This article explains how xTool X1 responds when you press Pause in xTool software or open the device lid during different types of processing tasks, and why the device behaves this way.
Quick check table
Processing task | Pressing Pause | Opening the lid |
|---|---|---|
Processing tasks that use four-axis coordination (color engraving, line engraving with coordinated motion or sectional processing, and bitmap engraving) | Processing task paused automatically after the current path segment is complete. Processing can resume. | Processing task canceled immediately. To continue the task, you need to start processing again. |
Other processing tasks (cutting, curved surface processing, processing with the conveyor, embossing, inner engraving, fill engraving, and processing with rotary attachment) | Processing task paused immediately. Processing can resume. | Processing task paused. Processing can resume, but small unprocessed gaps may appear where it resumes. |
Why the device behaves this way
1. Opening the lid cancels processing tasks that use four-axis coordination
These processing tasks require the galvo and motion axes to coordinate laser emission. To resume after a pause, both must stop at precisely corresponding positions. Opening the lid triggers a safety response: the laser turns off first, then the motion axes stop after a delay. Their actual stopping positions differ from the positions where the laser turned off, and synchronization cannot be restored. Resuming would produce irregular lines and misaligned designs.
Color marking, bitmap engraving, and similar processing tasks often take more than an hour. Canceling the processing task and clearly notifying you allows you to start again, saving time and material compared with resuming and producing a misaligned result.
2. Laser emission continues briefly after you press Pause during a processing task that uses four-axis coordination
An abrupt stop would disrupt synchronization, so these processing tasks can only pause at the boundary of a path segment. After you press Pause, the device waits for a suitable point to pause. The following shows how the device reacts when you press Pause:
- The indicator flashes yellow. The current path segment continues, and the laser keeps emitting, which is normal.
- Once the current path segment is complete, processing pauses automatically and the indicator turns green.
- When you resume processing, the device continues with the remaining path from the pause position.
Do not open the lid while the device is yet to pause. Opening the lid causes task canceling.
3. Opening the lid pauses other processing tasks
For other processing tasks, the device can return precisely to the original path position after stopping, allowing processing to resume. Opening the lid therefore only pauses processing, and you can continue after closing it. Because the laser turns off before motion stops, small unprocessed gaps may appear where processing resumes. The software displays a message to let you know.
Recommendations
- If you need to stop during processing, press Pause in the software or press the start/stop button on the device instead of opening the lid.
- For processing tasks that use four-axis coordination, press Pause in the software and wait until the device indicator changes from blinking yellow to green before opening the lid.
