xTool M1 Ultra: the "Cricut" Machine That Also Prints & Laser Cuts
Tired of juggling an external printer and your Cricut to make stickers? Or struggling with thick materials like leather and wood with it?
Imagine a tool that not only cuts with precision like Cricut, but can also handle thicker materials and bring vibrant colors and intricate details to your designs. Meet the xTool M1 Ultra, a craft machine hailed as a dream come true for crafters - the world's first machine that combines a "Cricut", a laser cutter, and a printer in one.
In this article, we have picked Maker 3, one of Cricut's latest machines, for a showdown, showcasing how much better xTool M1 Ultra has to offer than just cutting.
In This Article
- xTool M1 Ultra vs Cricut Maker 3: A Quick Look
- Advantages of xTool M1 Ultra over Cricut Maker 3
- Verdict: Which One to Choose?
xTool M1 Ultra vs Cricut Maker 3: A Quick Look
Before the actual showdown, here’s a quick overview of both craft machines:
| Feature | xTool M1 Ultra | Cricut Maker 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 620mm x 498mm x 178mm | 580mm x 190mm x 165mm |
| Laser power | 10W / 20W | NA |
| Cutting blades | Various blade options | Various blade options |
| Printing | ✔ | ❌ |
| Drawing pens | Support 3rd party pens & color-filling | Officially doesn’t support 3rd party pens & color-filling |
| Foil transferring tip | Support filling | Doesn’t support filling |
| Material height | 125mm（laser）*with riser 20mm（printing） 21mm（debossing） | 2.5mm (all tools) |
| Connection | USB/Wi-Fi/IP | Bluetooth/USB |
| Software | xTool Creative Space | Cricut Design Space |
Advantages of xTool M1 Ultra over Cricut Maker 3
The xTool M1 Ultra and Cricut Maker 3 are both craft machines. The xTool M1 Ultra can do almost everything that the Cricut Maker 3 does, but it offers even more. It expands possibilities with laser and printing capabilities.
The machine is designed to accommodate even more modules in the future.
Versatility: A 4-in-1 Machine for Diverse Crafting Needs
M1 Ultra is an all-rounder machine, capable of doing multiple tasks. Here are some aspects where it outperforms Cricut:
1. Switchable Modules
The Cricut Maker 3 is primarily a cutting machine, offering up to 13 different blade tips for cutting various materials. However, cutting is just one of the features of the xTool M1 Ultra.
This versatile craft machine is the world’s first to incorporate four functionalities in a compact desktop machine. It can cut, engrave, draw, and print on multiple materials, with module changes taking just seconds.
One of its modules includes a diode laser (10W or 20W), which allows for precise cutting and engraving on a wide range of materials. This capability enables intricate designs that aren't possible with blades.
Cutting with blades is a separate module. There's a fine point blade for thin materials like paper and vinyl, a cutting blade for flexible, thicker materials (up to 2.5mm) such as wood and leather, and a dedicated rotary blade for fabrics. An additional feature is a foil transfer tip that not only creates gold foil effects but can also perform foil filling.
xTool M1 Ultra
Cricut Maker 3
The inkjet printing module is another intriguing feature. It functions like a regular desktop printer but can print on almost any materials, even harder and thicker substrates, such as wood and stone.
For drawing, the M1 Ultra comes equipped with eight drawing pens in colors: red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, cyan, and black. It supports third-party drawing pens, offering even more versatility. Additionally, it also allows you to style your projects with color filling, a step up from Cricut Maker 3, which just supports colorizing lines.
xTool M1 Ultra
Cricut Maker 3
2. Cutting + Printing: The Perfect Duo
Unlike Cricut, which needs the support of an external printer to complete a crafting project, xTool M1 Ultra can both cut and print, making the craft-making experience seamless.
Moreover, Cricut’s cutting module is solely limited to cutting thin materials (stickers, vinyl). But for xTool M1 Ultra, printing and cutting on thick materials (like Wood) is super easy
With M1 Ultra’s multiple modules, you can handle multi-media projects with ease. For example, you can combine laser cutting with printed designs to create personalized wooden signs, wreaths, or custom jewelry. And, by switching between our modules, you can create unique 3D designs, stickers, or greetings crafts.
