Issue description

This troubleshooting article is only suitable for solving the problem of poor cutting or engraving effect caused by the reduction of air pump airflow. If the processing result is not good due to other problems, such as out-of-focus, parameters, etc., please refer to the corresponding article:
- For laser cutting result issue: Troubleshooting Material Yellowing or Blackening During Laser Cutting
- For laser engraving result issue: Troubleshooting Poor Engraving Results for xTool P3

When you process laser cutting, the airflow of the air nozzle decreases and leading to poor cutting results, such as light-color boards blackening severely.

Possible causes

1. Incorrect processing mode
2. Improper air pump processing power
3. Air inlet of the air pump clogs
4. Air circuit clogs
5. Air circuit leaks
6. Faulty air pump

Important notes

1. Processing scenarios description

Normally, the air pump operates only during laser processing. Generally, it is recommended to use high power for laser cutting and low power for laser engraving.

During laser cutting, the air pump runs at 100% power by default. During laser engraving, the air pump operates at 25% power. You can adjust the default power in Device settings.

2. How to control the air pump directly

You can send the command by clicking the link to control the air pump. With it, you can troubleshoot the issue.

(1) Switch to the USB connection. (If the VPN is enabled, turn it off first.)

(2) According to your system, select the link to control the air pump.

• Turn on the air pump (at 100% power)

1. • For Windows: http://201.234.3.1:8080/cnc/cmd?cmd=M15S255&force=1
   • For macOS: http://201.234.4.1:8080/cnc/cmd?cmd=M15S255&force=1

• Turn off the air pump
• • For Windows: http://201.234.3.1:8080/cnc/cmd?cmd=M15S0&force=1
  • For macOS: http://201.234.4.1:8080/cnc/cmd?cmd=M15S0&force=1

3. How to get the working data of the air pump

When you turn on the air pump, copy the link below and open it in the browser to get the working data of the air pump. You can check for the problem of low airflow in the air pump based on the current value.

• For Windows: http://201.234.3.1:8080/peripherals?type=AirPump&action=get
• For macOS: http://201.234.4.1:8080/peripherals?type=AirPump&action=get

Parameters explanations:

• mosfetTemp - mosfet temperature
• pumpTemp - air pump temperature
• rpm - rotating speed of the air pump
• current - air pump current: When operating at maximum power, the air pump's current data typically ranges from 1600 to 2000 milliamperes. If the reading is significantly lower than this range, it indicates a blockage in the air pump's port. If the reading is significantly higher than this range, it indicates a blockage in the air pump's air tube.
• fanCurrent - fan current

Troubleshooting procedures

1. Check the power of the air pump

Check whether the power of the laser cutting is 100% (default). If not, please adjust to 100%.

The power setting corresponds to the processing mode. 100% power is only effective in Cut mode.

2. Test the airflow of the air nozzle

(1) Turn on the air pump, copy the link below, and open it in the browser.

• For Windows: http://201.234.3.1:8080/cnc/cmd?cmd=M15S255&force=1
• For macOS: http://201.234.4.1:8080/cnc/cmd?cmd=M15S255&force=1

(2) Hold a small piece of tissue near the air nozzle. When the air pump is operating normally, you will observe the following phenomenon:

• The air pump operates with a steady, rhythmic sound.
• • If the air pump produces irregular noises during operation, replace the air pump.
• The air nozzle can easily blow the tissue with a steady airflow.
• • If the airflow is weak or unstable, troubleshoot according to the steps below.

3. Test the working current of the air pump

(1) Turn on the air pump, copy the link below, and open it in the browser.

•  For Windows: http://201.234.3.1:8080/cnc/cmd?cmd=M15S255&force=1
•  For macOS: http://201.234.4.1:8080/cnc/cmd?cmd=M15S255&force=1

(2) Wait for a few minutes until the air pump works stably. Click the link to get the working data.

•  For Windows: http://201.234.3.1:8080/peripherals?type=AirPump&action=get
•  For macOS: http://201.234.4.1:8080/peripherals?type=AirPump&action=get

• If the air pump current value is between 1600 and 2000, but the airflow is still weak. Check whether the air circuit leaks by following the steps.
• If the air pump current value is significantly higher than 2000, check whether the air circuit clogs by following the steps.
• If the air pump current value is significantly lower than 1600, check the air inlet of the air pump by following the steps.

