REVIEW — I was attacked terribly by the laser etching insect when I assessed my very first laser engraver, the LaserPecker LP 5 It’s an excellent portable equipment, as I said in my review. Nevertheless, the much more I utilized it, the a lot more I desired something bigger. The xTool P 2 S is such an equipment. I just recently obtained my hands on the P 2 S and a lot of devices to try from xTool. As a laser engraving newcomer, it was all a little challenging however a hell of a lot of enjoyable. Feature me as I take place my laser inscribing journey.
What is it?
The xTool PS 2 is an user-friendly, effective 55 W CARBON MONOXIDE 2 desktop computer laser cutter and engraver.
What’s included
- xTool P 2 S
- Power cable
- USB cord (Type-C)
- Keys x 2
- Smoke exhaust pipeline
- Antifreeze
- Channel
- Basswood 3 mm x 4
- Transparent acrylic x 2
- Screwdriver
- Hex key
- Product clamps x 4
- Self-Check overview
- Flying start guide
- Safety and security guidelines
Also consisted of in this evaluation:
- Riser Base Accessory
- SafetyPro AP 2 Air Cleanser
- Honeycomb Panel
- RA 2 Pro Rotary Device
- Automatic Conveyor Feeder
- SafetyPro IF 2 Active Flow Inline Air Duct Follower
Hardware specifications
- Bed Dimension: 26 7 × 14 1( 680 x 360 mm)
- Working Room: 23 6 × 12 ″ (600 × 305 mm)
- Laser Power: 55 W CARBON MONOXIDE ₂ Laser
- Product Size: 39 4 × 25 1 ″ × 10 6 ″ (1000 × 639 × 268 mm)
- Item Weight: 45 kg
- Max. Working Speed: 600 mm/s (X-Axis Acceleration 6400 mm/s ²)
- Max. Work surface Height: With tray 2 5 ″( 64 mm), Without tray 2 7 ″( 71 mm), With riser base 8 5 ″( 215 mm)
- Rotary Engraving Size: With riser base 0- 180 mm, Without riser base 3 – 50 mm
- Z-Axis Activity: 3( 75 mm)
- Operating Ambient Temperature Level: 10 – 30 ° C (10 – 86 ℉) * If the temperature level goes down below 10 ° C (50 ℉), please add antifreeze under the assistance in the customer manual.
- Storage space Temperature: 10 – 45 ° C (50 – 113 ℉)
- Air Assist: 200 kPa (Dual Cylinders)
- Exhaust Follower: 233 3 CFM( 14, 000 RPM Double Blades)
- Optical Course Indication: Consisted of
- Daily Maintenance: Quick-Release Follower Switch, Magnetic Filter Display, Mistake-Proof Laser Mirror
- Water-Cooling System: Capability: 1 4 L(0. 37 girl)
- Ranging System: LiDAR Ranging System (Handling Accuracy ： 0. 01 mm)
- Cam Type: Breathtaking Video Camera + Close-Range Electronic Camera
- Variety Of Pixels (Efficient): 16 MP × 2
- Vision Precision: 0. 3 mm
- Picture Resolution: 1000 DPI
- Focus Mode: Autofocus
- Software application: xTool Creative Room/ Lightburn
- Connection: WiFi & & USB
- Support File: SVG/ DXF/ JPG/ JPEG/ PNG/ BMP, and so on.
- Support Systems: Android/ iOS/ iPad/ Windows/ macOS
Layout and features
There is little difference in between the P 2 S and its predecessor, the P 2 As a matter of fact, the two equipments equal literally (dimension: 39 4 × 25 1 × 10 6 ″) (etching area: 23 6 × 12 ″), and the upgrades are mainly under the hood, so to speak. I’ll touch on the 5 crucial upgrades contributed to the P 2 S.
Function # 1: XTool has actually added 2 magnetic trap filters inside the equipment. The filters catch larger debris and gummy residue before they get to the exhaust fan. They conveniently break off and can be cleaned and reattached. xTool also consists of a second collection of filters so you can swap one out while the other is being cleaned up.
xTool has implemented some updates to the exhaust follower. Initially, the P 2 S version includes a quick-release button on the exhaust follower, enabling simple elimination for cleansing or maintenance without the requirement for tools. Furthermore, xTool has introduced a dual-stage booster fan, which increases the exhaust speed from 7, 000 RPM to 14, 000 RPM. This upgrade gives a 200 % increase in efficiency compared to the previous P 2 design.
