xTool F1 vs xTool F1 Ultra: Difference Explained

If you're a laser crafter, you might have heard that xTool has recently launched the xTool F1 Ultra, a successor to their fastest portable laser engraver, the xTool F1.

Curious about how much better xTool F1 Ultra is compared to the F1? This post is for you. It provides a side-by-side comparison of the xTool F1 and F1 Ultra and helps you decide which laser machine to buy.

xTool F1 vs xTool F1 Ultra: A Quick Comparison

Before we get into the details, here’s a quick comparison of the two laser machines:

xTool F1 vs xTool F1 Ultra: Laser Power and Laser Source

The first major change is in the laser type and power. The xTool F1 Ultra is the world's first machine to feature both, a 20W fiber laser and a 20W diode laser. Its fiber laser module emits infrared laser that is amplified by the fiber gain medium.

In contrast, the xTool F1 primarily uses a 10W diode laser with a 2W infrared laser module. Although its 2W module is also infrared laser, it is a diode-pumped solid-state laser (DPSSL) that uses a different material as the gain medium – this configuration is not as powerful as F1 Ultra.

xTool F1 vs xTool F1 Ultra: Compatible Materials

The xTool F1 Ultra's new laser type enhances its material processing performance. With its fiber laser, the machine can even cut thin metal sheets, including 0.3mm stainless steel, 0.2mm aluminum, and 0.4mm brass.

The engraving depth is a function of laser type and power. F1 Ultra can also perform deep engraving on rocks, ceramics, plastics, and all metals. Since the 20W diode is also there, it ensures continued compatibility for cutting and engraving common materials such as wood, leather, acrylic, rubber, and paper.

deep engraving made with xTool F1 Ultra

On the other hand, the xTool F1 comes with a diode laser and an infrared laser module. It share the same compatible materials with F1 Ultra. However, it has limitations on the engraving depth.

xTool F1 vs xTool F1 Ultra: Size and Working Area

There are significant differences in size and working area between the two models. The xTool F1 Ultra is almost twice as large as the F1, with a basic working area of 220 by 220 mm. This can be expanded to 220 by 550 mm with an additional auto conveyor, making it the largest galvo laser engraver available. It can engrave materials up to 145 mm in height. The machine weighs around 14.7 kg, which is still manageable and easy to place on desktops.

Whereas, the xTool F1 is made for portability and compactness. It comes in a handheld design and weighs just 4.6 kg. Its workspace measures 115 by 115 mm, and it can be expanded to 115 by 400 mm with an additional slide extension.

xTool F1 vs xTool F1 Ultra: Engraving Speed

Both the F1 and F1 Ultra use Galvo laser technology, which adds the industrial speed element. Previously, the F1 was the fastest engraver with speeds up to 4000 mm/s. However, the F1 Ultra surpasses it by offering an impressive engraving speed of 10,000 mm/s.

xTool F1 vs xTool F1 Ultra: Engraving Versatility

Curved surface engraving is another unique upgrade in the xTool F1 Ultra. The machine’s smart camera scans and maps out the 3D object, and then an intelligent mechanism automatically adjusts the focus as the height varies. Rotary engraving is also supported with an additional attachment, the RA2 Pro.

In contrast, the xTool F1 only supports flat engraving and rotary engraving. It cannot engrave curved and uneven surfaces.

xTool F1 vs xTool F1 Ultra: Design Positioning & Focus Adjustment

Both the xTool F1 and F1 Ultra support autofocus and manual focus for the laser head, but there are some key differences.

The F1 Ultra’s camera handles autofocusing automatically, detecting the material thickness and adjusting the focus without user input. In contrast, the F1 requires the user to enter the material thickness to adjust the focus.

The F1 lacks a preview camera and only offers a blue light frame preview of the engraving. On the other hand, design positioning is much easier with the F1 Ultra, thanks to its smart camera that provides an internal view of the workspace. In addition, the F1 Ultra’s smart camera can recognize shapes and autofill patterns on multiple pieces, making batch engraving a breeze.

xTool F1 vs xTool F1 Ultra: Software and Ease of Use

Both machines support xTool’s proprietary software, XCS, which is user-friendly and comes with preset materials and settings. You can simply drag and drop designs to start cutting or engraving operations. The machines also support the popular laser control software, Lightburn.

The F1 Ultra includes an additional control option: a touchscreen control panel with 7GB of internal storage for projects. You can process materials directly from the machine without connecting it to an external computer.

Conclusion: Which One to Choose?

The xTool F1 Ultra is a major upgrade that users have eagerly anticipated. Its enhanced performance features make it a compelling choice. However, first-time buyers should consider their specific use case when making a decision.

If you're looking for a portable, handheld device for simple cutting and engraving tasks, the xTool F1 is an affordable option to start your crafting journey. But if your work nature requires cutting metal sheets, deeper engravings, and slightly larger projects, the xTool F1 Ultra offers the best value for money.

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