xTool F1 / F2 Ultra Laser Station

Quick-Reference Operator Card

1. Pre-Flight Safety Checklist (MUST DO FIRST)

  • [ ] PPE: Put on wavelength-specific OD6+ laser safety glasses if operating with open shield or framing.
  • [ ] VENTILATION: Power ON the air extractor / filtration unit BEFORE starting any job.
  • [ ] MATERIAL CHECK: Verify material is on the APPROVED list.
  • ❌ STRICTLY BANNED: PVC, Vinyl, Teflon, Leather, Polycarbonate. (Chlorine/toxic fumes destroy lungs & machine).
  • ✅ APPROVED: FR1 PCB Blanks, Anodized Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Acrylic, Plywood, Cardboard, Glass.
  • [ ] CLEARANCE: Check that the laser path and baseplate are free of debris, loose tools, and flammable scrap.

2. Standard 5-Step Operating Workflow

  1. MOUNT MATERIAL Place stock securely flat on the honeycomb grid or baseplate fixture.
  2. SET FOCUS (DUAL RED DOTS) Adjust the knob/height controls until the two red focus dots merge into ONE sharp point on top of the material surface.
  3. SELECT WAVELENGTH & LOAD PARAMETERS In xTool Creative Space (XCS) / LightBurn:
  4. UV Mode (355\text{ nm}): Glass, Plastics, Delicate PCB trace isolation, Fine marking.
  5. Fiber/Diode Mode (1064\text{ nm} / 455\text{ nm}): Raw metals, Deep engraving, Anodized stock.
  6. FRAME & ALIGN Click Frame. Verify the bounding box on the physical workpiece before firing.
  7. EXECUTE JOB Close the protective enclosure hood, verify exhaust airflow, and press START / PROCESS.

3. Emergency & Fire Response Protocol

Hazard Event Immediate Action
Small Flare / Smoke Buildup Pause job immediately in software. Check focus & material parameters.
Sustained Flame / Fire 1. Press Emergency Stop (E-Stop) or hit Main Power Switch. 2. Keep enclosure hood CLOSED to starve oxygen. 3. Alert Lab Instructor immediately. 4. If safe and trained, use the nearby CO2 Fire Extinguisher.
Fume Exposure / Chemical Odor Stop processing immediately. Ensure exhaust fan is running at 100%. Vacate immediate station area.

⚠️ OPERATOR RULE: NEVER LEAVE THE LASER UNATTENDED WHILE ACTIVE. Report all damaged optics, loose alignment, or filter warnings to lab staff immediately.