The xTool F1 is a portable, dual-laser engraver designed for high-speed, high-precision work on a variety of materials. With both a 10W diode laser and a 2W infrared laser built in, it’s one of the most versatile compact machines on the market.
Whether you’re a hobbyist looking for a quick, precise engraver or a small business owner needing portable personalization capabilities, the F1 packs serious performance into a small footprint.
Table of Contents
In this guide, we’ll cover its features, performance, pros, cons, and ideal use cases — so you can decide if it’s the right laser engraver for your needs.
Key Features of the xTool F1 at a Glance
Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
Laser Types | 10W Diode (455 nm) + 2W Infrared (1064 nm) |
Work Area | 115 × 115 mm (4.5″ × 4.5″) |
Engraving Speed | Up to 4,000 mm/s |
Max Engraving Height | 160 mm with riser base |
Material Compatibility | Metals, plastics, leather, acrylic, wood, paper, glass (marking), stone (marking) |
Portability | 4.6 kg (10 lbs) |
Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Software | xTool Creative Space, LightBurn compatible |
Focus | Autofocus with built-in distance sensor |
Design & Build Quality
The xTool F1 is built for portability and ease of use. Its compact size makes it ideal for craft fairs, pop-up personalization booths, or small workshops where space is limited. The enclosed design protects the user from direct laser exposure, while the built-in exhaust port allows connection to an air purifier for indoor use.
The F1’s casing is sturdy and well-finished, with a modern aesthetic that fits both home and professional environments. All controls are conveniently located, and the top viewing window allows you to monitor engraving progress safely.
Dual-Laser Versatility
The standout feature of the xTool F1 is its dual-laser system:
- 10W Diode Laser (455 nm) – Perfect for engraving and cutting organic materials such as wood, leather, coated metals, and dark acrylic.
- 2W Infrared Laser (1064 nm) – Optimized for metals and plastics, enabling permanent, high-contrast marking on stainless steel, aluminum, gold, silver, brass, and more.
Switching between the two lasers is seamless within the software, making it easy to handle mixed-material projects without changing machines.
Performance & Speed
The F1 is marketed as the fastest portable laser engraver in its class, with speeds up to 4,000 mm/s. This is achieved through its galvo-laser scanning system, which moves mirrors instead of the laser head for ultra-fast positioning.
In real-world use, this speed translates to:
- Quick turnaround for bulk engraving jobs (keychains, jewelry, promotional items)
- Reduced wait times for customers in live event settings
- Crisp, detailed engravings even at small sizes
The autofocus system ensures consistent results without manual fiddling, while the preview mode projects the design outline onto the workpiece for perfect alignment.
Material Compatibility
Thanks to its dual-laser system, the xTool F1 handles a wide variety of materials:
Diode Laser (10W)
- Wood (engraving & cutting)
- Leather (engraving)
- Acrylic (cutting, except transparent, mirror acrylic)
- Coated metals (engraving)
- Paper & cardboard (cutting)
Infrared Laser (2W)
- Stainless steel (engraving)
- Aluminum (engraving)
- Gold, silver, brass (engraving)
- Plastics (engraving without melting)
While it’s not meant for deep cutting metals or very thick materials, it’s excellent for precision engraving and light cutting.
Software & Workflow
The F1 works with xTool Creative Space (XCS) — user-friendly software suitable for beginners — and is also compatible with LightBurn, preferred by advanced users for its greater control and design flexibility.
Workflow highlights:
- Import your design (SVG, PNG, JPG, DXF, etc.)
- Choose your laser type and material settings
- Use the preview projection to align your design
- Let the autofocus calibrate for you
- Start engraving
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dual-laser system for metals, plastics, and organics
- Extremely fast engraving speeds
- Autofocus and projected preview for easy alignment
- Portable and compact design
- Enclosed for safety
- Works with beginner-friendly and advanced software
Cons
- Limited cutting ability on thick materials
- Smaller work area (best for small-to-medium projects)
- Higher price than basic diode-only engravers
Who Should Buy the xTool F1?
The F1 is ideal for:
- Craft fair vendors – Personalize items on the spot for customers
- Small businesses – Add branding or customization to products
- Hobbyists – Work with multiple materials without multiple machines
- Event personalization – Weddings, trade shows, corporate giveaways
If you need fast, precise engraving on metals and plastics in addition to standard laser materials, the xTool F1 is one of the most capable portable engravers available.
What’s in the Box?
The xTool F1 comes with everything you need to get started right out of the box—no extra purchases required. You can literally unpack it, set it up, and begin creating within minutes.
