xTool F2 5W IR & vs xTool S1 40W Laser Cutter Laser Engraver: Spec Comparison
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You are comparing the xtool f2 5w ir vs s1 40w laser cutter laser engraver. Both units are enclosed Class 1 or Class 4 devices from xTool, designed for safe indoor operation. The main difference lies in their power and purpose. The F2 uses a dual 15W diode and 5W IR system for high-speed, portable marking. The S1 features a single 40W diode laser for heavy-duty cutting and large-format engraving. Each serves distinct workflow needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | xTool F2 15W Diode & 5W IR Laser Engraver | xTool S1 40W Enclosed Laser Cutter |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Power | 15W Diode, 5W IR | 40W Diode |
| Working Area | Not listed | 23.93" x 15.16" |
| Engraving Speed | Up to 6000mm/s | 600mm/s |
| Key Features | 50MP Camera, 3D Embossing | Rotary Axis, Auto-Passthrough |
| Cutting Capacity | Not listed | 18mm cherry wood |
Which one should you choose?
Choose xTool F2 15W Diode & 5W IR Laser Engraver if
- You need to mark metals with vivid color using the IR laser
- You prioritize ultra-fast engraving speeds for batch processing
- You require a portable unit for pop-ups or small workshops
Choose xTool S1 40W Enclosed Laser Cutter if
- You need to cut thick wood or acrylic in large formats
- You want safety features like flame sensors and Class 1 operation
- You require a rotary axis for tumblers or curved surfaces
Verdict: Choose the F2 if your priority is high-speed marking, metal color engraving, and portability. Select the S1 if you need substantial cutting power for thick materials and a large working area for bigger projects. The specs clearly separate these into distinct use cases.
xTool F2 vs S1 Spec Breakdown
Laser Power
The xTool F2 features a dual-laser system combining a 15W diode and a 5W infrared source. This setup targets specific materials, with the IR laser handling metal marking and the diode managing wood or acrylic. In contrast, the xTool S1 offers a single, more powerful 40W (40,000mW) diode laser. This higher wattage allows the S1 to slice through thicker materials, such as 18mm cherry wood, in a single pass. If you need raw cutting power for dense materials, the S1 is the stronger choice. If you need versatility for marking metals, the F2’s dual approach provides necessary infrared capability that the S1 lacks.
Laser Type
Laser type determines what materials you can process effectively. The xTool F2 is a hybrid machine, equipped with both diode and infrared lasers. This combination lets you engrave color on metals using the IR source while using the diode for standard wood or plastic projects. The xTool S1 relies solely on a 40W diode laser. While excellent for wood, acrylic, and leather, it cannot mark metals without a coating. The F2’s dual nature makes it more adaptable for mixed-material workflows, whereas the S1 is optimized for high-speed cutting and engraving on non-metal substrates.
Engraving Speed
Speed impacts how quickly you can complete batches or large projects. The xTool F2 boasts an ultra-fast motion speed of up to 6000mm/s. This allows it to engrave a single card in just three seconds, making it ideal for high-volume personalization services. The xTool S1 operates at a maximum speed of 600mm/s. While still fast for cutting and detailed engraving, it is ten times slower in motion than the F2. If your work involves rapid, repetitive engraving tasks, the F2’s superior speed offers a significant efficiency advantage for commercial or busy hobbyist use.
Working Area
The size of the working area dictates the maximum dimensions of your projects. The xTool S1 provides a spacious bed measuring 23.93 inches by 15.16 inches. This large format is suitable for substantial items like door signs or multiple dog tags arranged in a grid. The xTool F2 has a much smaller footprint, with a width of 9.33 inches. It is designed for smaller items like coasters, phone cases, or jewelry. If you regularly work with large sheets or big objects, the S1’s expansive bed is essential, while the F2 suits compact, small-scale work.
