Set-up and Build Quality
Unlike many laser cutters, the XTool F1 Ultra is pretty much ready to go as soon as you take it out of the box. There is no construction needed at all. Simply remove the packaging, not forgetting the interior, which houses some components, plug it in, along with the extraction tube and controller plus the USB lock key and it is ready.
There are a couple of first steps like initial calibration but this takes seconds. Just remember to remove the lens cover, or you’ll be scratching your head. Other than that and connecting the power and USB-C cables, plus the exhaust tube, there’s really nothing to it. Boot up the Tool software and you are ready to go.
Build quality is second to none. The F1 Ultra is incredibly well built, and made from solid materials that will last for years. Even the handle on the green plastic cover is made from metal and the ports for connecting peripherals feel good quality.
What Can It Do?
At the most basic level, the F1 Ultra performs admirably. It is accurate, pretty quiet and very fast. It can work at up to 10,000mm/per second. That sounds a lot but watching a business card design being engraved on a metal card it’s even more impressive. One of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments.
Another very useful feature of the F1 Ultra is that it can work on curved surfaces, thanks to the motorised height adjustment. If it wasn’t for this, like a traditional XY gantry-style machine the laser would lose focus at certain points of the material.
The F1 Ultra can be bought with some accessories that take things to a whole new level. Rotary add-ons aren’t new and the F1’s is no different. It allows you to attach syndical items, like glasses and bottles, so you can engrave designs on them without any warping. The XTool rotary is made with the same attention to detail and quality of materials as the F1 and I would highly recommend it.
Software and User Experience
XTool’s software for the F1 Ultra is called XCS. It’s a fairly intuitive application, with options for designing using standard operations and shapes, an area for doing layout, setting laser parameters and so on.
A click of the camera icon displays an image of the current state of the machine, which makes it easy to line up a design with your chosen material. Combined with the framing tool, this works really well.
You can also jump to the design find community/store where you’ll find a bunch of projects in all sorts of styles, pre-made with settings for materials, which can be imported directly to XCS.
Price
The F1 Ultra ranges from £4,579 – £6,112, although XTool regularly runs sales with significant discounts.
Who Is It For?
The F1 Ultra is for anybody looking for a laser engraver/cutter that can handle multiple material types, cuts fast and has the option for batch processing. Embossing is a pretty new option but adds an exciting opportunity for the creative.
Buy It If…
* You work across varied materials
* Accuracy is important
* You’d like to produce bulk orders
* You have limited space
Don’t Buy It If…
* You’re on a limited budget
* You need to cut larger sheet material
Conclusion
The XTool F1 Ultra is a powerful and versatile laser cutter that can handle a wide range of materials and tasks. Its compact size and quiet operation make it suitable for use in a variety of settings, from a home office to a small business. With its advanced features and user-friendly software, the F1 Ultra is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get started with laser cutting and engraving.
FAQs
Q: What materials can the F1 Ultra cut and engrave?
A: The F1 Ultra can cut and engrave a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and more.
Q: How fast can the F1 Ultra cut and engrave?
A: The F1 Ultra can cut and engrave at speeds of up to 10,000mm/per second.
Q: What is the maximum working area of the F1 Ultra?
A: The maximum working area of the F1 Ultra is 22cm x 22cm.
Q: Can the F1 Ultra be used for batch processing?
A: Yes, the F1 Ultra can be used for batch processing with the optional conveyor add-on.
Q: Is the F1 Ultra easy to use?
A: Yes, the F1 Ultra is designed to be easy to use, with a user-friendly interface and intuitive software.
