5
Focusing on Laser Imaging and Decorating
xTool D1 Laser Engraver/Cutter
Air Assist. An air assist attachment adds a proven and trusted
method for removing smoke and other harmful airborne par-
ticulates from around the tip of the laser (FIG. 13). In addition
to keeping the laser lens cleaner, it is also the primary means by
which smoke, char and burn marks are reduced or eliminated
from the surface of workpieces when laser cutting. Particularly
noteworthy is that the use of air assist can reduce the number
of passes required for cutting, thereby reducing processing time.
The xTool D1 air assist, designed as an integrated unit for the
D1, is distinguished by its small, quiet, pump, its low level of
vibration, and its significant amount of air movement.
FIG. 13. An air assist unit, such as the one designed for the xTool
D1, is an essential add-on, producing higher quality output in less
time. Credit: xTool
Rotary Attachment. The D1 rotary attachment (FIG. 14), unlike
the Ortur Rotary, comes completely assembled. It is engineered
to work seamlessly with the Laserbox Basic, engaged by simply
selecting the “toggle for cylindrical” option in Laserbox Basic.
To connect the device to the D1 the user simply plugs its cable
into the control board, and it is ready to use.
The rotary enables synchronized engraving on cylindrical ob-
jects, such as water bottles, drinking glasses, and mugs. It slowly
turns the object as the laser head traverses, burning the design
onto its surface.
Maintenance. The laser head has an expected life expectancy of
8000-10,000 hours, and will, as is the nature of lasers, degrade
over time. One of the things that will shorten its life is run-
ning the power at 100% for extended periods. This should be
avoided. Rather than running at 100% the user can decrease the
speed, or increase the number of passes.
Routine maintenance is fairly easy. The light shield must be
cleaned regularly as well as the laser lens. The light shield tends
to trap soot and smoke and negatively impact the clarity of the
FIG. 14. The xTool Rotary attachment enables the engraving of cy-
lindrical objects.
lens. An air assist can help keep the air circulating around the
lens.
When cleaning the light shield or the laser head, disconnect the
power from the machine. Use alcohol on a lint-free cloth or pa-
per towel to clean the inner and outer surfaces of the shield. Use
an alcohol-soaked cotton swab to clean the laser lens and the
cross-hair sight. A helpful video can be viewed at
https://youtu.
be/lh53_cg6tW0
.
Lubrication of the steel shafts is critical to preventing rust and
maintaining the smooth travel of the x-axis wheels. For these
purposes xTool includes a small container of grease in the assem-
bly kit package (FIG. 15).
FIG. 15. Super Lube, recommended for use on
the xTool D1, is a multi-purpose, safe, synthet-
ic lubricant. Due to some shipping limitations
it may not be included with all assembly kits.
It is available from Amazon at
https://amzn.
to/35vpwIT
. Credit: Amazon
The tension on the belts is a critical setting. If the belts are too
loose they will cause deformation of the engraved or cut pattern.
Tightening the belts, although an uncommon need, is easily
done with an Allen wrench.
Contact: Shenzhen MakerWorks Technology Co., LTD, US
Address: Maker Works Technology Inc., 16035 Arrow Hwy.,
Irwindale, CA 91706, https://www.xtool.com, xTool Customer
Service: [email protected].
