The XLaserlab X1 model excels in dexterity and precision, specifically designed for fine processing of thin materials; its more powerful sibling, the XLaserlab X1 Pro, is an all-round working device.
This report will clearly present the technical features, user experience, and ideal application scenarios of X1 and X1 Pro. After reading, you will not only be able to clearly identify which device has stronger performance but also accurately determine which device can create the most profound value for your work.
Data Comparison
Before delving into the intricate details of the principles and operating procedures of laser physics, let's first conduct a quick comparison of these two laser welding machines.
| Feature | X1 Pro Laser Welder | X1 Laser Welder |
| Core Technology | ||
| Laser Source | Fiber Laser | Semiconductor Laser |
| Wavelength | 1080±10nm | 900-990nm |
| Optical Fiber Core Diameter | 14 μm | 220 μm |
| Performance | ||
| Average Power | 700w | 460w |
| Output Mode | Continuous Wave/Pulse | Pulse |
| Welding Thickness | 0.5 – 3 mm | 0.2 – 2 mm |
| Welding Speed | 0-120 mm/s | 0-100 mm/s |
| Electro-optical conversion efficiency | 35% | 50% |
| Function | ||
| Core Function | Welding, Cutting, Cleaning, Rust Removal, Underwater Welding, Modularization | Laser Welding, Underwater Welding, Modularization |
| Wire Feeder | Yes | No |
| User Interface | ||
| Control System | 7-inch color touch screen | Physical and Digital Display |
| Physical Specifications | ||
| Dimensions (Length × Width × Height) | 470*205*335mm | 395*189*265mm |
| Weight | 19 kg (41.89 lbs) | 12 kg (26.45 lbs) |
| Cable Length | 5 meters | 2 meters |
| Operational Requirements | ||
| Power Consumption | 2500 watts | 2400 Watts |
| Tracheal Outer Diameter | 6mm | 4mm |
| Cooling System | Air Cooling | Air Cooling |
Core Differences: Fiber Laser (X1 Pro) vs. Semiconductor Laser (X1)
The most significant difference between X1 Pro and X1 is not the output power or physical dimensions, but the fundamental difference in their core laser generation technologies. This is by no means a technical detail but a fundamental design choice that determines the performance characteristics, functional performance, and even the ultimate application scenarios of the two. Understanding this difference is the key to selecting the appropriate device.
X1 Pro's fiber laser: Focused energy beam
The X1 Pro is equipped with a new generation of fiber laser module. This technology uses rare-earth-doped fiber as the gain medium to generate a laser beam with a wavelength of 1080 nanometers, and its core advantage lies in the astonishing fineness of the fiber core diameter, which is only 14 micrometers (µm).
This tiny core diameter acts like a lens, focusing the 700-watt average power of the laser onto an extremely small light spot. This focusing principle creates an extremely high power density at the center of the beam of light, which gradually decays towards the edge.
For operators, this is equivalent to a surgical scalpel. The intense focused thermal energy can quickly penetrate deeply into metals, making it an ideal tool for welding thick materials and applications requiring evaporation of surface materials (such as cutting and cleaning). The excellent beam quality and energy density of fiber lasers are precisely the technological cornerstone for the X1 Pro to achieve its versatility.
Semiconductor laser of X1: broad and uniform light spot
In contrast, X1 uses a semiconductor laser module, also known as a diode laser. This system utilizes semiconductor materials to directly convert electrical energy into light energy, producing a slightly shorter wavelength of 900 - 999 nanometers, and employs an optical fiber with a core diameter of up to 220 micrometers.
A fifteen-fold increase in core diameter fundamentally changes the characteristics of the beam of light. Instead of producing a sharp and concentrated energy point, X1 forms a broader and more uniform laser "light spot." Energy is more evenly distributed across the entire light spot area, without the intense central peak characteristic of fiber lasers.
This is not a defect but a carefully engineered characteristic. This controllable and gentle energy transfer enables operators to fuse thin materials as thin as 0.2 millimeters, completely avoiding the risks commonly associated with traditional welding processes, such as overheating, deformation, warping, and even burn-through.
The choice of laser technology reveals the core concept behind each device. The X1 Pro is designed for maximum energy output and versatility, with its focused energy enabling it to efficiently perform welding, cutting, and cleaning operations on various materials and thicknesses. Conversely, the X1 focuses on precise and controllable energy application, with its uniform beam of light optimized for its core task: achieving perfect welds with zero thermal deformation and high repeatability on thin metal sheets while ensuring ease of operation.
Feature Showdown: All-Round Expert vs. Master Craftsman
The fundamental differences in laser technology directly translate into significant functional disparities. As an integrated tool, the X1 Pro can replace multiple devices, while the X1 focuses on a single key process, accomplishing tasks with unparalleled simplicity and precision.