What’s Included with the xTool F1 Laser Engraver
Inside the box, you’ll find:
- xTool F1 machine
- Instruction manual
- Power cord
- USB-C cable for computer connection
- Exhaust tube
- Removable baseplate
- Triangular Prism Cutting Panel
- 2 USB keys
- Small lint cloth
- A sample pack of materials for engraving and cutting
Optional Accessories for the xTool F1
- Desktop Air Purifier – Automatically powers on with the F1 to efficiently filter smoke and fumes. Highly recommended for safe and comfortable use.
- Slide Extension (115 × 400 mm) – Expands your working space and supports the use of the air purifier and RA2 Pro rotary attachment for 90% of cylindrical engraving projects.
- Triangular Prism Cutting Panel – Helps achieve cleaner cuts and protects the baseplate from laser marks.
- Rotary Attachment 2 Pro – Allows for precise engraving on cylindrical objects like tumblers, mugs, and bottles.
xTool F1 vs. xTool F1 Lite — What’s the Difference?
Laser Configuration & Capabilities
- xTool F1 features a dual-laser system:
- 10 W diode (455 nm) for wood, acrylic, leather, and general engraving.
- 2 W infrared (1064 nm) for marking metals like stainless steel, aluminum, gold, and more.
- xTool F1 Lite includes only a single 10 W diode laser. It is sufficient for LEDs, wood, dark acrylic, and non-metal projects, but lacks metal engraving capability.
Power Supply Requirements
- F1 requires a 24 V, 5 A adapter.
- F1 Lite requires a 24 V, 3.5 A adapter. These are not interchangeable.
Weight
- F1 weighs approximately 4.6 kg.
- F1 Lite is slightly lighter at about 4.45 kg.
Shared Features
Both models offer:
- A compact, portable build with the same 115 × 115 mm work area.
- Engraving speeds up to 4,000 mm/s, autofocus, and enclosed safety design.
- Compatibility with the user-friendly xTool Creative Space software.
- Expandability with accessories like a conveyor slide, hard case, or rotary module.
Comparison Table: xTool F1 vs. F1 Lite
Feature | xTool F1 | xTool F1 Lite |
|---|---|---|
Laser Types | 10 W diode + 2 W IR dual lasers | 10 W diode only |
Metal Engraving | Yes — IR laser enables marking on metals | No — limited to non-metallic materials |
Power Adapter | 24 V, 5 A | 24 V, 3.5 A |
Weight | ~4.6 kg | ~4.45 kg |
Engraving Speed | Up to 4,000 mm/s | Same |
Work Area | 115 × 115 mm | Same |
Software & Accessories | Full support (same as F1 Lite) | Full support (minus IR projects) |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose xTool F1 if:
- You plan to engrave metals, such as stainless steel or aluminum.
- You want a versatile machine capable of handling a wide range of materials.
- Choose xTool F1 Lite if:
- You’ll mainly engrave wood, acrylic, leather, paper, or coated plastics.
- You want a more affordable, lighter option without sacrificing speed or portability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the xTool F1 engrave metal?
Yes — the xTool F1 features a 2W infrared (1064 nm) laser in addition to its 10W diode laser. The IR laser is designed specifically for engraving bare metals like stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, brass, gold, and silver, producing high-contrast and permanent marks.
What materials can the xTool F1 cut?
The 10W diode laser can cut thin wood, dark acrylic, leather, paper, and certain plastics. It is not suitable for cutting metals, but it can engrave coated or anodized metal surfaces. For mirror acrylic, a CO₂ laser is recommended instead.
How fast does the xTool F1 engrave?
It can engrave at speeds up to 4,000 mm/s, making it one of the fastest desktop laser engravers available. This speed, combined with autofocus, ensures high efficiency and crisp results even for detailed designs.
Is the xTool F1 portable?
Yes — the xTool F1 is compact and lightweight (~4.6 kg), with an enclosed build for safe transport. It can be set up on a desk, taken to events, or used in small workshops without needing a dedicated space.
What software works with the xTool F1?
It works with xTool Creative Space (XCS) for easy, beginner-friendly design setup, and it’s also compatible with LightBurn for advanced users who want more control over settings and complex projects.
Final Verdict
The xTool F1 combines portability, speed, and material versatility in a compact, safe package. While it’s not designed for heavy cutting or large-format work, it excels at rapid, high-quality engraving on almost any small object. For creators, crafters, and businesses that value speed and flexibility, it’s one of the best investments in the portable laser category.