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I recently added the xTool M1, equipped with a 10W diode laser, to my craft room. This versatile machine combines laser engraving and vinyl cutting technologies, marking xTool's inaugural foray into dual-function craft machines. Its compact design makes it an ideal choice for a home craft room, addressing the issue of laser machines being too large and costly for hobbyists like myself. With the xTool M1, I've been able to cut and engrave items I never thought possible in my craft space. Watch my xTool M1 Review on YouTube for more details about the machine.
I've been thoroughly impressed with the machine's cutting capabilities. Crafting 3D signs and earrings from wood has become a joy. Additionally, I've utilized the engraving feature to personalize my screen printing squeegee handles and apply my logo to Yeti and Simple Modern tumblers. And this is just the beginning – the xTool M1 laser opens up a plethora of project possibilities. For a comprehensive list of materials it can handle, please refer to the this xTool page (scroll to the bottom).
Cutting Acrylic Sheets with the xTool M1 10W Laser
I was very eager to experiment with cutting acrylic sheets using the M1 laser. While a diode laser can effectively cut some acrylics, it's important to note certain color limitations.
Clear or transparent acrylic colors do not work with a diode laser, as its light passes through the material without cutting it. This limitation can also impact its effectiveness with certain opaque colors.
I couldn't find an exhaustive list of compatible colors, so I decided to conduct my own tests. During these tests, I focused on adjusting three key settings: power (%), speed (mm/s), and the number of passes.
After extensive trials involving 22 different colors, brands, and thicknesses, it became apparent that each combination of brand and color produced different results, potentially explaining the online confusion regarding which colors actually work.
Feel free to download my free Acrylic Settings Guide for xTool M1 Laser for a convenient, printable list of the settings that yielded the best results for me:
Optimal Acrylic Cutting Results with a Laser Machine
For the most precise and smooth acrylic cutting results, I recommend exploring a CO2 laser like the xTool P2 or S1. If you're a crafter planning to embark on numerous acrylic cutting projects, a CO2 laser might be the better choice.
However, for hobby crafters like me, who have limited space and budget constraints, the xTool M1 will deliver satisfactory results across a range of colors.
Below, you'll find the outcomes of my 22 material tests. If you'd like a handy reference sheet with these settings, you can download my free Acrylic Settings Guide for xTool M1 Laser.
Results and Settings: Testing 22 Acrylic Sheets with the xTool M1 10W Laser
Testing Macarrie Brand Acrylic from Amazon in the xTool M1 Laser Machine
Buy These Acrylic Sheets:
Macarrie Acrylic SheetsVariety Pack on Amazon
While browsing Amazon, I came across the Macarrie brand of acrylic sheets. At their current price, these 12×12 sheets come in at about $3.60 each. This is the most economical option compared to the other brands I tested.
Results:Macarrie Acrylic Sheets with xTool M1 Laser
The xTool M1 laser cut through 9 of the 10 sheets included in the assortment. It cut through orange, yellow, red, green, white, pink, lime green, blue, and magenta. Each color took some testing to determine the best settings. My best results for each color were:
Orange Acrylic Sheet
Settings: 100% Power| 3mm/s Speed | 3 Passes
Notes: Cut through but edges are rough
Yellow Acrylic Sheet
Settings: 100% Power| 2mm/s Speed | 3 Passes
Notes: Cut through but edges are rough, some charing around edges (see photo below)
Red Acrylic Sheet
Settings: 100% Power| 3mm/s Speed | 3 Passes
Notes: Smooth edges
Green Acrylic Sheet
Settings: 100% Power| 3mm/s Speed | 3 Passes
Notes: Smooth edges
Pink Acrylic Sheet
Settings: 100% Power| 1mm/s Speed | 3 Passes
Notes: Cut through but edges are rough, some discoloring around edge – pink turned white (see photo below)
Lime Green Acrylic Sheet
Settings: 100% Power| 1mm/s Speed | 4 Passes
Notes: Cut through but edges are rough, some discoloring around edge – green turned white (see photo below)
Blue Acrylic Sheet
Settings: 100% Power| 1mm/s Speed | 4 Passes
Notes: Fairly smooth edges
Magenta Acrylic Sheet
Settings: 100% Power| 1mm/s Speed | 2 Passes
Notes: Smooth edges
White Acrylic Sheet
Settings: 100% Power| 1mm/s Speed | 4 Passes
Notes: Smooth but ridged edges
Light Blue Acrylic Sheet
Did not cut through with any settings I tried
Want a printable version of these settings? Download my free Acrylic Settings Guide for xTool M1 Laser:
Removing the Protective Film
To get the best results when cutting pink, lime green, blue, and white in this brand, I found that removing the paper film from both sides before cutting helped. In the picture below you can see that light blue did not cut through, even with the film removed. The pink acrylic cut through with my 3rd test (using settings mentioned above).
