Possible causes: software compatibility issue.

Solution: Take the Laserbox software as an example. (PS. Laserbox is not for XCS)

(2) Click System Preferences > Security & Privacy.

Possible cause 1: System Integrity Protection is on.

Solution: disable the System Integrity Protection referring to the steps below and try again:

(1) Turn off your macOS computer, and restart it by pressing and holding Command, R keys& power button for the interface below.

(2) Click Utilities > Terminal.

(3) Enter the command csrutil disable and press Enter.

SIP is disabled when the following message is displayed.

(4) Restart the computer.

Possible cause 2: RNDIS/Ethernet Gadget not started due to macOS network configuration. 

Solution: Click System preferences > Network, and check if "RNDIS/Ethernet Gadget" is on the list. If yes, there should be no problem with the USB connection. If not, create one by referring to the steps below:

(1) Connect your mac and M1 via the original USB cable, then click "+"

(2) Click and select RNDIS/Ethernet Gadget.

(3) Click Apply.

(4) Once the RNDIS/Ethernet Gadget is created, connecting to M1 via USB will be established automatically.

#5 The Extract function failed. Why?

Possible cause 1: The image to be extracted is too complicated for the camera to recognize.

Solution: For a complicated image to be extracted, it is recommended that you take a picture of it and use some professional image processing software, such as Adobe Photoshop, to process it, and then import it to XCS.

Possible cause 2: The image to be extracted has a similar color to the background, which makes it hard for the camera to recognize.

Solution: Extract a part that is not that similar in color to the parts around it, or you can take a picture of it and use some professional image processing software, such as Adobe Photoshop, to process it, and then import it to XCS.

Possible cause 3: The camera lens is contaminated.

Solution: Clean it with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol.

#6 The Smart fill function failed. Why?

Note: Adopting the same image recognition technology as the image extraction function, the smart fill function enables the device to recognize materials of the same shape, color, and specifications and process them all at once.

Possible cause 1: The baseplate is dirty or there is too much scratch on the baseplate. Image recognition can not properly perform.

Solution: You can clean the baseplate if needed. Cover the scratches with black tape or ink to ensure a total black background.

Possible cause 2: The color of the materials to be processed is too similar to that of the baseplate, making it difficult for the camera to recognize.

Solution: Paint the materials in white water-soluble paint before processing.

Possible cause 3: The lens of the camera is dirty, causing the images captured by it to be unclear or overexposed.

Solution: Clean the lens of the camera with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol.

Possible cause 4: there is a difference in color or size with the materials and M1 can only batch-process one kind at a time.

Solution: Categorize the different materials and batch process one kind at a time.

Possible cause 5: The design element(s) not placed on the materials.

Solution: Place your design elements on any one of the materials to be processed, and then click Smart fill.

 

#7 XCS failed to display character elements as part of a vector file designed by third-party software after importing. Why?

Possible cause: The character elements are character block files, which XCS has problems resolving.

Solution1: Convert the character blocks into line segments and then export them as vector files.

Using Adobe Illustrator: 

Using Inkscape, refer to "How to Convert Texts in SVG Files to Line Segments for Importing into XCS?"

Solution 2: type and add the missing characters after importing to XCS.

#8 SVG files' image size changes after being imported to XCS. Why?

: Self-adaption to the XCS canvas. You may adjust the size.
To avoid the change in size in the first place, you may choose to export as a 1:1 ratio vector file. Below are the steps in the case of Adobe illustrator software.

#9 How to check if my XCS software and firmware are up to date?

#1 There is a position difference with the actual result than as shown in the picture captured by the camera. Why?

Possible cause: xTool M1 adopts fisheye cameras. Images captured by the camera are processed and presented as planar images. In the algorithm for processing the images, the images captured by the camera are processed as absolutely planar. The device, baseplate, material, and other elements, however, are not absolutely planar, which causes deviation during the processing. The farther a design element is away from the camera and the farther the surface of the material to be processed is away from the baseplate, the greater the deviation is. We are working to improve the algorithm, and the deviation will be reduced.

Solution 1: Use the Framing function on XCS to preview the processing area and thus ensure that the expected area of the material is processed.

