Meet xTool P2 laser plotter

The decision to buy the first laser plotter is often preceded by many hours of analysis of individual models. This is not surprising, since this type of device is a tad more demanding than knife plotters both in terms of operation, maintenance of safety rules or organization of the workplace. There is also no denying that it is very often a sizable investment. Therefore, it is important to choose a machine that will meet our expectations, while not being too difficult to use and not ruining our budget. Will the xTool P2 model meet the aforementioned conditions and prove itself as a first laser plotter?

Basic parameters of xTool P2 plotter

The xTool P2 is a device that offers a sizable working area of 660 x 355 mm. This gives a working area of 600 x 308 mm. This allows for the creation of sizable projects, but translates into the size of the plotter itself, at 1000 x 639 x 268 mm. Keep this in mind when planning the station for the machine in the studio.

The plotter offers cutting and engraving with a 55W CO2 laser. Combined with speeds of up to 600mm/s, this gives great performance and allows you to create even extensive designs quickly and efficiently.

The design of the plotter allows you to attach a dedicated elevation (to be purchased separately), which will further enlarge the working space and allow you to engrave larger objects, such as suitcases or boxes. The RA2 PRO rotary module (to be purchased separately) can also be used with the elevation. Note, however, that opening the laser plotter housing can increase the risk of radiation and fumes escaping. So follow the instruction manual and take extreme care when working on such modified equipment.

Accessories

The manufacturer offers interesting accessories for the P2 model, which will further expand its capabilities. I have already mentioned the elevation above. However, it is worth mentioning that the height of the working space with the use of the elevation increases from 72 to 215mm! I have also already mentioned the possibility of using the RA2 PRO swivel module, but it is an extremely versatile accessory, about which I would like to talk a little more.

The xTool RA2 PRO rotary module is the first 4-in-1 accessory on the market. This means you get the components you need to engrave objects with irregular, cylindrical and spherical shapes, as well as hoops including rings in the set.

The holder for cups and irregularly shaped objects is designed to allow engraving of dishes with ears, and polyhedrons.

The rollers and leveling stand provide the ability to engrave thin-walled and irregularly shaped vessels, such as wine or champagne glasses.

Dreaming of personalized, original Christmas tree baubles? Just use the right holder and you can make them yourself. You can engrave many other spherical-shaped items like decorative wooden balls, key ring elements or Christmas decorations in this way.

Engraving jewelry such as rings or hoop-shaped bracelets is also possible with the rotary module. Just keep in mind that the CO2 plotter can engrave on coated metal, anodized aluminum and anodized titanium steel. In the case of stainless steel, it will be necessary to spray it with a special preparation.

List of materials for cutting and engraving

The plotter can handle cutting in hard and thick materials like wood, leather and thick paper. Especially often we receive questions about the ability to cut acrylic and plywood. The xTool P2 plotter can handle such tasks and will make precise cuts in lime, pine or walnut plywood up to 12mm thick. For acrylic, the thickness of the material the plotter will cut is also about 12mm. This allows you to create unique designs such as boxes, 3D sculptures or damage-resistant toppers. Meanwhile, you can engrave on plywood, acrylic, paper, leather, stone, metal, glass, EVA foam or even felt. For a full list of materials for engraving and cutting with the xTool P2, visit the manufacturer's website HERE by selecting the appropriate plotter model.

Intuitive xTool Creative Space software

The software included with the plotter is extremely intuitive. In cooperation with two cameras - a panoramic one and a magnifying one - it allows to place designed patterns on a given material in real time and plan their positioning. It is possible to engrave on multiple objects at the same time thanks to intelligent matching of patterns to their surfaces. In addition, you can modify and design patterns on your own in the program, and you will get free files to use in the library.

Friendly even to the novice user, the program is extremely important, and the ability to modify and design patterns allows to create even the most original realizations.

Safety during operation

Laser plotters require the observance of basic safety rules. First of all, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of harmful laser radiation and fumes generated during operation coming out from inside the plotter. Therefore, the plotter should be tightly closed during operation and must not be used if any of its components are damaged. Exhaust fumes should be discharged through the included pipe to a separate ventilation line or directly to the outside of the building.

If you can not take the exhaust fumes outside the room, you need to purchase the manufacturer's filter available in our store. It is equipped with a cartridge that must be replaced regularly.

The plotter should not be left unattended during operation, and its surroundings should be away from flammable materials. You should also get a fire extinguisher and keep it near the work area.

If you are concerned about increasing safety when cutting with a laser, you can take advantage of the manufacturer's offer and purchase a Fire Prevention Kit, which, thanks to sensors, detects an open flame, cuts off the machine from the power supply, informs about it with an alarm, and then extinguishes the fire.

Availability of auxiliary materials

The manufacturer has gone to great lengths to make the manuals that come with the devices as readable as possible for the user. The aforementioned list of cutting and engraving materials along with settings is also very useful. Having at your disposal a material included in the list or with similar parameters, all you need to do is to slightly modify the settings in order to achieve the desired results. This is easier and faster than searching for the right settings on your own. It also saves the material needed to perform tests. Helpful materials can also be easily found on publicly available platforms, and they cover both the installation of the device and accessories as well as the use of the plotter itself. All of this makes the xTool P2 CO2 laser plotter a good choice for both more experienced and beginners in laser beam cutting.