Function # 2: An additional significant upgrade compliments the new booster fan, Double Air Pumps. This attribute increases air flow stability, supplying 200 KPa of atmospheric pressure, which is 33 % more than the P 2, causing sharper, cleaner cuts.
Attribute # 3: Ideal Course Improvement. This function makes it simpler to modify the mirrors that bounce the laser beam of light around so it will be calibrated correctly. xTool made this super easy with a brand-new optical course indication light overview, which helps make sure the laser beam is area on. They also made it much easier to eliminate the mirrors for cleansing by including a tiny manage on the back. xTool recommends cleaning the mirrors after every 2 – 4 hours of use, so this is a useful upgrade.
Attribute # 4: 3 D Cylinder Engraving & & Batch Handling 2.0. 3 D Cylinder Inscription enables precise 3 D modeling of bent round things, allowing exact engraving with the rotating accessory. Unlike conventional set engraving with a single style, Batch Processing 2.0 makes it possible for batch manufacturing with identification numbers, varied names, and customized pictures.
Attribute # 5: X-Axis rate rise. The X-Axis velocity has been boosted from 3200 to 6400 mm/s, decreasing handling times on extended tasks where it is mainly used.
Riser Base Accessory
xTool was gracious enough to send me several accessories for the P 2 S, consisting of the Riser Base. The Riser Base is called for to inscribe larger (thicker) objects or use the optional xTool RA 2 Pro Rotating device. The Riser Base has a well-balanced design and an all-metal building and construction. It includes four magnetic doors and cutouts, so you do not have to stress over injuring your hands when positioning the P 2 S on top of it. The P 2 S weighs 100 pounds, calling for 2 individuals to place it on the Riser Base. On the ideal side of the base, there’s a cubby excellent for keeping the slats and the rotating tool when they’re not being made use of.
Additionally, the base is needed to utilize the conveyor feeder accessory.
The Riser Base does require some fundamental setting up. If you desire a P 2 S, I recommend buying the Riser Base. It’s well worth it and gives you way a lot more options.
Unboxing and fast summary
The P 2 S comes incredibly well-packaged and fully constructed. xTool does a great task of packaging the P 2 S to guarantee it shows up undamaged. The inside of the device was packed with foam, and the x-axis was safeguarded in place with thumb screws to maintain it from moving around throughout delivery.
There are just 3 physical switches on the P 2 S. There’s a power button, a start button, and an emergency quit button. Around the rear of the machine are the power button, power port, two extension ports, the access-control key, a port for the fire safety set (offered individually), and a tube fitting.
The smoke exhaust electrical outlet and quick-release switch are also located on the back of the P 2 S.
On the left side of the P 2 S, there is a network port and a USB-C port.
You’ll find the emergency situation stop button on the machine’s right side.
A tiny condition display screen is alongside the beginning button on the P 2 S. The screen has a progress bar, a cover lock/unlock sign, a Wi-fi indicator, a USB connection indicator, an exception/error indicator, and a fluid temperature level indication. Additionally, there is an Annular sign light surrounding the beginning switch. The light adjustments shades relying on the P 2 S’s working status.
Inside the P 2 S is a wide-angle video camera, a close-view video camera, the laser component, magnetic filter screens, an expansion port, detachable slats, and the baseplate.
The P 2 S lid has hydraulic lifters that maintain it in place when it’s opened and instantly locks when the P 2 S is in usage.
Preliminary configuration
The first part needs you to get rid of the equipment’s rear cover and check the laser tube for damage. After that, you must load the water tank with the correct quantity of distilled water and antifreeze, which xTool provides.
I attached my laptop computer to the P 2 S utilizing the USB-C cable television and opened up the xTool Creative Space software (XCS). From there, I continued to run the Optical Course Arrangement. It takes you step-by-step testing to see if your laser is lined up correctly. Mine was reduced and to the right, so I followed the instructions to realign among my mirrors. It was extremely very easy utilizing the placement indicator, and I was rapidly able to call it in.
Establishing the P 2 S seems daunting, specifically if you have actually never made use of a CO 2 laser. Still, it was relatively easy, and xTool does a superb job of walking you through the setup procedure.
xTool Creative Area (XCS) software application
Imaginative Room is xTool’s design software program for the P 2 S. XCS has so many features and settings that it’s impossible to cover them all. Here is a link to a substantial tutorial from xTool that reveals you exactly how to set up and utilize XCS V 2 1 You can also download and install and utilize the software without the P 2 S, which is a terrific method to familiarize on your own with it ahead of time.
