What Can a Diode Laser Engraver Do, and What Does 40W Add Over 20W?
Summary
Diode lasers engrave wood and paper and cut thinner wood and dark opaque acrylic. Clear acrylic is off the table at any wattage, because the blue light passes through it. On xTool's S1, going from 20W to 40W nearly doubles the thickness you can cut in one pass, at the cost of a slightly wider spot.
20W and 40W side by side
xTool publishes a side-by-side comparison of its two S1 modules.
| xTool S1 module | 20W | 40W |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry wood, one pass | 10 mm | 18 mm |
| Dark opaque acrylic, one pass | 8 mm | 15 mm |
| Spot size | 0.08 × 0.06 mm | 0.08 × 0.10 mm |
The case for 40W rests almost entirely on how much thick material you cut. The spot is wider in one direction on the 40W, and for photo engraving or small lettering the 20W's tighter spot counts in its favor.
Where to start with settings
Settings are easier to find in the manufacturer's software than in a generic watts-to-thickness chart. xTool Studio shows recommended parameters as soon as you pick a material. For materials that vary a lot, or aren't on its list, it points you to a grid test on your own stock.
Open frame or enclosed?
An open-frame diode makes large pieces easy to load, but guarding, ventilation, and fire precautions are up to you. An enclosure doesn't remove the need for exhaust, and it doesn't make it safe to leave mid-job. Some engravers are Class 4 laser products, and the FDA notes that Class IV beams can injure eyes and skin even when reflected and can start fires.
Sources
- xTool Support — xTool S1 20W & 40W Laser Module Comparison
- xTool Support — How to Set xTool Material Parameters
- xTool Support — Material Processing Guide
- U.S. FDA — Laser Products and Instruments
Specs and prices are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.