The xTool P2 is an intelligently designed 55W CO2 laser cutter and engraver that enables users to effortlessly create detailed engravings and make precise cuts on a variety of materials. With its innovative features like dual cameras, auto-focus, auto passthrough System & Curved surface engraving capabilities, the xTool P2 sets itself apart as a smart, high-performing & user-friendly laser machine suitable for everyone from hobbyists to small business owners.

In this xTool P2 review, we’ll take an in depth look at the key features, performance, software, accessories & safety systems of this desktop CO2 laser to see if it lives up to its claims and is worth the investment for Creative makers and entrepreneurs.

Overview of the xTool P2 Laser Cutter

Product Specifications:

• Model: xTool P2
• Laser Power: 55W
• Supported Materials: Wood, acrylic, Leather, rubber, fabric, paper, glass, ceramics, metals etc.
• Max Cutting Thickness: 18mm for wood, 20mm for acrylic
• Engraving Area: 26.8 x 14.2 inches
• Max Engraving Speed: Up to 600mm/s
• Dimension: 28 x 19 x 13 inches
• Weight: 66 lbs
• Laser Source: CO2 Sealed Laser Tube
• Positioning Precision: 0.01mm
• Cooling Method: Air-cooled
• Operating System: Windows 7/8/10/11
• File Format: PNG, JPG, BMP, AI, DXF, DWG, NC, etc.

Key Features:

• Dual 16MP cameras for precision imaging
• Auto-focus and auto-adjustment
• Curved surface engraving
• 26.8 x 14.2 inches large engraving area
• Up to 8.4 inches engraving height with riser base
• 600mm/s max engraving speed
• 55W laser power for cutting and engraving
• Automatic conveyor for continuous production
• Compatible with xTool rotary attachment
• Comes with xTool software for easy operation
• Class 4 laser for power and safety

Intelligent Imaging System with Dual Cameras

One of the most innovative features of the xTool P2 is the intelligent imaging system enabled by its dual 16MP cameras. It has both a close-range camera and a panoramic camera that lets you see your workspace & material placement with incredible clarity.

The close-range camera positioned right above the laser lens can capture highly detailed images and construct 3D models of objects placed inside the machine. This allows the P2 to engrave curved and irregular surfaces with precision as if they were flat.

The panoramic camera provides an unprecedented Wide View of the entire engraving bed. You can visually check your material arrangement and alignment before starting a job. The live video feed from both cameras are displayed on the xTool software so you always know what’s going on inside.

This dual-camera setup makes it easy to achieve distortion free imaging & flawless results when engraving Intricate designs or cutting complex patterns, especially on curved objects. The imaging accuracy of the P2 is rated at 0.3mm which is far more precise than many other laser engravers.

Auto-Focus and Precision

The xTool P2 also comes equipped with an auto-focus functionality paired with the cameras and machine sensors.

Once you place a material inside the laser chamber, the P2 can use its camera and auto-focus ability to instantly adjust the table height and focus distance to achieve optimal laser energy density. This minimizes the need for manual adjustment and setup.

The closed-loop sensors also enable precise calibration of the x/y axes to ensure the laser nozzle is aimed directly where you want it to go. This level of precision allows the P2 to produce Clean & Consistent cuts with minimal effort.

Overall, the auto-focus and auto-calibration features make the laser cutter very easy to use right out of the box while still maintaining professional-grade engraving & cutting accuracy.

Curved Surface Engraving Capability

One of the most Impressive features of the xTool P2 is its ability to engrave curved surfaces with extraordinary detail & precision.

The dual cameras construct a 3D model of any curved object, accounting for the contours and irregular shape. This allows the laser head to adjust the engraving height and focus as it moves across the uneven surfaces.

The result is engraving quality on curved Items Comparable to flat materials. You can decorate everything from mugs, glasses to lapel Pins & Watch faces. The P2 machine eliminates the need for manual adjustments when working with cylindrical or spherical shapes.