Solution 2: Place the material right under the camera.

Solution 3: Use flat materials

Solution 4: Reduce the height of the material to be processed, for example, using a thinner material or removing the triangular prism

#2 Failed to laser-cut through a material. Why?

Possible cause 1: Wrong material option selected in XCS.
Solution: Choose the correct material in XCS and proceed with the default processing parameters.

Possible cause 2: improper processing parameter(s)
Solution: Set a proper set of processing parameters, with a higher power value, lower speed value, or more passes.

Possible cause 3: inaccurate material thickness, which results in incorrect focusing.
Solution: make sure the Thickness and Height raised are accurate.

Possible cause 4: contaminated laser lens, which results in reduced laser power output.
Solution: Use the front camera of your phone or remove the baseplate and turn the machine upside down, then clean the lens with a cotton swab, with alcohol if necessary.

Possible cause 5: an uneven material surface or baseplate surface.
Solution: Make sure the material surface and the baseplate are flat.
Possible cause 6: material is not for M1.
Solution: M1 uses a 5W/10W semiconductor laser scheme, which can not complete laser cutting processing for some materials, such as transparent materials, metals, ceramics, ultra-thick materials, etc., and can only choose to use other tools for cutting processing of these materials.

#3 Engraving is not as clear as expected. Why?

#4 Failed to use the Blade cut function or with no cutting effect. Why?

Possible cause 1: blade cut is only for vector files, like dxf, svg. Bitmap files, like jpg, png are not supported.

Solution: Use a vector file, or process "Outline" to a bitmap and proceed.

Possible cause 2: blade missing.

Solution: install the blade and proceed. For details:  https://support.xtool.com/hc/en-us/articles/4903824108567-How-to-Replace-the-Blade-for-M1.

#5 Failed to Blade-cut through a material. Why?

Possible cause 1: wrong type of material selected in XCS.

Solution: select the corresponding one from the Material list and then use the recommended parameter settings.

Possible cause 2: improper parameter(s).

Solution: lower the Speed, and/or raise the Cut pressure, and/or raise the Passes.

Possible cause 3: worn blade.
Solution: replace the blade. A point blade may be worn out after a long-time use or due to cutting of high-hardness materials, and therefore impact the cutting performance, such as edge warp or failure to cutting through a material. For details about how to replace a point blade, go to https://support.xtool.com/hc/en-us/articles/4903824108567-How-to-Replace-the-Blade-for-M1.

Possible cause 4: cut pressure needs calibration.
Solution: Process "Cut pressure calibration", go to https://support.xtool.com/hc/en-us/articles/5311517082391-M1-Blade-Calibration-Software.

Possible cause 5: The baseplate or material is not flat, 

Solution: make sure the surface of the material or the baseplate is even. Replace them if necessary.

#6 Failed to use the Process what you draw function, why?

Possible cause 1: The material is not supported by the Process what you draw function. Only official materials with annular signs are supported.

Solution: Switch to our official materials with annular signs and try again.

Possible cause 2: marking problem.

Solution: make sure the thickness of the marking is ≥2mm, and the color (red&black only) is not too light and does not reflect.

Possible cause 3: pattern size being too small. Pattern size<2*2mm may not be recognized.

Solution: draw a bigger one and try again.

Possible cause 4: the space between the red and black marking is too narrow.

Solution: make sure the gap is more than 2mm.

Possible cause 5: The Process what you draw function has not been enabled in device settings.

Solution: Connect xTool M1 to XCS, click the settings icon in the upper right corner, and select the options on the Device selected window.

Possible cause 6: malfunctioning camera.

Solution: connect M1 to XCS and check if XCS shows what the camera is supposed to be capturing. If it doesn't, perform the following steps:

(1) Remove the black protective cover of the main control board. For details about how to remove it, see "How do I remove the protective cover of the main control board?"

(2) Unplug the connection cable of the camera, and replug it.

(3) Restart xTool M1.

Possible cause 7: "Process what you draw" is actually in progress recognizing the drawing.

Solution: It takes time for data processing, and it could be even longer with more complex patterns, normally 10s-20s.

