xTool F1 Ultra Vs OMTech 20W Fiber Laser
Fiber lasers are known for their aggressive power and robust cutting capability. Mostly, they are larger and reserved for industrial use. However, as the crafting segment has expanded, some manufacturers have also launched compact versions.
xTool F1 Ultra and OMTech 20W Fiber Laser are among the top desktop fiber lasers on the market. But most of us can buy just one, right? So, which should it be?
This blog compares these two leading fiber laser machines, xTool F1 Ultra and OMTech 20W Fiber Laser, across various technical aspects to help you choose the one that fits your needs.
In This Article
- xTool vs OMTech: A Quick Comparison
- xTool vs OMTech: Laser Type & Power
- xTool vs OMTech: Compatible Materials
- xTool vs OMTech: Surface Handling
- xTool vs OMTech: Working Area
- xTool vs OMTech: Positioning & Focus
- xTool vs OMTech: Safety
- xTool vs OMTech: Software Compatibility
- xTool vs OMTech: Add-ons
- Final Words
xTool vs OMTech: A Quick Comparison
Before we dive into the detailed comparison, here’s a quick review:
| Feature | xTool F1 ultra | OMTech 20W Split Fiber Laser |
|---|---|---|
| Price | View | $2,399 |
| Size | 10.7 x 14.7 x 19.3″ | 29.5 x 16.9x 29.9’’ |
| Laser System | Fiber (1064nm) & Diode laser | Fiber Laser (1064nm) |
| Optical Power | 20W Fiber + 20W Diode | 20W |
| Work Area | 8.6 x 8.6″ (220 x 220mm)
Expandable (up to 8.6 x 19.6″) | 4.3 x 4.3″ (110 x 110mm) |
| Engraving Speed | 10,000mm/s (393.7 ips) | 7,000mm/s (275.6 ips) |
| Laser Focus | Autofocus | Manual |
| Smart Camera | ✔ | ❌ |
| Galvo Laser | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rotary Engraving | ✔ | ✔ |
| Curved Engraving | ✔ | ❌ |
| Color Laser Marking | ✔ | ❌ |
| Software | xTool Creative Space Lightburn | EzCAD Lightburn |
xTool vs OMTech: Laser Type & Power
Laser type and optical power are the first things to check in a laser engraver. Both look similar in this aspect as each features a 20W fiber laser and uses galvo-laser technology. However, the xTool F1 Ultra is a step ahead with an additional 20W diode laser module – the world’s first machine to offer fiber and diode combo.
As both machines feature a 20W fiber laser (1064nm), one might expect them to have similar cutting and engraving capabilities. However, there are distinct differences in their performance.
The OMTech has a maximum engraving speed of 7,000mm/s. On the other hand, the xTool F1 Ultra has an engraving speed of up to 10,000mm/s, making it one of the fastest desktop laser engravers available.
xTool vs OMTech: Compatible Materials
The wavelength of a fiber laser (1064nm) is readily absorbed by metals, making both machines ideal for engraving metals.
It is true that fiber lasers excel at engraving metals, but their wavelength is not readily absorbed by common materials like wood, paper, and fabric. This is where the xTool F1 Ultra shines, as it includes a 20W diode laser module to handle these materials. With both diode and fiber lasers, the machine can work with over 300 materials.
xTool vs OMTech: Surface Handling
OMTech 20W laser can only laser engrave on flat or cylindrical surfaces.
In contrast, the xTool F1 Ultra can work across all surfaces: flat, cylindrical, or curved. Its 3D engraving technology uses a smart camera system to sketch the surface contour and dynamically adjust the laser's focus.
xTool vs OMTech: Working Area
The OMTech is a split machine, featuring a work table with a laser module and a separate control box. Despite being a split unit, its working area measures just 4.3 x 4.3 inches.
In contrast, the xTool F1 Ultra is an enclosed unit with the largest working area in its segment—twice as big as the OMTech fiber laser machine. Its basic working area is 8.6 x 8.6 inches. The best part: this working area can be further expanded with an automated conveyor to 19.68 inches widthwise.
xTool vs OMTech: Positioning & Focus
OMTech uses a red dot laser pointer to adjust the machine’s focus and outline the design on the machine’s workbed. The focus and positioning, both require manual effort from the user.
Whereas, xTool F1 Ultra uses a smart camera for design positioning. The camera gives a preview of the working area, helping mapping the design onto the object easily. It also measures the thickness of the material to adjust the focus accordingly.
In xTool’s proprietary laser control software (XCS), you have to just select the material from the library, pre-tested cutting/engraving parameters are suggested by the software.
xTool vs OMTech: Safety
At first glance, it’s clear that users must be cautious with the OMTech 20W fiber laser. The machine is fully open with no housing, requiring special eyewear for protection.
On the other hand, the xTool F1 Ultra prioritizes safety. It features an enclosed design with a translucent cover lid, which prevents laser light from escaping and harming your eyes.
Moreover, the xTool F1 Ultra includes an emergency stop button, a fire-safety alarm that stops the machine in case of fire, and an efficient exhaust fan to remove gases.
xTool vs OMTech: Software Compatibility
OMTech machines work with software called EZCAD2, which is a desktop application that operates only on Windows (7, 8, 10). Lightburn support is available but comes at an additional cost.
In contrast, xTool supports both its proprietary software XCS and Lightburn out of the box. XCS is software that works on most operating systems (Windows, MacOS, iPadOS, IOS, Android), and you can even control the device from your smartphone. The software also includes pre-set settings for multiple materials and hundreds of pre-made templates.
xTool vs OMTech: Add-ons
OMTech has a few add-ons, such as an air purifier to manage the open exhaust and a rotary axis attachment for working on cylindrical objects.
xTool F1 Ultra, however, supports all xTool attachments. Similar to OMTech, it offers a rotary attachment, the RA2 Pro. Additionally, a workspace extension conveyor and a more advanced smoke purification system (especially useful for indoor use) are also available as add-ons.
Final Words
OMTech has a long history of producing powerful fiber laser machines, excelling in metal marking. However, their focus on industrial and business users gives their desktop machines a distinctly industrial design.
Whereas, xTool specializes in crafting machines designed for safety and ease of use at home or for business. The xTool F1 Ultra exemplifies this customer-centric approach – it not only performs better than the OMTech 20W fiber laser in many aspects but also offers more features while maintaining high safety standards.
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