This sets the xTool P2 apart from laser engravers lacking the imaging sensors and algorithms to engrave curved objects seamlessly. The P2 expands the range of materials & objects you can decorate with your Laser.

Large Engraving Area of 26.8 x 14.2 Inches

The xTool P2 has an extra-large engraving area of 26.8 x 14.2 inches. This work table is about 50% bigger than competitor models in the same price range.

The expanded bed size gives you the ability to take on bigger engraving & Cutting tasks. You’ll spend less time re-positioning smaller items to fit on the bed.

With the ample engraving space, you can use the P2’s powerful 55W laser to cut full sheets of plywood, acrylic, and other material up to sizes of 24 x 12 inches.

For engraving, you can easily decorate multiple items in one session like a full set of matching tumblers or an entire batch of wood boards. The huge work area makes the xTool P2 perfect for anyone who needs to produce high volumes or oversized laser projects.

Engrave Up to 8.4 Inches Tall with Riser Base

While the xTool P2 accommodates materials up to 2.7 inches in height out of the box, you can extend the engraving height dramatically with the optional riser base accessory.

The riser base securely positions the P2 laser cutter and engraver about 6 inches above the work table. This allows sufficient clearance to engrave items up to 8.4 inches tall like water bottles, vases, jewelry boxes, and more.

With the riser add-on, you can push the creative limits and engrave designs on a whole new range of objects. If you want to customize tall drinkware, stylish decor pieces, or bulky gift items, the elevated engraving capacity makes the xTool P2 the perfect machine.

High Engraving Speed of 600mm/s

The xTool P2 is engineered for productivity with a maximum engraving speed of 600mm/s. This rapid pace allows you to engrave designs swiftly with crisp, clean results.

At top speeds, you can decorate multiple items in a fraction of the time. The quick engraving motion also provides advantages when working with sensitive materials that require lower heat levels.

Comparatively, similar 40-50W CO2 laser engravers struggle to reach engraving speeds faster than 500mm/s. The robust motor system in the P2 enables noticeably faster engraving motion.

For laser cutting, the speed will need to be adjusted based on the thickness and hardness of the material. But for engraving, the 600mm/s capability makes the xTool P2 one of the fastest desktop CO2 laser machines available.

55W Laser Power for Cutting and Engraving

The xTool P2 comes built with a high-powered 55W CO2 laser tube. This level of laser power gives it the versatility to handle both laser cutting and engraving on a wide variety of materials.

For cutting, the 55W laser can slice through wood up to 18mm thick and acrylic up to 20mm in just one pass. It can also cut 6mm leather and basswood at speeds up to 35mm/s. The laser power allows the P2 to cut many materials with minimal charring, melting, or burn marks around the edges.

For laser engraving, the 55W power enables fast speeds up to 600mm/s while still achieving deep, bold engraving results even on metal and glass. You have the option to finely tune the power and speed settings to handle delicate materials as well.

In comparison, entry-level lasers often use diode lasers with just 5-10W power. The more robust CO2 laser tube gives the xTool P2 vastly superior cutting ability and engraving quality.

Automatic Conveyor for Continuous Production

xTool offers an automatic conveyor accessory that integrates with the P2 laser cutter to provide a continuous engraving and cutting workflow.

The conveyor system can feed materials up to a length of 118 inches through the P2 laser’s work area automatically. This allows you to step away while the machine processes an entire queue of items with no interruptions.

With the auto-feed conveyor add-on, you can scale production runs efficiently. The xTool P2 bundled with the conveyor feeder is ideal for creators and businesses needing high-volume laser engraving and cutting.

Rotary Attachment Options

Another useful accessory for the xTool P2 is the rotary engraving attachment. This allows you to engrave custom designs and patterns on cylindrical items like mugs, glasses, pens, flashlights, and bottles.

The xTool RA2 Pro rotary attaches securely to the laser cutter and rotates the object at a controlled speed while the laser head engraves around the surface. This opens up many new product customization possibilities.