Features
Key features enhance precision and usability. The xTool F2 includes a built-in 50MP camera for visualizing the workspace and achieving 0.1mm alignment accuracy. This helps prevent material waste on small pieces. It also weighs only 10 pounds, making it highly portable for markets or pop-ups. The xTool S1 focuses on stability and safety, featuring a 3mm aerospace-grade aluminum frame and five flame sensors. It also includes AutoPassthrough Technology for long materials. The F2 offers better positioning tools and portability, while the S1 provides robust safety and structural rigidity for larger, heavier projects.
Which xTool fits your workflow best
You need high-speed metal marking and portability
The xTool F2 uses a 5W IR laser to mark metal with vivid color. Its 15W diode handles wood and acrylic. Weighing only 10 pounds, it fits easily into travel cases. The 50MP camera ensures precise alignment for small items. You can engrave at speeds up to 6000mm/s. This speed allows you to finish tasks like card engraving in seconds. The enclosed design keeps fumes contained while you work.
You cut thick wood and large acrylic sheets
The xTool S1 delivers 40W of power to slice through 18mm cherry wood in a single pass. Its large 23.93 by 15.16 inch bed accommodates big projects like door signs. The 600mm/s speed keeps production moving. Auto-focus and Pin-point Positioning help you tackle curved surfaces or large flat materials. The Class 1 safety rating protects your eyes without goggles. This machine is built for heavy-duty cutting and engraving tasks.
You want safe operation with kids or pets
The xTool S1 is a Class 1 laser, meaning the protective cover filters 99% of the laser light. You do not need safety goggles for normal use. Built-in flame sensors stop the machine if fire is detected. An emergency stop button and lid-open stop feature add extra layers of protection. The enclosed design blocks smoke and noise. This setup creates a secure environment for home workshops where children or pets might be present.
The products compared
xTool F2 15W Diode & 5W IR Laser Engraver
Best for: mobile vendors needing metal and wood engraving
- Laser Type
- Diode, IR
- Laser Power
- 15W Diode, 5W IR
- Engraving Speed
- Up to 6000mm/s
- Form Factor
- Fully enclosed
- Compatible Material
- Metal
- Features
- Camera
View on Amazon: xTool F2 15W Diode & 5W IR Laser Engraver Affiliate link
The xTool F2 combines a 15W diode laser and a 5W IR laser in a fully enclosed, portable unit. It reaches speeds up to 6000mm/s and includes a built-in 50MP camera for 0.1 mm alignment accuracy. Weighing 10 pounds, it is designed for on-site customization at markets. The dual-laser setup handles metal marking and 3D embossing, making it suitable for users needing versatility in a compact, pre-assembled form factor.
Pros
- Dual-laser system with 15W diode and 5W IR output
- Built-in 50MP camera for precise positioning
- Engraving speeds up to 6000mm/s
- Fully enclosed, leak-proof design for indoor safety
- Arrives fully assembled for immediate use
Cons
- 15W diode power is lower than the 40W cutter on this list
- 5W IR laser limits deep engraving depth on metals
- Smaller working area compared to larger stationary cutters
Good fit if
- You need a portable machine for pop-up markets
- You want to engrave both metal and wood
- You prefer a pre-assembled unit for quick setup
Skip if
- You require high-power cutting through thick materials
- You need a large bed for wide projects
- You are looking for a stationary industrial machine
Verdict: The xTool F2 5W IR & 15W Diode is a compact, dual-laser tool for mobile vendors. It suits those who need metal marking and wood engraving in a portable, enclosed unit, but it lacks the power for heavy-duty cutting.
xTool S1 40W Enclosed Laser Cutter
Best for: High-power cutting and safe indoor engraving
- Laser Power
- 40W (40,000mW)
- Working Area
- 23.93" x 15.16"
- Engraving Speed
- 600mm/s
- Software Compatibility
- xTool Creative Space (XCS)
- Form Factor
- Enclosed
- Cutting Capacity
- 18mm cherry wood
View on Amazon: xTool S1 40W Enclosed Laser Cutter Affiliate link
The xTool S1 is a 40W enclosed laser cutter and engraver designed for productivity and safety. It features a 23.93" x 15.16" working area and reaches engraving speeds of 600mm/s. The Class 1 safety rating allows operation without goggles, while the 40W power cuts up to 18mm cherry wood. It includes a rotary axis for tumblers and runs on xTool Creative Space software. This machine suits users needing high power in a contained workspace.