The six-in-one function of X1 Pro
The high-density fiber laser of X1 Pro unlocks a range of functions, with applications far exceeding the scope of simple welding, making it a truly multi-process device.
Advanced Welding Technology: Supports both continuous wave and pulse dual-mode operation. The continuous mode is suitable for laying long, strong, and fast structural welds, while the pulse mode enables more precise control and is suitable for spot welding, thin material processing, or heat input management.
Key Design: The X1 Pro supports an external wire feeder, allowing operators to add filler material to the molten pool, enabling gap filling and material surfacing to create stronger joints. This feature enables it to directly replace traditional MIG welders for high-speed welding, with higher precision and cleaner weld seams.
Precision Cutting: By increasing power and adjusting gas flow, it can be transformed into a high-efficiency laser cutting machine. It can cleanly cut stainless steel and carbon steel up to 3 mm thick. Its control system also supports integration with numerical control machines to achieve automated and fully repeatable cutting operations in the production environment.
Quick Cleaning and Rust Removal: The cleaning function creates significant value for professional workshops. Before welding, lasers can quickly strip contaminants such as rust, paint, and grease from metal surfaces - this time-consuming and labor-intensive grinding or chemical stripping process can now be completed in just a few seconds.
The X1's Niche Mastery
X1 focuses on outstanding performance in a specific field: high-speed wireless welding of thin materials.
Pulse Spot Welding Expert: X1 operates solely in the pulse welding mode. Its core design revolves around the concept of autogenous welding—fusing two pieces of metal using only the metal's own material without adding filler wire. This enables it to demonstrate remarkable speed and efficiency in scenarios such as joining thin stainless steel sheets, custom advertising signs, and box sealing.
Unparalleled beginner-friendliness: The combination of a controllable and uniform hot melting point with simplified wireless operation makes the X1 extremely easy to operate. It eliminates two major challenges faced by novice welders: managing filler rods (such as in TIG welding) and adjusting complex wire feeding parameters (such as in MIG welding). Operators can almost immediately achieve professional-grade results on thin materials, making it an ideal tool for workshops looking to expand their capabilities without long-term training.
Ultimate portability and unique application scenarios: Both models are equipped with underwater welding capabilities, and the X1 makes this function more practical thanks to its compact size and lightweight design.
In-depth Analysis: A Thorough Examination of Performance and Structure
Shifting from the machine's functionality to its performance can better highlight the differences in its power, structure, and workshop integration requirements.
Power, Penetration, and Material Compatibility
Welding ability is the most direct performance indicator. With 700 watts of power, X1 Pro can stably weld 3mm-thick materials, covering most sheet metal processing, light structure manufacturing, and automotive application scenarios. Meanwhile, X1 optimizes the welding range from 0.2 mm to 2 mm with an average power of 460 watts.
Beyond the difference in thickness, the X1 Pro has an edge in thermally conductive metal welding thanks to its higher energy density. It can weld aluminum, brass, and copper more efficiently—materials that often pose challenges for low-power systems due to their rapid heat dissipation from the weld zone. The X1 is mainly suitable for stainless steel, carbon steel, and galvanized sheets.
Portability and workspace occupancy
The physical design of each device reflects its specific application scenario.
The X1 is a paragon of portability. Weighing only 12 kilograms (26.5 pounds) and with compact dimensions of 395×189×265 millimeters, it is a truly "ready-to-use" tool that can be easily carried to construction sites or moved between workbenches. Its 2-meter-long cable is sufficient to meet the needs of bench-top operations—simply move the workpiece close to the device to operate.
The X1 Pro is a heavy device, weighing 19 kilograms (42 pounds). When you add the external wire feeder and large wire spool, the weight increases. Its size (470×205×335 mm) makes it ideal as a cart-mounted workstation in the workshop. It comes with a longer 5-meter cable, allowing you to work on larger projects like vehicle frames or big components.
User Experience: Operator Perspective
Beyond mere technical parameters, the interactive experience during daily device operation - namely, the User Interface - has a profound impact on workflow, efficiency, and the final outcome. The control system design of X1 Pro is completely different from that of X1, and this difference is precisely a deliberate manifestation of their respective operating philosophies.
Digital Cockpit of X1 Pro
The operation of X1 Pro is achieved through a modern 7-inch color capacitive touchscreen. This touchscreen is specifically designed to manage complex operations and enables fine-grained control over the machine's numerous functions.
Upon startup, the operator will see a clear mode selection interface, where they can choose between welding, cutting, or cleaning modes. In welding mode, the main interface provides instant access to three key parameters: power (percentage), oscillation frequency (Hz), and oscillation width (mm). This enables rapid real-time adjustment of weld characteristics.