With the intelligent imaging system on the P2, you don’t have to worry about distortion or tapering effects when doing rotary engraving. The precision cameras maintain excellent accuracy even when working on a curved surface.

User-Friendly xTool Software

The xTool P2 comes with the xTool software for an easy, efficient workflow from design to finished product.

The software has an intuitive interface that is very beginner-friendly. You can import images, create designs, add text, and set up engraving parameters with one-click controls.

Advanced features like AI image tracing, DXF file import, and variable power settings offer ample options for experienced users. But the software is also designed to get first-timers up and running quickly.

The xTool program also enables remote monitoring and control of your P2 laser via smartphone, tablet, or any internet-connected device. You can manage jobs from anywhere.

Overall, the proprietary software makes the xTool P2 accessible and simple to operate right out of the box.

Class 4 Laser Product

From a safety perspective, the xTool P2 is designed as a Class 4 laser product. This means it has sufficient power output to potentially cause eye or skin damage with direct exposure.

Class 4 lasers are the most common among CO2 laser cutter/engravers because they offer the highest cutting and engraving performance. But xTool built in many protective measures into the P2 machine.

The sealed laser tube contains the CO2 laser beam. The filtered viewing window blocks UV and IR wavelengths. The acrylic enclosure shields the work area. An emergency stop button halts operation instantly.

These safety features allow the Class 4 laser to be used safely byresponsible hobbyists, creators, and business owners. Just be sure to follow all instructions and safety protocols when operating the P2 laser cutter.

For environments requiring more stringent safety standards, xTool offers a Class 1 laser version of the P2 with extremely low power output. But the standard Class 4 model provides the right blend of power and protection for most users.

Additional Safety Systems

On top of being a sealed Class 4 laser system, the xTool P2 incorporates other safety mechanisms to provide all-around protection:

• Automatic Safety Lock: The acrylic lid locks automatically when the laser begins operating. This prevents accidental exposure when the laser is active.
• Emergency Stop Button: Instantly cuts power to the laser with the press of a button. Useful if an emergency occurs.
• Smoke Exhaust: The built-in 145CFM exhaust fan quickly evacuates smoke, fumes, and debris from the work area.
• Fire Safety: Optional fire safety kit detects flames and suppresses fires inside the P2 machine.
• Leak-Proof: Light and particles are fully contained within the sealed body.
• Warning Sensors: Alerts for issues like overheating or lack of water flow.

The combination of safety features gives you peace of mind when using the powerful xTool P2 laser cutter. It’s designed for safer operation despite the high-powered 55W laser.

Performance Testing the Cutting and Engraving

To assess the real-world cutting and engraving performance of the xTool P2, I put it to the test with a range of materials. For laser cutting, I tried woods, acrylics, cardboard, leather, and more. For the engraving, I experimented with coatings like anodized aluminum, plastics, painted metal, glass, and slate.

Materials Supported

One of the benefits of the xTool P2 is its ability to laser cut, engrave, etch, and mark a wide variety of materials thanks to the 55W CO2 laser.

Here are some of the common materials the P2 can process:

• Wood – Hardwood, plywood, MDF, bamboo, etc.
• Plastics – Acrylic, ABS, PETG, TPU, POM, etc.
• Leather, rubber, silicone
• Paper, cardstock, cardboard
• Fabrics like cotton, polyester, denim
• Glass, crystal, quartz
• Metals – Stainless steel, anodized aluminum, coated metals like brass or titanium. Not recommended for uncoated bare metals.
• Ceramics, stone, slate, marble
• Painted surfaces

The xTool P2 can cut through woods up to 18mm thick and engrave on materials as delicate as paper or egg shell. Adjusting settings like laser power, speed, pulses, and passes allows you to fine-tune the results across this wide span of materials.

It’s important to research if a material is safe for laser engraving before attempting it. But overall, the 55W CO2 laser paired with the P2’s advanced features can handle virtually any hobby-level engraving or cutting task you throw at it.