The flexibility of switching between functions and combining multiple features empowers crafters to adapt to different projects, such as customizing a birthday party, which covers everything from creating intricate laser-cut invitations to personalized party decor and favors.
3. Compact and Cost-Effective
M1 Ultra combines a blade cutter, a laser cutter/engraver, and a printer in one machine. Consider the savings—both in terms of money and space. Instead of investing in separate machines, the M1 Ultra offers everything you need, saving up to 60% of the space compared to housing multiple devices.
Material Handling Prowess
Cricut Maker 3 can only accommodate thin materials. The blade module is positioned close to the bed – only paper and material sheets within 2.5mm thickness can be cut.
In contrast, the xTool M1 Ultra is an expandable machine designed for handling a variety of material thicknesses.
When using the laser module, materials with a thickness of up to 125mm can be accommodated and the maximum cutting thickness of the 20W module is 10mm. For printing, the maximum allowable height is 20mm (will be upgraded to 138mm soon).
M1 Ultra’s stylizing abilities extend beyond flat surfaces. Instead of being limited to stickers, you can even personalize cylindrical objects (tumblers, wine glasses, rings, etc.) with laser engraving.
Fulfilling Colorful Design Visions
The Cricut Maker 3 is equipped with blade modules that can only cut. When it comes to drawing and foil transferring, the machine can only create outlines for designs, with no option for colorizing.
On the other hand, the xTool M1 Ultra's drawing and foil modules can not only create outlines but also perform color filling, allowing for more creative and vibrant designs.
You can further expand your creativity to fabrics and other materials with the xTool Screen Printer and Heat Press.
For instance, you can use M1 Ultra to laser engrave stencils and then use them for printing vibrant designs on anything with the xTool screen printing solution.
You can try customizing your t-shirts, caps, and bags with Heat Transfer Vinyl. Cut out the intricate designs using M1’s blade module and place them onto your favorite items with the xTool Heat Press.
In short, M1 Ultra is a part of the larger xTool craft family that opens the doors for endless crafting possibilities.
Easy to Use
1. Beginner-friendly Software
The xTool M1 Ultra is paired with xTool Creative Space (XCS), a free and user-friendly software designed with beginners in mind. The software has multiple design elements one can utilize to create favorite art pieces.
Making designs has been made simpler and more fun for those who are not comfortable using design software. XCS has a generative AI Tool, AImake, which is also free. It can generate craft design templates, including vector art, text art, laser art, screen printing art, etc. using a simple textual prompt, with up to 90% accuracy and 99% time savings. In contrast, a paid subscription is required to access some templates and premium features in Cricut Design Space, and Cricut doesn't currently offer AI design.
Regarding the machine settings, they are suggested by the software. There’s a Material EasySet Library with optimal parameters for most materials. You just have to select the material and get recommendations.
2. Ready-to-use Projects
With M1 Ultra you not only receive a material kit but gain access to tutorials that can ease your learning journey.
Our design community, DesignFind, now has over 6000 projects that can be downloaded, customized, and reused. These projects also serve as inspiration to explore new creative possibilities.
3. Design Mapping Made Easier
Most craft machines have a camera system for design mapping but xTool M1 Ultra offers two advanced and more accurate methods.
You can either take a snapshot of the workspace through your phone and import it into the XCS to position the design. Or you may use the Advanced Pin-point positioning™ system. On marking different points on the material, the software auto-sketches a material layout. This makes design positioning much more precise.
Verdict: Which One to Choose?
If your projects primarily involve cutting thin materials, such as paper crafts, a Cricut may be enough. However, xTool M1 Ultra takes your crafting journey to the next level.
For example, if you often create personalized items like tumblers, the M1 Ultra's laser engraving can handle most materials. Alternatively, if your project involves printing on hard surfaces like wood, the inkjet printing module is perfect. And, for those elegant and intricate wood crafts, laser cutting offers precise results.
Ultimately, xTool M1 Ultra is a versatile that offers exceptional value for money. If you're a crafting enthusiast, it can meet your crafting needs year-round, from stunning home decor to personalized party projects and thoughtful gifts. Plus, with its safety features, every family member can use it with peace of mind.
So, why limit yourself when you can go limitless with the xTool M1 Ultra?
For more questions. Please join our community to get inspired!