#7 Part of a design is missed, distorted, or not processed in the expected position in Laser flat processing. Why?

Solution: Unplug and plug the connection cable again.

(1) Remove the black protective cover of the main control board. For details about how to remove it, see "How do I remove the protective cover of the main control board?"

(2) Unplug and plug the motor cables shown in the following figure again.

#8 Failed to laser-cut through or even engrave on transparent materials. Why?

Cause: M1 adopts a semiconductor laser, of which the wavelength is about 450nm, which makes it hard for the laser spot to focus on transparent materials.
Solution 1: coat the transparent material with a layer of water-soluble paint or a piece of marking paper (available on xtool.com) before processing, and wash off the paint or the marking paper after the processing.
Solution 2: place a piece of tin foil under the material, meanwhile, increase the power and reduce the speed. If it does not help, give it up in case of damage to the device.

#9 Failed engraving on metal materials, why?

Cause: M1 adopts a semiconductor laser, of which the laser wavelength is about 450nm. Most metals have difficulty absorbing the laser energy, except stainless steel (except specular stainless steel for its reflection).
Solution 1: choose metals with a coating for engraving, such as stainless steel with electroplating coating, aluminum products with anodized alumina coating, etc., and avoid mirror stainless steel.
Solution 2: When engraving a vector file, choose the laser cutting processing type and raise the power and reduce the speed. If it does not work, give it up in case of damage to the device.

#10 How to cancel the ongoing project?

Solution 1: With online processing, click "Cancel" to stop the processing.

Solution 2: Open the lid to suspend the processing, and press and hold the button for 3 sec to cancel the processing.

Solution 3: turn off the M1. In case of fire, cut off the power immediately.

Product-related FAQ:

#1 No laser beam after starting processing. Why?

Possible cause 1: Software or firmware not being the latest version.
Solution: Check if the software and firmware are up to date. Update accordingly.
Possible cause 2: Low Power value.
Solution: Increase the Power value to a proper one for the material and try again.

Possible cause 3: Wiring problem (damaged wiring, bad connection etc.)
Troubleshooting steps:
1. Refer to the steps in the video by clicking the link and check the wiring: https://support.xtool.com/hc/en-us/articles/9133907664535-How-to-Check-the-Cable-Connection-Status-of-M1-Laser-Head-Assembly
2. Check whether the Laser cable is damaged or well plugged in.

If it turns out to be a connection problem, reconnect the wire; If it is a broken wire or cable problem, contact our after-sales team or your reseller.
Possible cause 4: Laser problem.
Troubleshooting steps: take down the Laser referring to the tutorial by clicking the following link: https://support.xtool.com/hc/en-us/articles/5567740162839-How-to-Replace-the-Laser-Module-for-M1. Check if there are any signs of shortcircuit-like burnt marks on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board).
Possible cause 5: Wiring problem with the motherboard, usually with Error Code Qx21 1.
Troubleshooting steps: remove the motherboard cover referring to the video (https://support.xtool.com/hc/en-us/articles/6033038167063-How-to-Replace-the-Main-Control-Board-for-M1) and make sure the wiring connection is secure.

#2 Failed to turn on the M1. Why?

#4 No red light spot on the baseplate from the distance-measurement laser. Why?

Solution: Turn off the M1, remove the baseplate, turn the M1 upside down and remove the protective cover of the motherboard. Check the connection and try again.

(1) Remove the protective cover of the motherboard. For details, see "How do I remove the protective cover of the main control board?"

(2) Check whether the connection cable is damaged. If the connection cable is not damaged, unplug and plug it again, and then see whether red light is emitted.

#5 Failed or inaccurate thickness auto-measurement. Why？

Solution: (1) Under Laser flat mode, place a piece of paper on it or use a vernier caliper to manually measure the thickness.
(2) Under Laser cylindrical mode or Open plane mode, focus the laser manually referring to:
Open plane: https://support.xtool.com/hc/en-us/articles/5316621641879-M1-Manual-Focusing-Tutorial-in-Open-Plane-Mode
Laser cylindrical: https://support.xtool.com/hc/en-us/articles/4798482462231-xTool-M1-Manual-Focusing-Tutorial-in-Laser-Cylindrical-Mode

#6 Oil stains or scratches left on the baseplate after laser processing. Why?

