The xTool M1 Ultra is more than just a laser cutter – it is a versatile multi-tool that combines a laser cutter with an inkjet printer, plotter and blade cutter in one. This multifunctionality makes the Ultra M1 laser cutter ideal for the DIY sector. Whether for schools, small businesses or simply for the hobby sector, this xTool machine provides everyone with a powerful and user-friendly laser cutter for the home. But is it really as good as it sounds? In this review you will find out what the xTool M1 Ultra can do and whether it is the right choice for you.
- 4-in-1 Multifunktionalität
- Präzise 10W/20W Laserleistung
- Großer Arbeitsbereich für große Projekte
- Integrierte Kamera für exakte Vorschau
- Hoher Preis für Einsteiger
- Großes Gerät, benötigt viel Platz
- Komplexe Funktionen erfordern Einarbeitung
- Kundenservice manchmal etwas langsam
Not quite sure which laser you need? Then you are welcome to contact me personally and we will see together what suits you best.
Well, let’s take a look at this good piece right away!
Feel free to use the table of contents to get to a specific topic
What is behind the xTool M1 Ultra Laser?
As mentioned in the introduction, xTool has developed the M1 Ultra, a real multitool for the home that combines the strengths of the two bestsellers xTool M1 and xTool S1 and takes the concept of a modular multitool one step further.
The Ultra M1 xTool Laser is available with a powerful diode laser in two versions – 10W and 20W. We will explain in detail which of the two options best suits your requirements later on. In addition to the laser module, the basic package also includes the plotter module for blade and pen work. The optional xTool M1 Ultra inkjet printer attachment can be added for an extra charge of around 100 euros.
The Ultra M1 Laser has inherited its rather large work surface from the xTool S1, and the integrated camera for precise positioning of templates, the M1 Ultra offers maximum flexibility. As with all xTool devices, the focus is on user-friendliness so that you can concentrate fully on your projects.
xTool M1 Ultra Laser Specifications
| Laserart | |
|---|---|
| Ausgangsleistung | |
| Wellenlänge | |
| Arbeitsfläche |
What can the modules of the xTool M1 Ultra laser cutter do?
As already mentioned twice, the xTool M1 Ultra trumps with its individual modules, which makes it a true multitool – so that you also know whether the modules are useful for you and what you can do with them, I have taken the trouble to pick out a few application examples for you. I hope that these will help you :D. In addition, the folded material list has an overview of all materials that can be processed with the Multitool.
Blade module
The blade module can be used to precisely cut films and thin materials such as paper, vinyl, cardboard or felt. It is particularly suitable for processing thermal foils, which can then be transferred to surfaces such as T-shirts or mugs using transfer foils. In addition, stencils and other intricate craft projects can be easily implemented, making the module very versatile.
Plotter module
The plotter module is often associated with typical applications such as creating personalized postcards. However, this module actually offers a much wider range of applications. It allows you to use different pens, brushes or markers to create creative artwork on different materials and objects. From technical drawings to detailed illustrations – the possibilities are endless. If you would like some inspiration, you can take a look at the Supreddit r/plotterart.
Print module
The inkjet module of the xTool M1 Ultra ensures bright and colorful prints on a wide variety of surfaces. It offers the option of adding high-quality color motifs to objects before lasering, which significantly expands the creative possibilities – ideal for colorful designs or detailed print projects.
The xTool M1 Ultra ink cartridge used is a standard tri-color printer cartridge, which makes it easy to use. Particularly practical: the cartridge can be refilled independently with the following refill sets. This saves you the 30€ for a new printer cartridge.
xTool M1 Ultra laser module
Now we come to the heart of the xTool M1 Ultra machine – the laser module. Like all other modules, this can be easily inserted using a clamping device. Like any diode laser, the M1 Ultra laser can process the following materials:
What materials can the xTool M1 Ultra laser cut?
The xTool M1 Ultra can engrave a wide range of materials – in principle everything in the illustration for the diode laser.
The material must be pre-treated for glass and transparent acrylic.
What materials can the xTool M1 Ultra laser engrave?
The xTool M1 Ultra laser can engrave wood, paper, foam, opaque acrylic, fabric, felt, leather, rubber, stone, ceramic and plastic.
Can the xTool M1 Ultra laser cut metal?
