The infrared laser module requires a higher accuracy of focal length setting. Why?

Currently, the focal length of the 455nm 5W, 10W, and 20W laser modules is 40mm, and that of the 1064nm 2W laser module is 20mm. The following figure shows the depth of focus (DOF) of the 455nm and 1064nm laser modules.

The DOF means that a material can be processed as long as it is placed within this distance range. The DOF of a 455nm laser module is about 4mm to 6mm, while that of a 1064nm one is only 1mm, which means you have to set the focal length carefully within this distance range. If the focal length is not accurately set, the engraving results may be poor.

What can I do if I can't set the focus properly?

Check the following:
1. Whether the machine is placed horizontally on a desk or ground with a flat surface. If no, place it horizontally on a desk with a flat surface.
2. Whether the material to be engraved is flat. You can place the material horizontally on a desk with a flat surface to check whether it is flat. If it is not flat, press it flat or replace it with a flat one.
3. Whether you use the focal length setting bar properly.

Use it as follows:
(1) Move the laser module over the material to be engraved.
(2) Put down the focal length setting bar.
(3) Turn the thumb screw counterclockwise to loosen the laser module.
(4) Move the laser module up and down gently to position the bottom of the focal length setting bar right on the surface of the material. Do not let the laser module fall by itself.
(5) Turn the thumb screw clockwise to fit the laser module in place.

Further troubleshooting

Check whether the holder of the laser module is loose

If the problem persists after you've followed the preceding ways, the holder of the laser module may be loose, causing the laser module to tilt forward. When this happens, the focal length setting bar doesn't work properly.
Remove the laser module, and move the holder of the laser module forward and backward as shown in the following figure to see whether it is loose. If it is loose, you need to adjust the holder.

Adjust the holder of the laser module

1. Get the hex screwdriver delivered with your machine, and a wrench that you need to find by yourself.
2. Power off the machine.
3. Remove the laser module from the holder, disconnect it from the machine, and put it away.
4. Disconnect the limit switch cable from the middle plate. This step is for xTool D1 Pro only. If you use xTool D1, skip this step.

5. Unscrew the screws and remove the middle plate from the machine.

6. Unscrew the screws as shown in the following figure to disconnect the holder from the timing belt connector. 
Note: Do not remove the timing belt connector.

7. Slide the holder of the laser module away from the middle plate.

8. Use the wrench to hold the nut tight and use the hex screwdriver to unscrew the screw on the back.

9. Move the whole sliding wheel slightly upward, as shown in the following figure, and then tighten the screw.

10. Install the holder of the laser module back to the middle plate. Shake the holder to check whether it is loose. Ensure that it is not loose. If the sliding wheel is slightly tilted, as shown in the following figure, the holder is properly adjusted.
If the sliding wheel is tilted at a large angle, the holder is set too tight, and you need to repeat the preceding steps to adjust it again.

11. Fit the middle plate back to the machine.

Note: The screw in the middle is used to set the tension of the timing belt. For details about how to set it, see the Quick Start Guide delivered with your machine.

Check whether something is wrong with the laser module

If the holder of the laser module is properly set but the engraving results are still not as good as expected and no white spot falls on the material during processing or the white spot is weak, it is possible that something is wrong with the laser module.
You can process stainless steel as follows to check whether something is wrong with the laser module: 
1. Select a processing task. Before you start the processing, disconnect the motor connection cable on the middle plate, so that the laser module doesn't move along the middle plate.

2. Turn the thumb screw counterclockwise to loosen the laser module, move the laser module up and down gently, and observe the white spot on the material. If a white spot falls on the material, nothing is wrong with the laser module, and the focus is in the position where the white spot is the brightest.

• When the focus is properly set, the white spot is bright and a sound is made.

• When the focus is not properly set, the white spot is weak and no sound is made.

3. If no white spot falls on the material when you move the laser module up and down gently. There may be something wrong with the laser module. Contact after-sales services at support@xtool.com.