Possible causes:

(1) Oil stains: when a material is not fully burned during laser processing, a mixture of dust particles and moisture in the air generates, similar to tar.

(2) Scratches: The baseplate of xTool M1 is an aluminum sheet with a coating of black oxide. Laser beams may engrave on the coating after cutting through a material, exposing the color of the aluminum.

Solutions:

(1) Oil stains: Clean the baseplate with tissues moistened with alcohol.

(2) Scratches: Place a piece of tin foil on the baseplate before processing. Make it flat and avoid covering the venting holes on the baseplate.)

#7 Error code Qx14 1. Why?

Possible cause 1: Contaminated X-axis photoelectric sensor.

Solution: clean the sensor referring to https://support.xtool.com/hc/en-us/articles/5661234418967-How-to-Clean-Photosensors-for-M1

Possible cause 2: Misshaped or missing X-axis limit plate

Solution: make sure the X-axis limit plate is in its normal shape and fits the hole to the middle of the sensor.

Possible cause 3: Fallen wheel to the Laser Module.

Solution: Move the wheel back in place.

 

#8 Error code Qx14 2. Why?

Possible cause 1: Contaminated Y-axis Photoelectric Sensor.
Solution: Turn off the M1, remove the baseplate and turn the machine upside down. Find and clean the sensor.

Possible cause 2: Y-axis Photoelectric Sensor and/or the Y-axis limit is out of position.

Solution: Turn off the M1, remove the baseplate and turn the machine upside down. Find and make sure they are both in position.

Possible cause 3: loose cable connection to the Y-axis Photoelectric Sensor.

Solution: Turn off the M1, remove the baseplate and turn the machine upside down. Remove the motherboard protection cover and make sure the cable connection is secure.

Possible cause 4: Contaminated Y-axis rail(s).

Solution: check and make sure the Y-axis rails are clean and smooth.

 

#9 Error code Qx14 3. Why?

Possible cause 1: contaminated photoelectric sensor

Solution: Power off the machine and clean the sensor referring to [Video] Clean The Photoelectric Sensors of M1.

If the laser module keeps falling out of the case as a result along with Error code Qx14 3, hold the module and push it upwards till the rack on the laser head is in contact with the gear of the stepper motor, then power on the machine for the module to automatically goes up to its place if the contamination is eliminated. Repeat the process above if the problem persists.

 

Possible cause 2: wiring problem (connection, damage, etc.) of the Laser Module or of the Z-axis motor

Solution: Replug/replace the wire once the problem is confirmed by referring first to [Video] Check the Cable Connection to M1 Laser Head and also check the wiring to the Z-axis motor. Contact after-sales or your dealer if necessary.

 

Possible cause 3: foreign objects (on the rail, rack or the gear, etc. ) interfering with the up-and-down movement of the Laser Module on the Z-axis. 

Solution: Clean and grease the parts if it seems to be the problem after checking by referring to [Video] Replace the Laser Module for M1 whether the laser module gets stuck during the up-and-down movement (repeat if necessary) and also if there are any signs of friction between the side of the Laser Module and outer case. Contact after-sales or your dealer if necessary.

 

#10 The bearings rust. Why?

Possible cause: In order to meet the use requirements, M1 bearings are made of bearing steel with high hardness, which can be processed for a long time and only produce very small wear, but there is a risk of rust. Before each machine leaves the factory, the bearing will be sprayed with anti-rust oil. However, due to the huge difference in the transportation, storage and use environment of the machine, there may be some users of the bearing rust phenomenon.
Solution: You can buy a bottle of WD40 rust inhibitor to spray and maintain rusty bearings and other parts (be careful not to spray WD40 on PCB and synchronous belt), and then gently wipe off the rust with a paper towel.

 

#11 How to fix the stripped screw on the baseplate?

: Attach a piece of rubber to the stripped screw and unscrew it. If it doesn't work, use a stripped screw extractor.

 

#12 Is the laser beam harmful to the eyes? 

: Yes, it is. And it is highly suggested to wear laser-protective goggles during laser processing, especially when the baseplate is removed for certain processing scenarios.

 

#13 The image captured by the camera is over-exposed. Why?

Possible cause: Smog resulting from laser processing adheres to the camera lens.

Solution: Clean the camera lens with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol.

 

#14 Why is it necessary to clean the Laser Module lens and how?

Reason: Smog resulting from laser processing would adhere to the Laser Module lens.

Solution: Clean the lens with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol. Remove the baseplate and turn the machine upside down to clean the lens or just use the front camera of your smartphone.

 

#15 How to remove the motherboard protective cover?

Step1: Remove the baseplate first.

Step 2: Turn the M1 upside down and remove the protective cover.

Possible cause 1: The stickiness of the mat faded after a long time of using.
Solution: Replace it with a new one.
Possible cause 2: The protective films on the mat are not removed.
Solution: Remove the protective films.
Possible cause 3: Blue mat is used where the red one is supposed to be used.
Solution: Refer to the instructions below and choose the right mat.

Possible cause 1: the Rotary Attachment is placed in a wrong direction.
Solution: make sure the Rotary Attachment is placed right as below and try again.

Possible cause 2: connection problem between the Rotary Attachment and the M1.
Solution: Check if they are correctly connected and if the cable is intact.

#3  Failed to focus when using the Rotary Attachment. Why?

Possible cause 1: the red light spot is not on the top of the material surface.

Solution: make sure the red light spot is on the top of the material surface and try again.

Possible cause 2: the way the risers are placed, the gear of the Rotary Attachment chosen and the diameter of the object do not match.

Solution:(1) For Rotary Attachment 1 (RA1), choose the corresponding Risers and RA1 gear based on the diameter of the material.

(2) For Rotary Attachment 2 (RA2), choose the corresponding Risers and RA2 gear based on the diameter measured with the tapeline that came with the product.

Possible cause 4: material being black, transparent, or reflects where deviation may occur.

Solution: Place a piece of white paper on the material and try again or focus manually referring to the instructions below.

Laser cylindrical：https://support.xtool.com/hc/en-us/articles/4798482462231-xTool-M1-Manual-Focusing-Tutorial-in-Laser-Cylindrical-Mode

Laser cylindrical：https://www.yuque.com/makeblock-help-center-zh/xtool-m1/ess5d2

Possible cause 5: the surface of the material is out of the working range of M1, which is 16mm above the baseplate to 19mm below the baseplate.

Solution: make sure the surface of the material is within the working range of M1.

#4 Part of a design is missed, distorted, or not processed in the expected position in Laser cylindrical processing. Why?

Possible cause 1: The material may slip on the rollers during the back-and-forth movement on the Y-axis direction when processing vector images.
Solution: (1) Increase the friction between the material and rollers of the Rotary Attachment. For example, you can attach rubber bands to the two ends of the material.
(2) Convert the vector paths into bitmap images through screenshotting and use the bitmap images for processing.
(3) Use the Single-step jaw components/Double-step jaw components of RA2 Pro instead.
Possible cause 2: mechanical faults.
Solution: check if the problem persists when using the Laser flat mode to cut a design element, such as a pentagram. If yes, solve the problem by referring to "#7 Part of a design is missed, distorted, or not processed in the expected position in Laser flat processing. Why?"
Possible cause 3: The adjustable roller of the Rotary Attachment is not fixed tight.
Solution: fix the roller and try again.

#5 The thickness auto-measurement result and the image captured by the camera are inaccurate when working with the xTool Smoke Purifier. Why?

Possible cause: xTool Smoke Purifier is designed for multiple xTool device models. For xTool M1, of which the baseplate may be slightly deformed due to external air pressure if the Smoke Purifier is working at high power, inaccurate auto-measurement results and the image captured by the camera may occur.
Solution: It is recommended to adopt lower power when using the Smoke Purifier.

#6 Worse engraving effect with the Air Assist Set. Why?

: The Air Assist Set helps with sufficient burning of the material, which is more for laser cutting than laser engraving. The Air Assist Set is not suggested for laser engraving.