No, you can’t – the xTool M1 Ultra is a diode laser. If you want to actively cut metal, you need a fiber laser – e.g. the xTool F1 Ultra.
For engraving metals there is usually a 2W infrared laser module – unfortunately this is not available for the xTool M1 Ultra laser. With the 10W or 20W laser module and a pre-treatment, a very specific stainless steel 304 can be marked or an apparent engraving can be realized with appropriate preparations (various coatings).
Material legend
In addition to a good laser cutter, you also need the correct settings for the xTool M1 laser cutter, which depend on the thickness and material. In addition, the other modules may also require settings.
For this purpose, xTool has created a material legend and, more recently, a material database where all the necessary settings can be found. I have personally always made a notebook to save the appropriate settings for my projects.
What laser power do I need?
If you are buying your first laser cutter, I generally recommend the 10W module for beginners. It is completely sufficient for most projects and offers a good price-performance ratio. However, for more demanding applications where thicker materials or a higher production speed are required, the 20W module may be useful as it cuts faster and is more powerful.
However, there are some important points that you should bear in mind when choosing the laser power:
- Laser longevity: The laser cutter should not be operated continuously at 100 % power, as this can significantly shorten the service life of the laser module.
- Precision: More powerful lasers often have a larger focal point, which can slightly reduce the precision of cuts.
- Engraving quality: With higher laser power, it is more challenging to avoid burn marks. This is because the laser usually requires a minimum base power (for example, around 30% of the total power). With a 20W laser, this already corresponds to around 6W, which can have an effect on more sensitive materials.
Another advantage of the xTool M1 Ultra is the option of retrofitting the 20W module for around €600 if your requirements grow over time.
The following overview summarizes the differences between the two available modules – 10W and 20W.
xTool M1 Ultra 10W vs 20W
10W – from 1000€
Ideal for beginners – ideal for engraving a wide range of materials and cutting thin materials (5-8 mm).
1199€ with print module :D.
20W – from 1700€
Ideal for cutting (up to 16mm) – significantly faster laser times than possible with the 10W laser module.
What’s more, the print module is already included here.
xTool M1 Ultra Laser Accessories
xTool supplies a number of accessories for the laser cutter. In this article, I would like to look at what is really needed and what may just be expensive material that will never be used. In principle, the various components can be bought together in a set, which makes it somewhat cheaper overall. However, you shouldn’t blindly buy everything you don’t need.
Air Assist for the M1 Ultra xTool Laser
An air assist is a must for every laser – it removes the finest particles (laser dust) from the engraving surface or cutting edge. As a side effect, this also cools directly at the working point, preventing smear marks and discoloration of the material. This leads to a more beautiful laser result, and the S1 laser also works more efficiently.
If you only buy the xTool M1 Ultra laser cutter, this is not included – however, in the Basic Kit it is included alongside a honeycomb plate, which, like the Air Assist, helps to cut the workpiece without leaving smear marks. It is significantly cheaper if you buy this directly together.
Exhaust air and exhaust air filter for the xTool M1 Ultra Laser
Thanks to its closed housing, the xTool M1 Ultra is a laser cutter for the home. However, in order to work in an odorless manner, the exhaust air should either be directed outside or an additional exhaust air filter should be used. In my opinion, the simple solution with a ventilation hose is completely sufficient for beginners – or you can place the device directly on the balcony or in the garden.
Exhaust air filters are often expensive and become clogged quickly, which makes it necessary to replace the filters regularly – especially with older models. For this reason, I have usually only recommended this for public facilities or rooms where it is not possible to exhaust air to the outside. However, the SafetyPro exhaust air filter from xTool has changed my mind. This filter offers washable filter layers so that regular filter purchases are no longer necessary, making it a one-off, cost-effective solution. If desired, the SafetyPro filter can also be purchased retrospectively for €500; all you need to do is submit the invoice for the xTool laser you have purchased.
Increase for xTool M1 Ultra Laser
The laser cutter extension is a practical accessory, but it is only really necessary in special cases – for example, if you regularly engrave large, high materials or want to use the rotary device.
For most projects, the laser cutter without an extension is perfectly adequate.