Testing Glowforge Brand Acrylics in the xTool M1 Laser Machine
Next, I experimented with the Glowforge® Proofgrade® Eco Thin and Medium acrylic sheets. These sheets don't come in a wide variety of colors. I was able to find black, teal, purple, orange, red, and white at Michaels.
Buy these acrylic sheets:
Glowforge® Proofgrade® Eco Thin at Michaels
Glowforge® Proofgrade™ Medium at Michaels
Results: Glowforge® Acrylic Sheets with xTool M1 Laser
The xTool M1 laser cut through all of the colors with the exception of the medium grade white. The edges of the Glowforge brand acrylic cut much smoother than the Macarrie brand on Amazon.
Glowforge® Proofgrade® Eco Thin Acrylic Sheets (black, teal, orange, purple, and red)
Settings: 100% Power| 1mm/s Speed | 1 Pass
Notes: Very smooth edges
Glowforge® Proofgrade® Medium Acrylic Sheet (Teal)
Settings: 100% Power| 3mm/s Speed | 4 Pass
Notes: Smooth but slight ridges along edge
Glowforge® Proofgrade® Medium Acrylic Sheet (White)
The white acrylic did not cut after many attempts adjusting the settings. I tried with and without the protective film, but the M1 laser would not cut through this material.
Testing xTool Brand Acrylics in the xTool M1 Laser Machine
Buy these acrylic sheets:
xTool 1/8″ Opaque Glossy Acrylic Sheets on Amazon
Results: xTool Acrylic Sheets with xTool M1 Laser
Initially, I assumed that the xTool brand of acrylic would yield the best results with the M1 laser. However, I found them to be very similar to the Macarrie brand on Amazon.
xTool Red 1/8″ Acrylic Sheet
Settings: 100% Power| 3mm/s Speed | 2 Passes
Notes: Smooth edges
xTool Yellow 1/8″ Acrylic Sheet
Settings: 100% Power| 1mm/s Speed | 3 Passes
Notes: Rough edges with some charing
xTool Green 1/8″ Acrylic Sheet
Settings: 100% Power| 2mm/s Speed | 3 Passes
Notes: Rough edges with minor charing
xTool White 1/8″ Acrylic Sheet
Settings: 100% Power| 2mm/s Speed | 3 Passes
Notes: Rough edges with minor charing
xTool White 1/12″ Acrylic Sheet
Surprising this sheet did not cut through at all. I tried the same settings as the thicker 1/8″ white and also a variety of other settings. No luck on this one.
Few Additional Tips and Notes about this Test:
- These tests were performed on the xTool M1 10W laser using the riser base with honeycomb panel set to the top position.
- I used the auto measure tool to adjust the height setting for each material.
- The xTool Air Assist was on for all of my tests and may have led to improved results.
- The 12×12 sheets fit best in the M1 laser. Larger sheets will not fit in the cutting area.
- While I would assume that the xTool and Glowforge brand acrylics will remain consistent over time, I am not as familiar with the Macarrie brand. It is possible this material may be manufactured different over time which could greatly impact the results of this test.
Download my free Acrylic Settings Guide for xTool M1 Laser for a convenient, printable list of the settings mentioned in this post:
I hope this test helps you better understand the capabilities of the M1 Laser from xTool. I am so excited to have this machine in my craft room. For more about why I love this machine, watch this YouTube review:
