xTool D1 Pro Review | Is Really The Best Laser Engraver?

xTool D1 Pro is an improvement to its earlier mannequin, xTool D1. The Pro model has some upgrades in its construction, laser module, software program, and electronics.

Since its launch, it has become one of the most successful machines among diode laser engravers. Thanks to their 20W laser module.

This is an in-depth evaluation of the xTool D1 Pro laser engraver. I reviewed it on measurement, materials functionality, transmission, meeting, upgrades, etc. I’ve additionally contrasted it with their earlier mannequin.

xTool D1 Pro Price Comparison

xTool D1 Pro Video

xTool D1 Pro Review

We examined the D1 Pro on several supplies like 5mm pine, 6mm plywood, metal, aluminum, and glass and have offered the outcomes in this article.

Size & Build of D1 Pro

Laser machines from xTool are well-known for their mechanics and construction of high quality. xTool D1 Pro additionally holds to the title with its all-metal construct.

xTool D1 Pro is an open-frame desktop laser engraver. Its frames are made from extruded aluminum, and the linear rails and wheels are made from metal.

It has a footprint of 28.5″ x 9.8″ and weighs around 15 lbs. xTool goes a degree up on D1 Pro and likewise presents it in a pink and gold color scheme.

The work space measures 16.93″ x 15.75″ x 2″ (430 x 400 x 50 mm) on the 5W and 10W models of xTool D1 Pro, but on the 20W it’s 16.93″ x 15.35″ x 2″ (430 x 390 x 50 mm).

The workspace on the 20W mannequin is decreased because the laser module is relatively bulkier than the opposite modules.

Compared to well-liked laser engraving machines like Atomstack A20 Pro,  Atomstack X7 Pro xTool D1 has a bigger workspace.

Laser Module

xTool D1 Pro is obtainable with three laser energy choices, 5W, 10W, and 20W. The 5W and 10W modules have a compressed laser spot of 0.08 x 0.06 mm. However, on the 20W module, it is 0.08 x 0.1 mm.

When the laser beam has a compressed spot measurement, there will probably be a better vitality density due to energy focus. This, in flip, permits for high-resolution engravings and deep cuts on supplies.

For instance, with the 20W laser module, you can reduce 10mm basswood and 8mm acrylic in a single move. The 20W laser module has 4 5W diode lasers inside. Beams from these lasers are mixed to provide output energy of 20W.

20W laser module of tool D1 Pro

Diode laser engravers with a 20W output energy are fairly new to the market. The two main gamers who supply a 20W laser module are xTool and Atomstack (Atomstack X20 Pro).

Comparatively, the Xtool D1 is my most popular possibility resulting from higher general reliability and buyer assistance.

Endurance lasers additionally supply a 20W diode laser setup. However, they use two separate 10W laser modules connected to an adapter to offer mixed excessive output energy.

Material Capability

The 450nm diode lasers used on xTool D1 Pro can work on supplies like wooden, leather-based, paper, acrylic, rock, ceramic, glass, and metallic-like stainless steel.

Remember, because the laser’s output energy will increase, you can work on related materials much sooner, thereby increasing your productiveness.

For instance, with the 20W model of xTool D1 Pro, you can engrave a workpiece at twice the pace that the 10W can obtain.

Interestingly, with the 20W laser module on xTool D1 Pro, you can too engrave in colors on metals like stainless steel.

It works by oxidizing the floor layer of the metallic and exposing it to the laser beam at completely different speeds and feeds. The color varies depending on the engraving settings. You can discover more about how the machine performed within the testing outcomes.

Transmission/Linear Drive

The XY axes of the xTool D1 Pro are belt pushed and used metal linear rails and rollers to assist the gantries. This minimizes wear-off on the wheel, extending its lifetime. The most pace achievable on D1 Pro is 400 mm/sec (24,000 mm/min).

For adjusting the laser focus alongside the Z-axis, you may loosen the laser module and transfer it up or down, relying on the fabric thickness, but it surely has one of many best focusing mechanisms seen on a diode laser.

xTool D1 Pro has built a brand new characteristic where you can alter the peak of the main target to account for the completely different depths you are attempting to chop.

When engraving, you can set it at zero. However, whereas reducing, you can set the laser module to focus on the middle of the workpiece. Note that while adjusting the laser focus too deep into the fabric, the laser defense can be in contact with the workpiece and drag alongside.

Controller and Electronics

Controller

The CNC controller onboard xTool D1 Pro is housed in the entrance body, just below the facility swap.
It will be related to a pc utilizing USB or WiFi. You may ship the venture file to the machine via a reminiscence card slot.

Limit Switches

Limit switches assist the machine in detecting the workable space and calibrating its motion. Without them, the machine can slam into the body, inflicting a bit of jitter and grind.

On xTool D1, there are four proximity restrict switches alongside the XY axes to detect if the laser head touches any of the four frames. This lets you work with absolute coordinates.

The restrict switches are positioned on each end of the axes. When the laser head comes too near the switches, it prompts an alarm.

Stepper Motors

xTool D1 Pro has two NEMA17 stepper motors. The Y axis uses a single motor but uses a shaft to attach the belt drives on each side to stop racking.

Software

xTool D1 Pro will be managed to utilize the xTool Creative Space or LightBurn software program.
xTool Creative Space is free to use and can work on Windows or Mac OS programs. Download hyperlinks on the software program to obtain the webpage of their website.

LightBurn is a paid software program appropriate for CAD, CAM, and Control operations. You can set it up on Windows, Mac, or Linux OS programs.

The proprietary software program from xtool solely has restricted options, but it helps WiFi connectivity with xTool D1. As of now, LightBurn doesn’t assist WiFi connectivity with xTool D1 Pro.

Assembly of xTool D1 Pro

xTool D1 Pro is shipped in components securely packed inside a field. It would be best if you assembled them. The components listing and meeting directions are offered within the fast begin information supplied with the machine.

I assembled my machine in about 20 minutes, and connecting it with the software program took another 2 – Three minutes.

Accessories

xTool gives a set of instruments, pattern work materials sheets, laser security glass, and a component storage field with the machine.

The hex keys, screws, zip ties, screwdriver, etc. It will turn out to be useful when assembling the machine.
Once the machine is assembled, you can check the machine’s efficiency on the pattern supplies supplied with xTool D1 Pro.

Upgrade

Rotary Axis

xTool has a rotary improvement (xTool RA2 Pro) that you may get. It lets you work around a workpiece utilizing the curler, chuck, sphere, or ring configuration.

xTool D1 Pro Extension Kit

With the extension equipment improved for D1 Pro, you can improve the engravable space to 936 x 432mm from 430 x 390 mm. It comes with prolonged frames and timing belts that you should use to switch the default setup.

xTool D1 Pro Air Assist Set

The air helps improve set comes with an air pump and connecting components, permitting you to combine the air-assist functionality into the D1 Pro.

Laser machines with air helps reduce the burn density on the surfaces, thereby stopping discoloration.

xTool Enclosure

xTool Enclosure is a foldable, fireproof enclosure appropriate for xTool D1 Pro. It is obtainable in Enclosure, Enclosure Add-on, and Enclosure Max configurations.

Larger enclosures are for housing xTool D1 Pro machines upgraded with the extension equipment.
It has an in-built exhaust fan and air inlet holes. With it, you can successfully seize and get rid of generated smoke.

xTool Honeycomb Working Panel

xTool honeycomb working panel set contains an aluminum sheet and honeycomb panel.
The aluminum sheet helps defend the work desk, and the honeycomb gap design on the workpiece permits extra airflow under the workpiece, thereby minimizing the burn density.

xToolCare

xToolCare is a premium service improved from xTool. This service has a 12-month validity.
You may get two free half replacements and technical assistance on a precedence foundation during this era.

Community of Xtool

xTool has a lively group on the Makeblock discussion board and Facebook. You can be part of these teams to attach with the group and discuss varied subjects associated with the machine.

Customer Support

Testing xTool D1 Pro 20W Laser

Engraving on Plywood

You will get good distinction when engraving on a pine at 24,000 mm/min; however, engraving nice particulars at such excessive speeds may cause many vibrations.

Very good stability between pace and accuracy could be around 12,000 mm/min and 90% energy. When engraving on wooden or plywood, it’s best to do it without air help.

Cutting 6mm Ply

When you’re utilizing a laser to chop plywood or wooden, it’s higher to do it with air help.
xTool D1 Pro 20W could reduce via 6mm thick ply in about Three passes at 500mm/min with a 30 psi air help.

Without the air helps, the identical reduction wants about four passes; however, the edges will get charred. If you go too gradual with air help, it can trigger some charring and burns.
So the easiest way is to do it at excessive speeds and extra passes.

Cutting 5mm Pine

I used the D1 Pro 20W to chop some 5 mm thick pine items to make a candle shade. It gave me a very clear reduction with no burns once I reduced it at 600 mm/min utilizing four passes.

It may reduce it to Three passes; however, the exhausting grains on the wooden are troublesome to chop for a laser, so it wanted four passes to chop via the exhausting grains.
I used 30 psi air help to make the cuts, giving me a clear edge.

Engraving and Cutting Glass

I engraved black painted glass at about 8000 mm/min and 100% energy which did engrave the glass; however, the settings appeared slightly too excessive. The engraving would have turned out higher if I had gone with lesser energy or a larger pace.

I used to be additionally capable of almost reducing via the 4mm thick glass at 20 mm/min in a single move, the laser didn’t reduce throughout, but it surely reduced 3/four of how and I used to be capable of breaking it off.