An alternative option is to remove the base of the laser cutter for home use and simply place the laser higher up. The only disadvantage is that the housing is then no longer airtight, so you might have to think about a small solution – maybe even laser a suitable base yourself :D! This keeps the laser engraver flexible, even without the official €200 increase.
xTool extensions
In addition to the extensions mentioned above, there are a few more, which I will briefly summarize here – Before you buy, always check whether the extensions are also available in a cheaper bundle. For example, the 20W laser module and the print module can be purchased as a bundle or at a later date.
Another popular extension is the rotary device, which can be used for engraving round objects. For example, you can laser engrave cups or glasses.
The screen printing machine created by xTool may be of interest to some, as may the thermal devices required for the transfer foils, but there may also be cheaper alternatives.
For more safety when lasering, there is also the xTool fire protection set. It makes lasering safer and, if a fire is detected, CO2 gas is blown into the housing, which smothers the fire. However, as the laser should generally not be left alone and no fire will occur if it is operated properly, I dismiss it as an unnecessary frill.
Voucher codes for the xTool M1 Ultra Laser
As part of a cooperation with xTool, I was able to secure an exclusive voucher for the xTool M1 Ultra for all readers. In addition, xTool offers a trade-up program: If you still have an invoice for an old laser cutter or plotter (Circuit, for example), you can get a voucher worth €150. You can find all the details about these offers and how you can take advantage of them in this article.
xTool M1 Ultra Alternatives – VS comparisons
The xTool M1 Ultra laser cutter is a powerful device with user-friendly software that is ideal for various projects. However, there are also numerous other laser cutters that are worth comparing with the xTool M1 Ultra. Listed below are three similar models from xTool that are potential alternatives.
xTool first projects and results
As soon as you have your first laser cutter, you will need your first laser templates as well as materials. For this purpose, xTool has created its own laser template database, where you can buy free templates as well as templates for a small amount of money. This site is called Designfind.com.
In addition to this page, there are also numerous unofficial free laser templates. For this purpose, I have created a small search engine that searches the vastness of the Internet for any free laser templates that have ever been uploaded. You can find this page here.
If you still need material for your laser cutter, I have also written a small article here , which links to various sources for laser wood etc.
xTool M1 Ultra review (Pros & Cons)
xTool price comparison
- 4-in-1-Bastelmaschine: Laser, Klingenbearbeitung, Tintenstrahldruck und Plotten.
- Integrierte Kamera
- Laser für …
|
How high is the power consumption of the xTool M1 Ultra laser cutter?
The power consumption of the xTool M1 Ultra varies depending on the laser power used. With the 10W laser module, the energy requirement during operation is around 60 to 80 watts, while the 20W laser module requires around 100 to 120 watts. The actual consumption may vary slightly depending on the use of additional functions such as fans or lighting. In standby mode, however, power consumption is minimal and barely noticeable.
Can the xTool M1 Ultra cut acrylic?
The xTool M1 Ultra laser can cut dark to slightly transparent acrylic. This is due to the wavelength of 450 nm, which is particularly well absorbed by dark acrylic colors, allowing the material to be cut efficiently. However, cutting completely transparent acrylic is difficult as this material transmits rather than absorbs the laser beams.
What materials can the print module print on?
The print module can print on fabrics, plates, printing paper and other materials. However, it cannot print on very dense or smooth surfaces such as metal, glass and ceramics as the ink cannot penetrate or adhere. These materials can be treated after the application of a suitable incubation coating, e.g. clear lacquer or hairspray.
Which materials does the M1 Ultra support?
M1 Ultra has 4 modes and 9 processing methods and supports more than 1,000 materials.
Laser mode: wood, leather, MDF, coated acrylic, galvanized metal, painted metal, coated glass, ceramic, marble and more.
Blade mode: vinyl (blade mode only), paper, leather, felt, fabrics and more.
Inkjet mode: wood, coated acrylic, canvas, fabrics, printing paper and more.
Pen mode: paper, ceramics and more.
Discover more
What is the difference between M1 Ultra and S1?
The xTool M1 Ultra is a 4-in-1 multifunctional machine for creative DIY projects. It combines laser cutting (10W and 20W), inkjet printing, knife and pen modules and can process over 1,000 materials – ideal for versatile craft projects with limited space.
The xTool S1 specializes in laser engraving and cutting with options such as 10W, 20W, 40W and 2W IR for metal engraving. With its higher speed (up to 600 mm/s) and larger work surface, it is perfect for mass production and larger projects.
