First-Level Calibration for M1 Camera
Updated Feb 20,2024
Updated Feb 20,2024

Caution: 
1. Exercise caution when performing first-level calibration, as it modifies the underlying system data of the camera. Once the calibration is completed, the original data cannot be restored.
2. If you are uncertain whether the camera needs to be calibrated at the first level, please consult xTool's customer support at support@xtool.com with a video demonstrating camera positioning errors for assistance.

 

About the Positioning Errors

  1. Since camera positioning errors are inherent, slight discrepancies are usually considered normal under existing technological conditions. 
  2. These errors may be ascribed to the materials' location, material surface flatness, and processing scenarios. For how to ensure the image positioning accuracy of xTool M1, you may refer to: How to Ensure the Image Positioning Accuracy of xTool M1 - xTool Support Center

 

How to Confirm the Errors

You can follow the steps below for testing and confirm if the positioning errors for the camera are within acceptable limits.

  1. Set up a laser flat mode and place a 3mm flat material on the baseplate.
  2. Select "Score" in the processing type to etch on the material and click process.
  3. After the processing is completed, click the "Refresh" button (See the picture below). 
  4. Observe the discrepancy between the scored pattern and the designated position on XCS. This represents the camera positioning error, typically within 1.5mm in the central processing area at a height of 3mm.
1 (4).jpg

Note: After the first-level calibration is complete, please calibrate the auto-measure to avoid significant measurement results.

 

Application Scenario

This article applies to troubleshooting the issues below.
  1. Major errors in M1 camera positioning.
  2. Significantly deformed baseplate image with M1 camera in laser flat mode.
  3. Camera refreshing failure due to missing calibration file.

 

Tools Needed

  1. Several sheets of A3-sized (297mm*420mm) blank paper.
  2. Windows 10 or above (Mac not supported).
  3. A roll of transparent or white tape.
  4. One A3-sized 3mm flat material or two A4-sized flat materials, e.g., acrylic sheet, specifically:
     A3-sized 3mm flat material: 297mm*420mm
     A4-sized 3mm flat material: 210mm*297mm

Note: Since the material's flatness will affect the camera positioning accuracy, it is advisable to ensure the material is as even as possible. Otherwise, the expected calibration effect will not be achieved. 

 

Calibration Software

 xTool M1 First Calib

 

How to Do

1. Download and extract the calibration software to a disk other than the C drive, as some computers may deny the software's access to the C drive.

image - 2023-08-22T094429.729.png

 

2. Place two 3mm A4-sized acrylic boards or one 3mm A3-sized acrylic board with even surfaces on the baseplate along the red line as indicated in the picture below.

 

3. Secure one piece of A3 blank paper with tape on the board(s). Make sure the paper is spread evenly.

image - 2023-08-22T094603.662.png

 

4. Close the lid of M1 and connect your computer to M1 via USB.

image - 2023-08-22T094646.799.png

 

5. Run the calibration software (See the picture below). If it fails, run it as Administrator.

1.png

 

6. Click "Connect".

2.png

 

7. Click "Process" for engraving and wait for processing.

  1. For the sake of the expected calibration effect, it is advisable to avoid using the air assist during processing. Otherwise, the paper may be blown away.
  2. During first-level calibration, click on "Process" to initiate the process instead of pressing the machine's physical start button.
  3. Usually, the exhaust fan is automatically deactivated to prevent paper from being blown away, which could disrupt the calibration process.
  4. During first-level calibration, do not open the lid or press the machine's physical start button; if this occurs, please restart the M1 and recalibrate.
3.png

 

8. Click "Snapshot" to capture the image.

4.png

 

9. Click "Generate" to create the calibration file.

5.png

 

10. Check the calibration grid.

  1. If you see red circles as shown in the picture below, these indicate significant calibration deviations. Please repeat the calibration procedure.
  2. If you observe yellow circles, they suggest minor deviations. Check for grid line deformation. 
    1. If there are fewer than 20 yellow circles without obvious deformation, you may proceed to the next step.
    2. If, however, there are more than 20 yellow circles exhibiting apparent deformation, please perform the calibration procedure again. 
7 (1).png

 

11. Click "Update" to upload the calibration file. After the uploading is complete, close the pop-up window.

6.png

 

12. Check M1 camera positioning accuracy again in XCS according to the steps in the Camera Positioning Error Test above.

  • If the test result falls short of the expectation, please recalibrate.
  • If it indicates a high degree of accuracy, you may proceed to calibrate M1 auto-measure according to this link.

 

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.

 

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

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