xTool O1 Omni first impressions: Will UV printing be the next big thing for makers?

UV printing is entering the maker sector.

Until now, we've mainly known xTool in the area of ​​laser cutters and laser engravers, most recently with the xTool F2 we tested (here to testAt the event in Berlin, xTool presented a new product category. The xTool O1 Omni is not another laser printer, but a UV printer designed for use with as many materials as possible.

Color, white printing, gloss, texture, and tactile reliefs are applied directly to wood, acrylic, metal, glass, plastic, or ceramic. Blanks are quickly transformed into personalized products, prototypes, signs, enclosures, gifts, or small production runs.

The O1 Omni is thus heading in a direction that could be quite exciting for makers and small creative workshops. After 3D printing and laser cutters, UV printing could become the next big thing in the maker sector in the coming years.

What can the xTool O1 Omni print on?

The O1 Omni is essentially a UV object printer. Unlike a conventional inkjet printer, it doesn't print on paper, but on finished workpieces. The ink is applied directly to the surface and immediately cured with UV light, meaning it doesn't soak into the material first, but adheres directly to the surface.

Materials that can be printed on include acrylic, wood, metal, glass, plastic, ceramic, and leather. Depending on the surface, white, color, and clear varnish are applied in various layers. For example, when using transparent acrylic or dark plastic, white is often printed as a primer to ensure vibrant colors. Clear varnish provides gloss, protection, or highlights.

Relief printing is also possible. According to xTool, the O1 Omni can create structures up to 7 mm high. This is achieved by printing multiple layers of ink on top of each other, making the result not only visible but also tactile. However, the more pronounced the relief, the more ink and time are required.

Three versions at a glance

xTool is launching the O1 Omni in three variants. The differences mainly concern printheads, ink channels, and material focus.

The Single UV Edition is the entry-level model. It uses an Epson F1080 printhead and employs CMYK, white, and clear varnish. It's designed for hard materials such as wood, acrylic, metal, glass, or ceramic. For those primarily interested in printing signs, plaques, phone cases, keychains, or small objects, this is the most affordable option.

The Dual-Head UV Edition uses two Epson F1080 printheads. In addition to CMYK, white, and clear varnish, it includes hard white, flexible white, and fluorescent red and yellow. Hard white is intended for rigid surfaces, while flexible white is for materials that are bent or subjected to stress, such as leather, canvas, or softer plastics. The fluorescent inks are designed for effects under black light.

The UV + DT Fabric Edition is the most versatile option. It combines UV printing with textile printing. Besides rigid materials, it can also process cotton, polyester, and other fabrics. The device supports both DTG and DTF printing. So, if you want to print not only acrylic signs or mugs, but also shirts, hoodies, or bags, this is the version you need.

UV printing, UV-DTF, DTG and DTF

In direct UV printing, the design is printed directly onto the material. Examples include acrylic sheets, wooden objects, metal plates, or cell phone cases. The item to be printed must fit inside the O1 Omni printer.

 UV-DTF works differently. The design is first printed onto a special film and then transferred to the target object. Ideally, only the design remains on the surface after transfer. A classic transparent sticker edge, as with regular stickers, is not present.

 DTG stands for Direct to Garment. This involves printing directly onto the fabric. It is particularly suitable for cotton and high-quality fabrics where a soft, natural look is desired.

 DTF stands for Direct to Film. Here, the design is first printed onto a transfer film and then heat-transferred onto the fabric. This method is more flexible for different fabrics and is also suitable for polyester or blends. Depending on the design, the print may feel more like a transfer, but it offers greater versatility.

Alignment via CIS Vision System

A key part of the demonstration was how the O1 Omni captures objects. xTool uses a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) for this purpose, which functions more like a scanner than a simple camera. The resolution is 1440 × 1200 pixels, and xTool specifies a positioning accuracy of ±0,2 mm. This results in a low-distortion image, which is particularly valuable for precise subject alignment.

Operation is the same as with other xTool devices, via xTool Studio, which made the demonstrated process quite familiar. The object is placed on the printing surface, optically scanned, and then displayed in the software. No fiddling around with remeasuring, manual alignment, or homemade templates was necessary during the demonstration.

Incidentally, the software automatically recognizes cutouts, such as those found in a cell phone case. For cylindrical surfaces like cups, bottles, and similar shapes, there's a rotary attachment. The object is clamped in place and rotated during printing. CIS also automatically compensates for any potential misalignment or distortion.

Ink and maintenance

Maintenance is handled by "Smart Cycle 2.0," which is designed to prevent ink drying and nozzle clogging. The white ink is stirred and circulated within the device, and the printhead is protected against moisture. Cleaning and control can also be initiated remotely via an app, and in vacation mode, the device can remain untouched for several days.

Ink prices are a major issue in UV printing, however, xTool's prices are rather moderate:

Specific consumption figures are still pending, but a standard UV print of a 60 x 60 millimeter area without a white underbase should cost less than 5 cents at the prices mentioned above. It only becomes expensive when white, clear varnish, or relief printing is involved. Then, instead of just applying a single layer of color, the printer builds up multiple layers on top of each other.

Other xTool devices at the event

Although the O1 Omni played the main role, xTool also showcased other devices from its product range in Berlin. These included various laser engravers and laser cutters, which have formed the core of the manufacturer's product line to date.

Also on display were the xTool Apparel Printer and the xTool WonderPress. The Apparel Printer is a DTF system for textile printing. Designs are printed onto transfer film, coated with powder, heated, and then transferred to textiles. xTool advertises the device as a one-click DTF workflow with a shaker and oven system that combines printing, powder application, shaking, and curing.

The WonderPress complements this range as a modular transfer and heat press solution. It operates with a contact pressure of up to 100 kg and a temperature range of 80 to 210 °C. In addition to classic transfers onto shirts or bags, depending on the module, 3D forming and a creative oven module are also available. This allows for the further processing of curved objects, phone cases, badges, or DTF films, for example.