Overall, I discovered XCS to be exceptionally straightforward. The software program is really instinctive, and the format is easy to understand. I likewise spend a lot of time on YouTube viewing how-to videos. This was extremely valuable, and I also grabbed a couple of innovative suggestions and techniques in the process.
The P 2 S is additionally compatible with Lightburn if you want something advanced.
First use
For my initial project, I wanted to make Christmas equipping tags for a close friend’s mom. To do this, I required to reduce names out of a piece of timber. I made use of a wood that I was not familiar with and had not been certain what settings to make use of, so I opened XCS and had the ability to promptly make a material examination selection. I after that put my product right into the P 2 S. From there, I utilized XCS and the wide-view electronic camera to resize and place the examination where I desired it on the product. To start cutting, I hit the Beginning switch on the P 2 S. The test took under 2 mins to complete. From there, I picked the cut that looked ideal to me and eliminate the names for my job.
I was happy with just how they ended up. The cuts were clean, and there was really little to no charring. I was a lot more pleased by how the P 2 S cut out this tiny, elaborate snowflake.
I also used the P 2 S to make a couple of Christmas ornaments made from wood and clear acrylic. They, as well, ended up great.
One of my favored aspects of the P 2 S is its ability to reduce all sorts of acrylic from clear to tinted and even more unique, such as glitter and mirrored.
Honeycomb Panel 2.0
The Honeycomb Panel 2.0 device aids to stop cutting items from falling through and obtaining charred. The Honeycomb Panel includes 4 magnetic clips and a cleaning brush. The panel is simple to mount by getting rid of the slats and simply moving the panel into area. The Honeycomb Panel works well, particularly if you reduced or etch smaller sized materials that can easily slide in between the slates.
I also such as the magnetic clips, which do a better task of holding products in place and are not as awkward to utilize as the spring-loaded slat clips.
RA 2 Pro Rotary Tool
The RA 2 Pro Rotating device is a 4 -in- 1 tool for refining different items. It features roller, chuck, round, and ring rotating add-ons.
The RA 2 Pro can be used in two methods: the roller and chuck devices. I made use of the roller tool for my examination as it was less complicated to set up. The rotary connects to a port inside the P 2 S utilizing a porting cord. When installed, you can open up XCS and choose “Roller– utilize rotating attachment” from the handling setting drop-down food selection. The arrangement and inscription process was fairly uncomplicated. Nonetheless, I had to enjoy a pair YouTube videos to help me along the road. I made a decision to etch my logo onto an examination stemless glass. The outcomes were excellent, yet they ended up a little dark, and I believe I require to lower my power settings following time.
SafetyPro AP 2 Air Cleanser and IF 2 Active Flow Inline Fan
xTool additionally sent me their brand-new SafetyPro AP 2 Air Purifier and IF 2 Hyper-Flow Inline follower. I uncovered that our own Mike Dixon had actually just recently assessed both. I won’t go into detail regarding either item; rather, I will provide you my ideas on how each performed. For more information, please take a look at Mike’s evaluation right here.
The SafetyPro AP 2 Air Purifier and IF 2 Active Flow Inline follower are not meant to be used together. Depending on your needs, it’s more of one or the other scenario. If you’re working in a location where you can’t air vent the P 2 S out of a door or window, you’ll want to consider the AP 2 because it’s an air purification system. The IF 2 will certainly be the option if you’re aiming to press smoke and fumes out of a door or window as successfully and promptly as possible without filtration.
I evaluated both the AP 2 and the IF 2 with the P 2 S. The P 2 S lies in a small room, approximately 10 × 10 ′, regarding 2 feet from a home window. In my testing, I mainly cut and engraved timber and acrylic. Acrylic creates a nasty odor and can be hazardous, so it was a good examination for the AP 2 While making use of the AP 2, I couldn’t scent anything while the P 2 S worked. There was no smoke, and I just regarded the slightest tip of an odor when reducing the acrylic. The AP 2 set on car mode started when the P 2 S did and immediately adjusted the follower’s speed based on the product I was using.
I hooked the IF 2 up and vented the hose out the neighboring home window. It was exceptionally powerful and did a fantastic job of removing smoke and smell.
Both items executed well in removing smoke and odor. I suggest either, relying on your specific needs.
