Possible causes

• Operation Error:
  • Field Lens Protector Not Removed: The protective cover blocks the laser beam output.
  • Power Settings Incorrect: The laser power level may be too low for the material or not set.
  • Inappropriate Material: The diode laser is best suited for processing non-metallic materials.

• Incorrect Focusing: The laser is not focused on the material surface.
• Dirty Field Lens: A dirty lens may undermine the laser power output.
• Material Position Changes After Focusing: F1 Lite/F1 requires a specific working distance—the distance between the field lens and the material surface. If this distance changes, the laser beam loses focus, resulting in defocusing. This disrupts the laser's pre-calculated parameters and undermines engraving quality or laser output.
  • Correct Operating Steps: Focus the laser after placing the material in position and ensure it remains stable during processing.
  • Avoid Position Changes: Do not lift, lower, or otherwise move the material after focusing.
  • If Position Changes Are Necessary: Re-focus the laser to restore proper settings.

Troubleshooting

Step 1: Check the field lens protector

• Ensure the field lens protector is removed before starting the engraving process.
• If this does not resolve the issue, proceed to the next step.

 

Step 2: Use auto-focus

1. Connect to xTool Creative Space (XCS):

• Connect your laser device to xTool Creative Space (XCS) software and click "Init" to activate the Auto-Focus feature.
• Important: DO NOT move the field lens after initialization. 

Note: The "Use Auto-Focus Before Init" feature    is only visible immediately after connecting the laser device to the software. If this feature is not displayed, disconnect your device, close the XCS program, and restart both the device and the software before attempting again.

 

2. Check Alignment After Initialization:

Upon completing Auto-Focus, the red and blue dots should overlap, creating a purple dot on the baseplate. This indicates the focus distance is correctly set.

 

3. Manual Adjustment (if necessary):

If the 2 dots are not aligned, use the rotary knob to adjust the red dot's position until it aligns with the blue dot.

If the alignment issue persists, refer to: The Blue and Red Dots of F1 Aren’t Overlapped for troubleshooting advice.

 

Step 3: Verify proper processing parameters

• Confirm that you are using the appropriate processing settings for your material.
• If the power and/or speed settings are too low, adjust them accordingly to ensure proper performance.
• If the issue remains unresolved, proceed to the next step.

 

Step 4: Clean the field lens

• Use a lint-free cloth slightly moistened with alcohol to clean the field lens.

If the issue persists after completing the steps above, please request xTool Customer Service for further assistance.