UV laser, the gap between diode and CO2
The desktop laser market is currently roughly divided into two camps: inexpensive diode lasers (blue light) for hobbyists and more powerful CO₂ lasers (infrared) for ambitious makers. However, both technologies reach their physical limits when working with transparent or very heat-sensitive materials.
With the F2 Ultra UV, xTool is now introducing a system designed to fill this gap. The device uses ultraviolet light to enable material processing that relies less on thermal ablation and more on photochemical processes. Priced at around €3.919 for pre-order, the device is clearly aimed at semi-professional users and small businesses.
The difference between "burning" and "cold machining"
To understand the benefits of the F2 Ultra UV, it's worth looking at how it works. Conventional lasers (diode, CO₂) heat the material until it vaporizes or chars. With glass, this thermal shock often leads to cracks. With plastics like polyethylene or silicone, it results in molten, uneven edges. Furthermore, diode lasers often leave transparent materials like clear acrylic untreated, as the beam passes through the material without transferring energy.
The F2 Ultra's 5-watt UV laser operates at a wavelength of 355 nanometers. The high-energy photons are thus able to break molecular bonds directly and without generating significant heat, a process also known as "cold processing".
Plastics such as silicone, ABS, or synthetic leather can be processed without melt marks or soot, and direct engraving on glass and acrylic is possible without pretreatment (no spray required). According to xTool, the spot size is less than 0,01 mm, significantly smaller than conventional CO₂ systems. This, in turn, allows for intricate markings, for example, on electronic components or jewelry.
Unique selling point: The 3D glass interior engraving
A unique feature in this class of device is its support for subsurface engraving, a capability previously only found in significantly more expensive professional equipment. In this process, the laser's focal point is directed through the glass surface and into the material's interior. Tiny micro-cracks within the glass create the pattern, while the outer surface remains completely smooth and undamaged. A CO₂ laser would be ineffective here, as the IR radiation would be immediately absorbed at the surface, causing the glass to shatter.
The process can be used to produce glass cubes with 3D designs, among other things, which are commonly found in souvenir shops. To make the creation of the necessary 3D data as straightforward as possible, xTool relies on the "AImake" software solution. This software automatically converts two-dimensional photos or graphics into spatial 3D point clouds using artificial intelligence. Depth, contrast, point density, and material parameters are determined fully automatically.
Furthermore, AImake offers additional features that support the entire design process. These include image enhancement tools, automatic background removal, style transfer, and the ability to reconstruct missing image areas using AI models. For surface engravings, motifs can be scaled, smoothed, or reinterpreted without the need for additional graphics software. If desired, more complex 3D models can also be generated from text specifications, which can then be directly processed in xTool Studio for subsurface or surface engraving.
Hardware and equipment
The F2 Ultra UV uses a galvo system (mirror deflection), enabling engraving speeds of up to 15.000 mm/s. Although the device is designed as a completely enclosed system, it falls under the category of laser class 4. As long as the housing remains closed, the laser can be operated without additional safety goggles. If the housing is opened, for example for maintenance, setup, or when changing workpieces, the usual safety precautions for class 4 systems apply.
For positioning and orientation of the workpiece, the F2 Ultra UV uses two 48-megapixel cameras and a LiDAR. One camera captures the workpiece's position, the second handles autofocus, and the LiDAR detects height differences on the surface. This allows for a visual preview with the actual object size and automatic focusing without manual intervention.
With a working area of 200 x 200 millimeters, the F2 Ultra UV is particularly suitable for smaller workpieces, such as keychains or business cards. For series production, the system supports accessories such as the Auto Streamline Conveyor conveyor belt, which increases the working area to 200 x 500 millimeters, as well as the RA3/RA2 rotary extension for cylindrical objects such as glasses or rings.
xTool F2 Ultra UV Specifications at a Glance
| Laser type | 5W 355 nm UV laser |
| Processing mode | Laser engraving, laser cutting |
| Supported materials | Engraving: Glass, crystal, acrylic, wood, metal, leather, plastic, rubber, silicone, ceramic, etc. Cutting materials: paper, wood, plastic, glass, fabric, leather, etc. |
| working surface | 200 × 200 mm (surface area) 70 × 70 mm (subsurface) 200 × 500 mm with conveyor belt |
| Maximum working speed | 15.000mm/s (590.55ips) |
| Maximum cutting capacity (wood) | 15 mm (multiple passes) |
| Maximum cutting capacity (acrylic) | 12 mm (multiple passes) |
| Max working height | 150 mm |
| Max. rotation diameter | 150 mm |
| Software | xTool Studio (Windows/macOS), compatible with AImake |
| send email now | USB, WLAN, network/IP |
| 2D file formats | SVG, DXF, JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, WEBP |
| 3D file formats | STL, OBJ, AMF, 3MF, GLB, PLY |
| Pre-assembled | Ja |
| Camera system | 48 MP Dual Cameras |
| Positioning | Camera-based positioning |
| Focus mode | Autofocus |
| Distance measurement | LiDAR ranging system |
| Preview | Smart Camera Preview, High-Speed Light Live Preview |
| Laser spot size | 0,01 × 0,01 mm |
| Positioning accuracy | 0,2 mm (camera) |
| Ranging accuracy | 0,2 mm (camera) |
| resolution | 48 SM |
| Motion resolution | 0,00133 mm (Inner Engraving) |
| Vector Fitting Resolution | 0,001 mm |
| security certification | Laser class 4 |
| Device dimensions | 294 × 429 × 520 mm (11.6 × 16.9 × 20.5 inches) |
| Weight | 22,5 kg (49.6 lb) |
| Max. Input | 348 W |
| Mains voltage | 110–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Storage/operating temperature | -10 to 60 °C (storage), 10 to 30 °C (operation) |
| Storage humidity | 10–60% RH |
What a UV laser is less suitable for
Despite the wide variety of materials that can be processed, a UV laser remains a tool for precise engraving and intricate structures. Its 5-watt output is sufficient for thin materials, but not for cutting thick wood or acrylic. CO₂ lasers with high IR power are significantly more efficient in these applications. The possibilities are also limited when working with metals. A UV laser can create light markings on steel or aluminum, but it cannot achieve deep engravings or tempering colors, which is why fiber lasers remain the obvious choice in this area.
Large-format projects are also not the focus of the F2 Ultra UV. Its surface is designed for small to medium-sized objects. Users who need furniture parts, large signs, or large-area cutouts will still have to rely on CO₂ systems or diodes. Even users who want the typical branded look of wood engraving will not achieve the usual result with UV, as UV engravings remain light and very fine.
Application areas in practical environments
Small studios can work with delicate plastics, clear acrylic surfaces, white ceramics, or decorative glass objects. Workshops and makerspaces benefit from precise markings on electronic components, prototypes, or tools. Retailers and in-store brand shops can perform engravings directly in front of customers, as the enclosed housing facilitates safe operation. Artists and designers gain additional tools for finely textured surfaces and three-dimensional glass objects.
Price and availability
The xTool F2 Ultra UV is now available in the xTool Shop Available for pre-order. The regular list price is €4.559, but the device is currently available for €3.919 in the pre-sale. Delivery is scheduled to begin at the end of November 2025.