Pros
- 40W laser power cuts 18mm cherry wood in one pass
- Enclosed Class 1 design blocks smoke and filters laser light
- 600mm/s engraving speed on a large 23.93" x 15.16" bed
- Includes rotary axis for tumblers and curved surfaces
Cons
- Lower laser power than the 15W diode and 5W IR options in this comparison
- Smaller working area than the dual-laser competitor
- No built-in camera for precise positioning
Good fit if
- You need to cut thick materials like 18mm wood
- You want a safe, enclosed unit for indoor use
- You require high-speed engraving for large batches
Skip if
- You need to engrave metals with infrared
- You want a built-in camera for alignment
- You prefer an open-frame design for large materials
Verdict: The xTool S1 40W Enclosed Laser delivers strong cutting power and speed in a safe, enclosed frame. It fits users who prioritize high wattage and a contained workspace over the multi-laser versatility of the F2.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | xTool F2 15W Diode & 5W IR Laser Engraver | xTool S1 40W Enclosed Laser Cutter |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Type | Diode, IR | not stated |
| Laser Power | 15W Diode, 5W IR | 40W (40,000mW) |
| Working Area | not stated | 23.93" x 15.16" |
| Engraving Speed | Up to 6000mm/s | 600mm/s |
| Software Compatibility | not stated | xTool Creative Space (XCS) |
| Form Factor | Fully enclosed | Enclosed |
| Cutting Capacity | not stated | 18mm cherry wood |
| Compatible Material | Metal | Wood, Metal, Acrylic |
| Features | Camera | Rotary Axis |
| Size | xTool F2 Basic | 40W |
| Application | not stated | Tumblers |
| Dimensions | 6.89 × 9.33 × 0.1 inches | not stated |
| Weight | 10 pounds | not stated |
| Length | not stated | 19.6 inches |
| Width | not stated | 19.6 inches |
| Color | Orange | Black Rotary |
| Model | MXF-K005-002 | MXD-K101-001 |
Frequently asked questions
Can the xTool F2 cut thick wood?
No, the xTool F2 is not designed for heavy-duty cutting. Its 15W diode and 5W IR lasers are optimized for engraving and marking. The device lacks the power needed to cut through thick materials. You should use the xTool S1 for cutting tasks, as it offers 40W of power to handle wood and acrylic with ease.
Which machine is better for metal engraving?
The xTool F2 is the better choice for metal engraving. It includes a dedicated 5W infrared laser specifically for marking metal surfaces. The xTool S1 focuses on wood and acrylic cutting. While the S1 can engrave, the F2’s specialized IR source provides vivid color results on metal without needing special coatings.
Is the xTool S1 portable?
The xTool S1 is not designed for portability. It is a larger, enclosed unit with dimensions of 19.6 inches by 19.6 inches. In contrast, the xTool F2 is built for mobile vendors and weighs only 10 pounds. If you need to transport your laser engraver frequently, the compact F2 is the more suitable option.
Does the xTool S1 include a rotary axis?
Yes, the xTool S1 comes with a rotary axis feature. This allows you to engrave cylindrical objects like tumblers effectively. The xTool F2 does not list a rotary axis in its attributes. If you plan to work on round items regularly, the S1’s built-in rotary capability makes it a more versatile tool for those projects.
Which laser has a camera for alignment?
The xTool F2 includes a camera for alignment. This feature helps you position your designs accurately on the work surface. The xTool S1 specifications do not mention a camera. If precise visual alignment is important to your workflow, the F2’s integrated camera provides a clear advantage for detailed engraving tasks.
Can the xTool S1 cut acrylic?
Yes, the xTool S1 can cut acrylic. Its 40W laser power is sufficient to slice through acrylic materials cleanly. The xTool F2 is limited to engraving and marking. It lacks the necessary wattage for cutting. If you need to produce acrylic signs or shapes, the S1 is the appropriate machine for that job.