Falcon 2 Pro vs. xTool S1: Which Laser Cutter is Right for You?
Creality has made waves in the 3D printing world, but their ambitions extend far beyond that. They’re now setting their sights on dominating the entire DIY segment, and their latest venture into laser cutters is a testament to this. If you’re familiar with Creality’s strategy, you’ll know they’re experts at offering high-quality products at budget-friendly prices.
Their new Falcon 2 Pro is positioned as an affordable alternative to the xTool S1, much like how their K1C 3D printer stacks up against the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon.
Falcon 2 Pro vs. xTool S1
Let’s dive into how these two laser cutters compare and which one might be the best fit for your needs.
Price Comparison
Price is often a deciding factor when choosing between two high-quality tools. Since the Falcon 2’s release, xTool has significantly reduced the price of the S1. Originally priced at over $2,400, the 20W version of the xTool S1, now bundled with a honeycomb panel and air assist, is available for $1,449.
- 【Class 1 Safety Diode Machine】xTool S1 is a Class 1 (FDA certificated) diode engraving machine to ensure user…
- 【600mm/s Faster, Perfect for Batch Production】xTool S1 20w cutter and engraver machine has a processing area of…
- 【Pin-point Positioning for Extreme Precisive Engraving】xTool S1 harnesses an advanced positioning algorithm for…
- 【Dynamic Auto-focus for Curved Surface and Thicker Cut】The high-precision auto-focus system intelligently guides the…
- 【User-Friendly Software with AI Functions】xTool has its FREE software, named “xTool Creative Space,” which offers…
In contrast, the Falcon 2 Pro, equipped with a 22W laser module, costs just $1,299—$600 less than the S1 and includes similar accessories. For those considering the 40W versions, the Falcon 2 Pro and xTool S1 are similarly priced at $1,899, while the 40W S1 costs $2,400—a $500 premium over the Falcon 2 Pro.
- 【Class 1 Safety Machine】The Falcon 2 Pro is a certified Class 1 cutting and engraving machine that prioritizes…
- 【Competitive Performance】The Falcon 2 Pro 22W laser machine can effortlessly cut through 15mm wood and 10mm dark…
- 【Built-in HD Camera】 The engraveing machine has a built-in high resolution camera, which would make all operations…
- 【Enclosed Enclosure and Exhaust System】Equipped with a high-performance exhaust system, the Falcon 2 Pro enclosure…
- 【Free Professional Software】The Creality Falcon Design Space is specially designed for Creality laser engraver that…
This substantial price difference makes the Falcon 2 Pro a very attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Build and Assembly
When it comes to build quality and assembly, both the Falcon 2 Pro and the xTool S1 are fully enclosed, enhancing safety during operation. The Falcon 2 Pro features a garage door-style lid made from thin red acrylic, providing excellent visibility into the cutting chamber. This design is ideal if you need to store the machine on a shelf with limited clearance.
On the other hand, the S1 has a robust flip-up lid made from thick green acrylic, but with a solid back, limiting visibility into the chamber.
The Falcon 2 Pro requires some basic assembly before use, while the S1 comes ready to operate straight out of the box. This makes the S1 a more convenient choice for those who want to get started immediately.
Cutting and Engraving Capabilities
Both machines offer interchangeable laser heads, but they differ in their specifications. The Falcon 2 Pro includes a 22W, 40W, and 1.6W laser head, with the 1.6W module included by default in the 40W bundle. The 1.6W laser provides finer details, while the 40W laser cuts deeper and faster but with less precision.
The xTool S1, however, offers 20W, 40W, and a 2W 64-nanometer laser, which is particularly effective on certain materials. The S1’s automatic height adjustment for the laser head is a standout feature, whereas the Falcon 2 Pro requires manual adjustment.
Automatic Focus and Material Positioning
One of the key features of the xTool S1 is its dynamic autofocus system, which adjusts the laser height automatically. This is particularly useful for achieving precise cuts and engravings. The Falcon 2 Pro requires manual adjustment of the laser height, which can be a bit cumbersome but allows for more control over the focus.
In terms of material positioning, the Falcon 2 Pro has a built-in overhead camera that simplifies aligning your design with the material. This feature helps to avoid the errors that can occur when manually positioning your design.
The S1, on the other hand, relies on a manual method where you must move the laser head to the edges of the workpiece and mark them. This method works well for single pieces but can be tedious for batch production.
Accessories and Additional Features
Both Creality and xTool offer rotary axis attachments for engraving cylindrical objects. The Falcon 2 Pro’s rotary attachment is more affordable but requires you to remove the drawer and add extensions to the feet, compromising the machine’s safety enclosure.
The xTool S1 offers a riser base add-on to maintain safety while using the rotary axis, but this adds to the overall cost.
The xTool S1 also offers additional accessories, such as a conveyor feeder for engraving longer pieces and the 64-nanometer laser head for better engraving on metal and plastic.
The Falcon 2 Pro can accommodate longer materials by raising the machine, but this is not automated and requires manual handling.
Safety Features
Both machines are designed with safety in mind. The Falcon 2 Pro includes a flame detector in the laser head, along with indicators for dirty lenses or insufficient airflow. The xTool S1 has flame detectors positioned around the chamber but lacks the additional indicators found on the Falcon 2 Pro. Both machines feature an emergency stop button and an operator lockout key to ensure safety during operation.
Software and Connectivity
When it comes to software and connectivity, the Falcon 2 Pro uses LightBurn, an industry-standard software, but requires separate cables for connecting the machine and camera. The xTool S1 offers wireless connectivity, allowing you to upload jobs remotely from a phone, tablet, or computer, which adds to its convenience.
Final Verdict: Which Laser Cutter is Right for You?
Both the Falcon 2 Pro and xTool S1 are well-built and capable laser cutters. The Falcon 2 Pro offers excellent value for money, particularly if you’re on a budget. However, the xTool S1 provides more advanced features and versatility. Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific needs and budget.
Adding a laser cutter to your DIY toolkit is a great way to expand your manufacturing capabilities beyond 3D printing, allowing you to work with materials like wood, metal, glass, and more. Whether you opt for the Falcon 2 Pro or the xTool S1, you’re sure to find a machine that meets your needs and enhances your creative projects.
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