TechRadar Verdict
Combining a laser with a printer, pen, and cutting tools is inspired.
As long as you stay organized, this machine will boost your creative work and inspire you to innovate.
For any creative business, the xTool M1 Ultra should be seen as an essential creative asset.
This is much more than one of thebest laser engraverswe’ve tested.
Thankfully, this is again a quick and easy process.
Setup is quick once the machine is lifted from the box and settled onto any standard-sized work surface.
When it comes to the tool heads, you have an option of four.
The cutter and pen tools enable you to swap between a variety of cutting tools or colored pens.
This marking process enables you to accurately lay out your work on the material.
This is all impressive stuff, but what really elevates this machine is its multi-tool ability.
This feature, at this level and price of machine, is truly unique.
This is a bit of a workaround for not having the camera built-in, but it works well nonetheless.
This tool can be used in combination with the inkjet printer and laser.
We’ve reviewed plenty of thebest inkjet printers, but few come close to the versatility on offer here.
The inkjet head replaces the laser head and enables standard full-color printing.
An upgrade from the M1 is the maximum working speed, which increases to 400 mm/s from 250 mm/s.
Any issues encountered can be resolved easily, as xTool’s support is second to none.
Starting out with the laser, unlike other xTool machines, there isn’t a preview camera.
In the first option, the mark is selected in the software, along with the shape.
For this first test piece, it’s a sheet of ply, so a rectangle is selected.
The S1’s capability to produce some of the best laser-cut objects is a testament to its quality.
Then you’re free to place your design accurately onto the material where you want it to appear.
However, once the design is positioned, you might hit ‘go’ to start the process.
The ease of use of the machine really stands out.
With each of the tools, different work surfaces in the machine are used.
Whereas for the blade and pens, you gotta use one of the sticky surfaces.
With each tool, the machine is highly tuned and adapts to the needs of each.
Ultimately, when it comes to laser engraving, the machine is excellent.
The inkjet head is excellent, but it is not a replacement for a printer by any means.
Rather, it is a printer designed to print onto specialist materials.
Should you buy the xTool M1 Ultra?
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