Author: Jerome Douay
-
xTool S1 Camera Mount V2: Moving the Camera to the Top
In my first xTool S1 camera post (E12), I mounted a small camera inside the machine so I could watch the laser work from my desk. It worked, and the low angle made the beam look spectacular. But it had one big limit: from down there, I could not really see the process area. Version…
-
xTool S1 Internal Camera – Watch the Laser Work from Your Desk
The xTool S1 is a versatile and reliable workhorse. The lack of a built-in internal camera is largely offset by excellent manual framing, which in practice is often more precise than many camera-based systems. What was still missing was the ability to watch the machine work from the inside — the same way most modern…
-
NATO Rail Modular System Extensions
In a previous blog post I described how I adapted the NATO Accessory Rail (STANAG 4694) into a modular prototyping system. The goal was straightforward: reduce development time and material waste by creating a reusable mechanical backbone that lets me attach, rearrange, and reuse equipment, sensors, electronics, and structural elements without starting from scratch on…
-
NATO Rail Modular System
I’ve been a 3D-printing enthusiast for more than ten years. In that time I’ve owned a succession of printers—from early Cartesian machines to more recent CoreXY and delta designs—and I’ve gone through more spools of filament than I care to count. As an engineer, the printer has always been one of my favorite tools. Whenever…
-
Bambu Lab Material Shrinkage Calibration – The Most Overlooked Setting for Dimensional Accuracy
The material shrinkage calibration in Bambu Studio is one of the most overlooked parameters in the entire software. Even if you are using official Bambu Lab filament, the shrinkage value is set to 100% by default. That means the slicer applies zero compensation.Just like flow rate and pressure advance, shrinkage compensation is critical if you…
-
xTool S1 Honeycomb Positioning Jig: Align Once, Cut Perfectly Every Time
The honeycomb bed on the xTool S1 is one of the most useful accessories you can have. It lets you position material without it sitting flat on the base plate, improves airflow underneath the workpiece, reduces back-marking, and gives you a useful reference surface with built-in dimensions. Magnets can also hold parts in place when…
-
XTool S1 Linear Accuracy Compensation
After adjusting the kef compensation, I realized that my parts where still to small ! The tray I cut was still about 0.4 mm too short ! My experience of building 3D printer told me there must be a linear accuracy issue ! I have a lot f experience in building 3D printers and the…
-
How to Calculate and Set Kerf Compensation on Your XTool S1 in XTool Studio
The XTool S1 laser cutter removes a small amount of material called kerf during cutting, affecting part dimensions. Using a digital caliper to measure kerf accurately is crucial for achieving precise fits in assemblies. XTool Studio allows for kerf compensation, ensuring final parts match design specifications, enhancing accuracy and professional results.
-
Maximizing Workspace with Sustainable Plywood Solutions
The author shares their experience creating an organized system to manage tools and parts on their workspace bench using a stackable tray made from laser-cut plywood. They highlight the efficiency and sustainability of laser cutting over 3D printing, emphasizing the importance of dimensional accuracy and calibration for successful integration of components.
-
Optimize Laser Cutting: The Importance of Material Tests
The XTool S1 laser engraving and cutting process relies heavily on the chosen material, which can vary significantly between suppliers and batches. Conducting material tests is crucial to adjust settings accurately and ensure consistent quality. Skipping this step can lead to wasted materials and potential financial losses, underscoring the value of testing for successful projects.