Set Processing 2.0
Batch handling is not new to the P 2 S, yet Batch Processing 2.0 is a new function. Unlike conventional set engraving with a solitary design, Set Processing 2.0 permits set manufacturing with various numbers, names, and custom-made pictures. I evaluated Batch 2.0 by positioning nine circles, which I removed of basswood, into the P 2 S. I chose to keep it simple and use nine various names. I went into XCS and picked “Different Layout– Set Processing” from the Processing Setting drop-down menu. From the software program, I input the nine names and began processing. The electronic camera inside the P 2 S fires and acknowledges the sizes and shape of the materials. As soon as completed, it starts the etching procedure. The work took 13 mins, and the outcomes were great. The P 2 S automatically resized and appropriately related each name to fit flawlessly onto the circles.
Set Handling 2.0 collaborates with almost any material as long as it is the same shape and size. This is a welcome brand-new function to the P 2 S, and I see myself utilizing it a great deal in the future.
Close View Camera
The Close View Video camera is fairly impressive. It streamlines the procedure of inscribing tiny products like keychains and pet tags by allowing you to zoom in and precisely place your styles. I chose to check it by trying to etch a toothpick. As you can see in the picture below, the zooming capability is impressive, enabling me to position message exactly on the toothpick. Although the engraving can have been better, the total result was still excellent.
3 D Cylinder engraving
3 D Cylinder Engraving allows precise 3 D modeling of curved cylindrical items, allowing specific engraving with the rotating accessory. This process utilizes the chuck device on the RA 2 Pro rotary accessory. Like bent surface area inscription, you must pick 2 edge points on the things you desire to inscribe. The laser will then scan over the object, creating a 3 D round mesh onto which you can position your design.
I chose to make use of a curved glass that I carried hand. I initially applied blue painter’s tape to prepare the glass, which assists the laser find the surface while developing the 3 D mesh. I removed the tape before engraving since treating glass with the P 2 S is unneeded. However, I did apply a slim, also coat of meal soap to the glass. This helps dissipate warm from the laser and avoids damaging.
After positioning my layout on the mesh, I sent the job to the P 2 S. The engraving took about 8 minutes to finish, and in general, I was pleased with the results. The 3 D cylinder engraving attribute is a nice addition.
I look forward to utilizing it a lot more when I have extra time to experiment.
Automatic Conveyor Feeder
The Automatic Conveyor Feeder is an accessory for the P 2 S and Riser Base. The conveyor uses powered rollers that feed the material back and forth into the P 2 S while inscription. It allows you to engrave or cut nearly any kind of product approximately 39 ″ x 19 6 ″ and 12 mm thick with the standard unit and approximately 118 ″ x 19 6 ″ with add-on rail expansions. I checked the standard arrangement and scored my canine Cooper’s name onto a 48 ″ fiberboard. Setup is straightforward making use of the guidebooks detailed instructions or you can view xTool’s guide video below. Nevertheless, despite having the assistance of the video clip the software part of the process was still a little challenging. When I figured it out I was able to rack up Cooper’s name 36 ″ large onto the fiberboard, and the outcomes were very good.
Because it was scored and not engraved or cut, it’s a little tough to see in my photos, however the lettering looked good, and there were no anomalies. The Automatic Conveyor Feeder is game-changing if you’re seeking to do bigger jobs. I may not use it frequently, yet it behaves understanding I have it as a component of my laser engraving toolbox.
What I like concerning the xTool P 2 S laser engraver
- Great build high quality
- Effective
- Easy to configuration
- Very easy to use
- xTool Creative Area software application
- The ability to reduce all types and colors of acrylic
- Riser Base
- Enclosed layout
- Security Pro AP 2 air purifier does an outstanding work of eliminating smoke and smells
- Twin electronic cameras make it simple to position your styles
- Patch Processing 2.0
- Honey Comb bed
- The double exhaust fans do an extraordinary work of venting smoke
- Double Air Pumps supply much better results for engraving and cutting
What requires to be improved?
- Wide view video camera is poor top quality
Last thoughts
The xTool P 2 S is a superior machine, and I am extensively impressed with its efficiency. It succeeds at reducing and engraving a variety of products. What I appreciate most regarding the P 2 S is that it merely works. The procedure was exceptionally user-friendly from the minute I unpacked it to the first setup and initial usage. As a person aiming to begin a side service, I think the xTool P 2 S is a dream equipment.
Cost: P 2 S: $ 4199, Riser Base: $ 499, Honeycomb Panel 2.0: $ 169, RA 2 Pro Rotary: $ 299, SafetyPro AP 2 Air Purifier: $ 699, IF 2 Hyper-Flow Inline fan: $ 179, Automatic Conveyor Feeder: $ 459
Where to get: xTool and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by xTool. xTool did not have a last word on the review and did not sneak peek the evaluation prior to it was published.
