In the dynamic world of digital fabrication, a groundbreaking machine has emerged, promising to revolutionize metalworking for both seasoned professionals and ambitious newcomers: the xTool MetalFab Laser Welder/CNC Cutter. Featured in Make: Vol. 96, this formidable system isn’t merely a tool; it’s a versatile production powerhouse, meticulously engineered to blend industrial-grade capability with remarkable user-friendliness.
Unleashing Industrial Power for Every Workshop
With a price point ranging from $11,998 to $14,499, the MetalFab represents a significant investment, yet its design philosophy, deeply rooted in xTool’s expertise in creating accessible equipment, ensures a surprisingly short learning curve. Our team had the privilege of experiencing its capabilities firsthand at xTool’s U.S. headquarters, guided by knowledgeable tool ambassadors Kyle Morrison and Monim Abdullah. What we discovered was a machine that defies its complexity, allowing beginners to quickly achieve professional-grade results.
A Dual-Threat Design: Laser Cutter & Handheld Welder
At the core of the MetalFab lies a high-power fiber laser, available in robust 800W or a truly formidable 1,200W configuration. Its most ingenious feature is its modularity: the laser unit cleverly detaches from the sturdy CNC cutting bed, seamlessly transforming into a handheld welding gun. This remarkable versatility is complemented by a comprehensive suite of accessories, including a wire feed unit, an air dryer, and an optional air compressor, ensuring a complete fabrication solution right out of the box.
The CNC cutting bed itself is an engineering marvel, weighing a substantial 348lbs and offering a generous 24″×24″ work area. For projects demanding greater length, a convenient pass-through feature extends its capabilities. Unsurprisingly, such industrial power necessitates a dedicated 220V power supply.
Precision & Speed: Redefining Metal Cutting
Achieving pristine, clean cuts requires a consistent air supply. While a standard air dryer suffices for many materials, employing a shielding gas is highly recommended for tougher metals to ensure optimal results. The sheer power of the 1,200W laser translates into breathtaking speed and efficiency. We witnessed the MetalFab effortlessly carve a complex Makey robot stencil from 1.5mm-thick steel in just over a minute – a truly mesmerizing display of sparks and precision.
The MetalFab’s cutting prowess extends across a wide spectrum of metals, from aluminum and steel to titanium, handling thicknesses up to an impressive 0.39″ (9.9mm). Yet, as xTool representatives hinted, its capabilities might even exceed these stated limits for certain materials, challenging users to push the boundaries of their creative projects.
Effortless Excellence: The Art of Laser Welding
Beyond its cutting capabilities, the MetalFab truly shines in welding, making quick work of tasks that would typically demand significant skill and extensive practice. Our experience fabricating steel panels for a Raspberry Pi case demonstrated this vividly. Even with limited prior stick welding experience, the laser welder allowed for the creation of remarkably clean and strong beads in mere minutes, transforming what could be a challenging task into an accessible one.
The integrated wire feed system acts as a steadying hand, guiding the user and simplifying the process, allowing for consistent, high-quality welds. The tool’s intelligence extends further with a capacitive welding head, which quickly swaps out with the cutting tip and automatically adjusts the laser to compensate for warped material. This ensures consistent, high-quality welds on stock ranging from 0.2mm to 4–5mm thick, depending on the metal, making it incredibly forgiving and efficient.
A Transformative Tool for Modern Makers
The xTool MetalFab is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s a catalyst for innovation. It’s perfectly suited for businesses with a steady workflow, offering efficiency and precision that can significantly boost productivity and expand service offerings. Yet, its intuitive design and inspiring capabilities make it surprisingly accessible for almost anyone eager to explore advanced metal fabrication. This is a tool that doesn’t just perform tasks; it sparks new ideas and opens up a world of possibilities for creative builds, truly empowering the next generation of makers and small manufacturers.
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