. Process: Place your design and start the engraving process as usual.

Video 4: "How to engrave curved surface" - Detailed steps for setting up and engraving on non-flat materials.

4.3 Using the Rotary Attachment

For cylindrical objects like tumblers, the optional rotary attachment (RA2 Pro) is essential:

1. Install Rotary Attachment: Place the rotary attachment on the baseplate of the xTool S1.
2. Connect: Connect the rotary attachment to the xTool S1 using the provided cable.
3. Position Material: Secure your cylindrical material (e.g., tumbler) onto the rotary attachment.
4. Auto-Focus: Move the laser module to position the locating spot at the highest point of the material and initiate auto-focus.
5. Process: Close the lid and start the engraving process from XCS.

Video 5: "How to use rotary attachment" - Demonstrates the setup and use of the rotary attachment for cylindrical engraving.

5. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your xTool S1:

• Lens Cleaning: Periodically clean the laser lens with a soft, lint-free cloth and lens cleaning solution to maintain engraving quality.
• Honeycomb Panel Cleaning: Remove debris and residue from the honeycomb panel regularly to prevent buildup and ensure proper material support.
• Rail Lubrication: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the guide rails as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure smooth movement of the laser module.
• Software Updates: Keep your XCS software and machine firmware updated to benefit from the latest features and improvements.

6. Troubleshooting

For common issues and solutions, refer to the official xTool Troubleshooting Guide (PDF) available for download. Some general tips include:

• Connection Issues: Ensure USB cables are securely connected and Wi-Fi is stable. Restarting both the machine and software can often resolve connectivity problems.
• Engraving Quality: Check focal length, material parameters (power, speed, passes), and ensure the material surface is clean and flat (unless using curve engraving).
• Safety Stops: If the machine stops unexpectedly, check for open lids, flame sensor activation, or emergency stop button engagement. Address the cause before resuming.

If problems persist, contact xTool customer support for assistance. You can find contact information on the xTool website or within the XCS software.

7. Specifications

Table 1: Key Specifications of the xTool S1 40W Laser Cutter and Engraver.

8. Warranty and Support

xTool products typically come with a manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty details, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official xTool website.

For customer support, technical assistance, or to join the community, xTool offers multiple channels:

• Email Support
• Live Chat
• Phone Support
• Facebook Group: Join the official xTool Facebook group for community support and tips.

Figure 3: xTool Multi-Channel Service Options.