4. Check the air inlet end of the air pump

4.1 Check the air pump silencers

(1) Follow the video to remove two air pump silencers. And then turn on the air pump.

(2) Approach the air inlet with a finger, testing whether there is suction at two air inlets.

• If one of the air inlets has no suction, it means the piston of this air inlet is damaged. Please replace it with a new air pump.
• If airflow resumes after removing the silencer and both air inlets have strong suction, it means the silencer is clogged. At the time, clean or replace the silencer.

4.2 Check the filter screen of the air pump

If the filter screen of the air pump is dirty, the silencer will be clogged.

Please check the filter screen regularly. If the filter screen is dirty, clean it or replace it with a new one to extend the lifespan of the silencer.

You can clean the filter screen by gently tapping it or lightly brushing it with a brush. If the filter screen is damaged or or its filtration effect decreases after repeated cleaning, replace it with a new one.

(1) Remove the cover on the left plate.

(2) Pull down the air pump filter screen (as shown) and check whether it is dirty.

4.3 Check the smoke exhaust of the device

If excessive processing fumes cannot be discharged in time, some fumes may be drawn into the air pump, accelerating the clogging of its silencer.

You can improve smoke exhaust by:

• Increase the airflow of the SafetyPro™ IF2 2.0 and extend its working time.
• Regularly clean the SafetyPro™ IF2 2.0 fan blades to ensure optimal smoke extraction performance.
• Shorten the exhaust pipe and keep it as straight as possible to improve exhaust efficiency.
• Connect SafetyPro™ AP2 Max to enhance smoke discharge performance (The SafetyPro™ AP2 Max cannot be used simultaneously with SafetyPro™ IF2 2.0).

5. Check the air circuit

5.1 Check the air tube adapter of the Z-axis

Turn on the air pump and check whether the connector of the air tube leaks.

• If it leaks, push the air tube into the connector in the direction indicated by the arrow in the illustration and insert it firmly.
• If the air tube is still leaking after being plugged in, check whether the air tube and its adapter are damaged, and replace the damaged parts.
• If there are no issues with the above, please troubleshoot the next step.

5.2 Check the air tube adapter on the side plate

(1) Disconnect xTool P3 from a power supply.

(2) Remove the left plate as shown. And you can see the video tutorial Assemble & Disassemble the Casing of xTool P3.

(3) Turn on the air pump and check whether the connector of the air tube leaks.

• If it leaks, push the air tube into the connector in the direction indicated by the arrow in the illustration and insert it firmly.
• If the air tube is still leaking after being plugged in, check whether the air tube and its adapter are damaged, and replace the damaged parts.
• If there are no issues with the above, please troubleshoot the next step.

5.3 Check whether the air tube is broken

Check whether the air tube is broken and leaking. If yes, replace it with a new air tube.

6. Check whether the air circuit is clogged

6.1 Check the air tube adapter of the Z-axis

(1) Power off the device. Use a 2mm hex key to remove the cable fixing block, and pull out the air tube (no need to unplug the cable connector). Follow the video to operate.

(2) Remove the window lens and focus lens.

(3) Use tools such as toothpicks or small screwdrivers to insert into the connector and check for any residues or foreign objects, then clean them up.

6.2 Check the air tube connector on the side plate

(1) Disconnect xTool P3 from a power supply.

(2) Remove the left plate as shown. And you can see the video tutorial Assemble & Disassemble the Casing of xTool P3.

(3) Cut the cable ties on the air tube as shown. Press the black lock of the connector and unplug the air tube.

(4) Check whether there are any accumulated residues or foreign objects in the connector, and clean them up.

6.3 Check the air tube

Check the tube for any obvious kinks or severe bends. If present, straighten the tube.

7. Check the air pump board

If the air pump board is faulty, replace it with a new one.

Still experiencing issues?

Should the issue persist after completing the preceding steps, submit a ticket via the "Submit a Ticket" button in the "Help Ticket" section below. The standard response time for xTool Customer Service is one business day.

For a prompt resolution, please include the following details:

• Issue description: A detailed explanation of the observed problem.
• Video evidence: Attach a video demonstrating the issue, where applicable.
• Device information: Follow the steps to find the SN and export the work log.

• Troubleshooting performed: Any troubleshooting steps you have already attempted, along with their results.

This information is crucial for xTool technical support engineers to provide timely assistance.

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