Engraving Aluminum

I did an engraving energy check on aluminum, and even at 8,500 mm/min and 65% energy, the distinction is sweet.

While engraving aluminum, there have been completely different color shades current initially; however, they quickly pale away after a few days, and all the engravings at completely different powers have almost identical colors.

The fabric and the surroundings determine the color of the engraving, so the shortage of color can’t be attributed to xTool D1 Pros skills.

Engraving Stainless Steel Knife

I engraved a sample onto a chrome steel knife at 5000 mm/min and 100% energy, giving me an engraving with good distinction.

The engraving additionally had completely different color shades at completely different components on the blade, so it appears color engraving on metallic is feasible with xTool D1 Pro 20W.

xTool D1 Pro vs. xTool D1 – What Changed?

xTool D1 Pro is an improvement to their earlier mannequin xTool D1. They have adjustments in value, transmission pace, laser module, workspace, security options, and colors.

Type	Xtool D1 Pro	Xtool D1
Laser power	20W / 10W / 5W	10W / 5W
Laser focus spot	0.08 x 0.1mm	0.08 x 0.15mm
Maximum work area	430 x 390 mm	432 x 396mm
Maximum speed	24,000mm/min	10000mm/min
Limit switches	Yes	No
Flame detection	Yes	No
Gyroscope	Yes	No
Adjustable air nozzle	Yes	No
Color	Golden Red / Metal Grey	Metal Grey
Price	~$1,170	~$700

The xTool’s D1 Pro is obtainable in its all-new pink and basic gray colors. However, xTool D1 solely has the grey mannequin obtainable.

Both fashions will be purchased with a 10W or 5W module. However, these are usually not identical laser modules. The ones that include xTool D1 have a laser spot measurement of 0.08 x 0.1 mm, whereas the upgraded modules on xTool Pro supply a spot measurement of 0.08 x 0.06 mm.

You can get the xTool D1 Pro mannequin with a 20W laser module. Interestingly, xTool additionally presents the 20W laser module utilized in Pro as an improvement to xTool D1.

Unfortunately, you possibly can’t get it with the xTool D1 laser machine, and you will have to buy it individually. If you achieve this, you may find yourself with two laser modules.

The regular D1 mannequin of xTool is priced at ~$700, and its 20W diode laser module for xTool D1 is priced at~$600. On the whole, it will probably value you around ~1,300 or extra, whereas the 20W model of xTool D1 Pro solely prices $1,170.

In addition to a high-powered laser, D1 Pro has restricted switches and security options like flame, shake detection, and alarm. So when in comparison with xTool D1, xTool D1 Pro is feature-rich and would be the most suitable option.

Full Specification of xTool D1 Pro

Type	xTool D1 Pro-20W	xTool D1 Pro-10W	xTool D1 Pro-5W
Machine Power	120W	60W	36W
Laser Electric Power	84W	40W	25W
Laser Module Output Power	20W	10W	5W
Laser Spot	0.08*0.10mm	0.08*0.06 mm	0.06*0.06 mm
Routing Speed	400 mm/s	400 mm/s	400 mm/s
Working Area	430 * 390 mm (16.93 * 15.35 inch)	430*400 mm(16.93*15.75 inch)	430*400 mm(16.93*15.75 inch)
Max. Workpiece Height	50 mm (2 inch)	50 mm (2 inch)	50 mm (2 inch)
Max. Workpiece Height with X risers	50mm+X*45mm（each set riser height column）	50mm+X*45mm	50mm+X*45mm（each set riser height column）
Connecting Interfaces	USB/Wi-Fi/TF Card	USB/Wi-Fi/TF Card	USB/Wi-Fi/TF Card
Certification	FCC / FDA / CE	FCC / FDA / CE	FCC / FDA / CE
Operating Systems	Windows/macOS	Windows/macOS	Windows/macOS
Control Software	xTool Creative Space / LightBurn	xTool Creative Space / LightBurn	xTool Creative Space / LightBurn
File Type(s)	SVG/DXF/JPG/JPEG/PNG/BMP/TIF/CR2, etc.	SVG/DXF/JPG/JPEG/PNG/BMP/TIF/CR2, etc.	SVG/DXF/JPG/JPEG/PNG/BMP/TIF/CR2, etc.

Final opinion

xTool D1 Pro is a good tie-breaker within the crowded laser market. With its 20W laser output energy, you can reduce and engrave various supplies. It lets you do a similar job at twice the pace of different lasers, decreasing the work cycle and increasing productiveness.

xTool D1 Pro is an efficient selection for hobbyists and small/medium-level companies. The xTool D1 Pro is a superb asset for anybody who doesn’t have the house or the finances to purchase giant CO2 laser machines.

Frequently Asked Questions