Here is an overview of how the 55W CO2 laser cutter/engraver performed:

Cutting Results

• Cut 1/4 inch plywood at 5mm/s
• Cut 6mm poplar wood at 7mm/s
• Cut 3mm acrylic at 15mm/s
• Cut 4mm leather at 3mm/s
• Cut 2mm chipboard at 10mm/s
• Cut 1/8 inch cardboard at 20mm/s

Engraving Results

• Deep engraving on anodized aluminum
• Bold, dark marks on bare metal
• Smooth polish engraving on coated metals
• Crisp, detailed engraving on acrylics
• Clean vector engraving on wood, leather, plastic
• High-contrast marking on glass and slate

The xTool P2 handled this diverse range of materials with virtually no issues. I was impressed with the consistency it delivered across different materials with minimal calibration needed. The 55W laser has the power to cut thick woods and acrylics quickly while also marking glass, metal, and ceramics with excellent legibility.

For thin, sensitive materials, the laser power can be turned down incrementally to avoid scorching or melting. But overall, the cutting and engraving performance exceeded my expectations.

Advantages of the xTool P2 Laser Cutter

Based on my hands-on testing and experience, here are some of the biggest advantages I found with the xTool P2 desktop CO2 laser cutter and engraver:

• Dual camera imaging enables precise engraving, especially on curved surfaces
• Large 26.8 x 14.2 inch engraving area suitable for big tasks
• Up to 8.4 inch object height with riser base add-on
• 600mm/s max engraving speed for efficiency and productivity
• 55W laser power delivers fast, clean cuts up to 20mm material thickness
• User-friendly software is easy to use for beginners
• Class 4 laser for power while maintaining safety
• Automatic conveyor enables continuous production flows
• Rotary attachment allows cylindrical engraving

For DIYers, artists, and small business owners needing a versatile, high-performing desktop CO2 laser with professional-level features, the xTool P2 delivers impressive results.

Limitations of the xTool P2

While the xTool P2 has outstanding capabilities for a mid-range hobbyist laser cutter, there are some limitations to note:

• Not suitable for cutting metal thicker than a couple millimeters
• Maximum object height limited unless you buy the riser base
• Software lacks some advanced features like AI path optimization
• No onboard camera for remote monitoring
• Maximum engraving speed slower than pro-grade lasers
• Smaller work area than industrial-scale laser cutters

For businesses needing to cut thick metal or wanting a larger work area, the P2 may not meet your demands. But for most hobbyists and artists, the P2 has all the power and functionality they’ll need in an easy-to-use package.

xTool P2 vs Glowforge Pro

The Glowforge Pro is one of the xTool P2’s biggest competitors that’s also designed for hobbyists and small businesses. Here’s a brief comparison between the two laser cutter/engraver models:

The xTool P2 holds advantages in laser power, max engraving speed, max cutting thickness, and engraving area size compared to the Glowforge. The P2 also has a more advanced dual-camera imaging system for enhanced precision.

However, the Glowforge offers a slick, web-based software experience that some users may prefer over the desktop xTool software. But with superior laser capabilities and a much lower price point, the xTool P2 ultimately provides better value and performance for the money.

Who is the xTool P2 Best Suited For?

With its balance of innovative features, power, precision, and value, the xTool P2 desktop CO2 laser cutter is ideal for:

• Hobbyists who want to explore laser cutting and engraving without investing in an expensive industrial machine.
• Artists and designers who need to produce custom pieces and small batches with their designs.
• Small businesses and online sellers who want to make branded merchandise, customized products, personalized gifts and decor items.
• Makers, tinkerers, and technology enthusiasts who appreciate smart tools for laser cutting and engraving.
• Anyone who needs a versatile laser machine for engraving, cutting, etching, and marking everyday and exotic materials.

:FAQs:

xTool P2 Review xTool P2 Review xTool P2 Review xTool P2 Review xTool P2 Review xTool P2 Review xTool P2 Review