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xTool · Diode (diode + IR)
xTool S1 · 40W diode
Enclosed 40W diode: top home cutting in xTool's cabinet line
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Last updated How we evaluate
Released March 2024
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Showing module: 40W diode
TL;DR
The 40W S1 is xTool's high-power enclosed diode. Still not CO₂, but the extra optical power helps on thicker basswood versus the 20W cabinet.
Compare the xTool S1 40W to…
Popular side-by-side matchups with full specs, scores, and an honest verdict.
Best for
What makes this machine stand out
Hardware and workflow features worth understanding before you buy : not just wattage on a label.
Cuts thicker than most diodes
xTool rates 15 mm basswood plywood and 15 mm black acrylic in one pass. In practice that covers sign blanks, box joints in 6–10 mm plywood and dark acrylic lettering without a CO₂ tube.
Fastest cutting in the S1 line
15 mm/s on 3 mm basswood per xTool, and about 3–5 min for a 10 × 10 cm cut-out in our benchmark.
Our verdict
Ideal if you
The 40W diode module is the most cut-focused head on xTool S1: thicker basswood and faster fills than entry modules on the same chassis.
Skip if you
Overkill if you only do fine engraving. Still a diode: clear cast acrylic means CO₂. Plan glasses and exhaust if the chassis is open-frame.
Pros
- Most cutting power in the S1 line: 15 mm basswood plywood and 15 mm black acrylic in one pass (xTool rating)
- 15 mm/s on 3 mm basswood per xTool: the fastest batch cutting of the S1 heads
- Fastest fills in our S1 benchmark: about 6–9 min for a 10 × 10 cm photo
Cons
- More smoke per job: plan for the purifier or a window duct when cutting daily
- Wider spot (0.08 × 0.10 mm per xTool) softens very fine photo dithering and small text
- Most expensive S1 bundle: $1,699 Basic on xTool's US store in October 2026
What this machine is for
Maximum cut speed and depth in the line: engraving remains strong at tuned speeds
40W module · xTool S1
Laser spot size
~0.08 mm spot
Motion precision: 0.01 mm
Sample engrave job
~6–9 min
10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)
Sample cut job
~3–5 min
10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)
Reference benchmark: same job size on every machine so you can compare times fairly. Times are estimates for the reference job above; your design complexity and settings will change them.
Materials
- · Wood
- · Leather
- · Slate
- · Anodized aluminum
- · Stainless (with spray)
Accessories & add-ons
Typical inclusions and add-ons for this profile : confirm your SKU.
- Included
Enclosure / cabinet
- Optional
Laser safety glasses
Still useful when servicing or with lid open
- Recommended
Fire extinguisher
Editorial guidance : not a live parts list. See also: Ventilation setup · Safety basics
Practical notes
Beginner notes
This profile is the 40W SKU on xTool S1. Read the TL;DR and benchmarks above, then compare other modules via the chips before buying.
Pro tips
Treat engraving and cutting as separate profiles. Push cut speeds only after test squares on your material. Compare CO₂ only when clear acrylic or all-day production enters the picture.
Pro / technical specsRaw numbers for experienced users comparing machines.
- Max speed (spec)
- 600 mm/s
- Avg engrave speed
- 80–180 mm/s fill
- Avg cut speed
- 4–12 mm/s on 3 mm wood
Common questions
How thick can the xTool S1 40W cut?
xTool rates it for 15 mm basswood plywood, 18 mm cherry, 15 mm walnut and 15 mm black acrylic in one pass, plus 0.1 mm stainless sheet. Those are best-case figures with air assist; our materials list stays more conservative at about 10 mm basswood for clean, repeatable cuts.
Is the 40W a good choice for engraving too?
For speed, yes: it fills a 10 × 10 cm photo in about 6–9 min in our benchmark, faster than any other S1 head. Its wider spot (0.08 × 0.10 mm per xTool) makes very fine dithering and tiny text slightly softer than on the low-power heads, so run test grids on your material before production.
Is the 40W worth $400 more than the 20W?
If you cut every week, yes: 15 mm/s on 3 mm basswood against 9 mm/s on the 20W per xTool, and thicker stock in a single pass. If you mainly engrave gifts, the 20W Basic at $1,299 (xTool US store, October 2026) does the same engraving work for less than the $1,699 40W Basic.
Alternatives to the xTool S1 40W
Machines in the same space, picked from our database by type, price, and score.
xTool · Diode · $999
The 40W D1 Pro module swaps onto the same frame as 5W–20W heads. Best cut headroom in the line; verify optical power on the listing.
xTool · CO₂ · $2,999 – $5,069
The P2S refines the original P2 with better software and autofocus. Same 55W CO₂ class for acrylic and wood production. Still xTool's main enclosed CO₂ below the P3 flagship: choose P3 if you need 80W and automation; P2S if 55W and budget fit.
WeCreat · Diode · $1,140 – $1,990
WeCreat's enclosed diode laser adds a camera and AI features for material detection and visual preview. Appealing for beginners who want guidance. Core laser performance is comparable to other enclosed diodes: you pay for the smart features.