xTool S1Xtool S1 Won’t Cut Through the Material / Laser Power Attenuation
Updated Jul 28,2025
Updated Jul 28,2025

This article applies to:

xTool S1 with the 20W and 40W laser modules.

 

Issue Description

With a 20W or 40W laser module, xTool S1 cannot cut through some materials; or with the same laser module and same parameter settings, the laser power decreases so significantly that it can not cut through materials or leave clear engraving patterns.

Please follow the instructions in this guide to troubleshoot.

 

Solution

#1 Use the Proper Params for Cutting

The processing parameters for laser cutting include power, speed, pass, and the value for lowering the focus.

  1. If your material is listed in XCS and has preset processing parameters, use the preset value first.
  2. If your material is not listed in XCS, you can increase the processing power and decrease the speed, as well as increase the number of passes as appropriate.
  3. Set the value for lowering the focus to 3mm. About this value, you can find out more in this guide.
  4. You can try replacing the material and observe the cutting effects of the same processing parameters on different materials, such as basswood planks, corrugated paper, etc.

V2.1 or later

V1.7 or before

 

#2 Clean or Replace the Laser Lens

Check if the inner lens and the protective lens are damaged or stained. For details, see this video guide.

  • If the protective lens is dirty, please clean the lens.
  • If the protective lens is burnt, please replace it with a new one.
  • If the inner lens is burnt or broken, please take a photo and contact xTool Customer Service.

 

#3 Use the Air Assist Set for S1

For cutting thick or tough materials, use the S1 air assist on level 4 air flow for cutting in XCS. To do so, you'll need the air assist set. 

  1. After the air assist set is installed, find the little gear icon at the upper right of the XCS screen and click it. 
  2. On the pop-up setting window, you should see the air assist setting section appear. 
  3. If the problem persists, please send us your project file, material, and a photo of the cut.

V2.1 or later

V1.7 or before

 

Help Us Improve

If this article or video doesn't effectively assist you in resolving the issue, please let us know by clicking the “No” button in the “Was this page helpful?” section below, and leave your feedback in the pop-up suggestion box. Our knowledge base team will review it and consider it for future updates.

 

Still Need Help?

If you need any human assistance, please create a ticket by clicking the “Submit a Ticket” button in the “Help Ticket” section below. Our service team will get back to you in 1 business day via E-mail.

 

Preview
Was this page helpful?
13 out of 17 found this helpful
Help Ticket
Use this help ticket to submit your issue. We will respond within 1 business day
Submit a Ticket
Help Ticket
Use this help ticket to submit your issue. We will respond within 1 business day
Submit a Ticket
xTool Logo

Contact Us

Submit a Ticket
🇺🇸+1 (888) 528-2293
Service Live Chat

Copyright © 2025 xTool All Rights Reserved.