The true strength lies in its in-depth menu. The "More" settings page unlocks a set of advanced control functions typically found only in high-end industrial equipment. Parameters such as pre-laser gas (pre-flow) and post-laser gas (post-flow) ensure that the molten pool receives perfect atmospheric shielding.
The rise time and fall time functions allow the operator to gradually increase power during the welding start phase and gradually decrease power during the end phase, thereby avoiding cold start defects and termination craters. To enhance convenience, the system has a built-in preset parameter library for common materials and thicknesses (such as 1.0mm stainless steel SUS), enabling operators to obtain perfect starting parameters with just a touch.
Analog dashboard of X1
X1 eschews touchscreen design and adopts an intuitive, tactile analog interface. The front panel is dominated by three large physical knobs, each with its own function: peak power, pulse width, and interval time. The feedback mechanism is immediate and clear: turning a knob changes the corresponding value on the bright and clear digital display. There is no need for navigation menus or managing complex settings.
The interface design directly aligns with the work processes of target users on different devices. X1 Pro operators are professionals managing diverse multi-stage projects, who may have just completed welding operations, then immediately switched to cutting custom brackets, and then moved on to cleaning rusted surfaces in preparation for the next seam.
Its workflow requires frequent task switching. The touchscreen HMI, with its independent mode, preset storage, and deep menu, is a perfect fit for this dynamic environment. It allows users to precisely configure dozens of parameters for each specific task.
In contrast, X1 operators typically focus on a single, repetitive, high-precision task, such as completing hundreds of identical spot welds on metal artworks. Their workflow is linear and highly focused. They are reluctant to be distracted by menu navigation, only needing to set the power and pulse duration once, and then can focus on the task—making fine adjustments by quickly turning without disrupting the operational rhythm or even taking off their gloves. The X1 Pro interface provides digital flexibility, while the X1 interface achieves analog focus.
Final Verdict: Which Welder Offers the Best Cost-Effectiveness?
After a comprehensive understanding of the technical characteristics, functional performance, and user experience of the two machines, the final decision depends on matching the right tool with the specific task. The essence of "cost-effectiveness" does not lie in the lowest price or the longest list of features, but in obtaining the most efficient solution for specific needs.
If you meet the following conditions, please select X1:
- Precision craftsmen or enthusiasts: Your work involves thin gauge stainless steel, jewelry, custom lettering, or fine metal sculptures. For you, wire-free, smooth and clean welds are the ultimate pursuit, and precision is of utmost importance. The precisely controllable energy output and easy operation of X1 are precisely tailored for such processes.
- Welding Novice: You desire to achieve professional-grade welding of materials up to 2mm thick without the need for months or even years of practice using traditional methods. The intuitive and fault-tolerant features of X1 enable you to efficiently produce exquisite works from day one.
- Budget-savvy Expert: Your workshop's core business focuses on the 0.2-2mm thickness range, and there is currently no need for laser cutting or cleaning functions. The X1 excels in the professional field, precisely meeting your needs and avoiding the costs of redundant functions, making it a cost-effective choice.
If you meet the following conditions, please choose X1 Pro:
- Professional manufacturing workshop: The daily work involves a variety of tasks, including welding, cutting, and processing various materials and different thicknesses. The X1 Pro integrates the functions of MIG welders and plasma cutters into a single, highly efficient workstation, offering significant value in terms of space savings, reduced capital expenditure, and optimized workflow.
- Automotive Restoration Expert: The automotive restoration process is perfectly aligned with the capabilities of the X1 Pro. A single unit can weld heavy frame components, precisely cut custom patches, instantly remove years of rust, completely transform the industry landscape, significantly shorten project cycles, and enhance restoration quality.
- Advanced professional users or makers: You are professional builders who are brave enough to take on various ambitious projects, from heavy equipment manufacturing to complex metal furniture creation, with ease. You need a device that combines powerful performance with flexible adaptability, not only capable of meeting the current project requirements but also able to continuously evolve as your skills improve and your aspirations expand, and even has the potential to integrate numerical control systems in the future.
Conclusion
X1 is as precise and controllable as a surgeon's scalpel, designed specifically to accomplish core tasks with impeccable simplicity; X1 Pro, on the other hand, is as powerful and versatile as a multi-functional toolbox, ready to tackle any manufacturing challenge at any time.
The right choice does not depend on which device is objectively "better," but on which device better fits your process requirements. With professional-level in-depth analysis directly derived from engineering manuals and performance data, you can now make a confident decision. The future of your workshop has arrived.
Ready to revolutionize your workflow? Explore the detailed product pages of XLaserlab X1 Welder and XLaserlab X1 Pro Welder now to configure your perfect laser welding solution.
