Welcome everyone.
I hope you guys are doing great!
I started writing this Weekly Update on 7th Nov, the Beginning of Winter (立冬 lì dōng) in the Chinese lunar calendar.
Lidong is the turning point when the weather turns from cool to cold. It is a time when all crops are collected and put into storage, and animals get ready for hibernation (guess my cat is sleeping on my bed, all curled up).
It’s been raining these days in Shenzhen, and the weather is getting colder. That being said, it’s 18-25℃ today.
It’s also what I like about Shenzhen and Guangdong— the summer is super long. Plus, in Shenzhen, you’ll have numerous opportunities to interact with individuals from all across China and learn about their culture. That’s pretty much what our team’s like, with warm and welcoming people with different backgrounds.
I got a card for Thanksgiving from one of my dear coworkers this morning. I then began the day with nothing but positive energy.
The card thing is actually a tradition here in Makeblock. This month, every employee is given 5 Thanksgiving cards, and we can send the cards to whomever we want to thank. The people who receive the most cards can win awards from the company since they're such a great help to those around them.
What's your plan for this Thanksgiving season? I bet you'll create great projects for your loved ones. Put them in xTool Community. I'm already looking forward to seeing them!
Quick question, what kinds of events and event themes do you want to see in xTool community?
Currently, we have two contests themed festivals, Halloween Contest and Thanksgiving Contest. And a Christmas contest will be held.
You can tell us the festival you want for this kind of contest, or a new kind of event.
One more thing! This is probably the best sunset from last week.
I hope that you will know more about us and our culture by reading this ♥
Now let’s see the Weekly Update!
Suggestions from the community
We got a number of ideas from the xTool community and the FB group last week. They have now been put on the xTool suggestion list.
If you agree with their suggestions, do let us know in the comment section below.
It helps us understand your needs, and maybe with your united strength, the suggestions will come true soon~
Many thanks for your support~ 👇👇
XCS and xTool suggestions
- Open multiple projects at once. @Shannon Bishop Duffy
- XCS for iPad. @Aric Cressey
- The ability to curve text in one step. @Marvin Brooks
- Improve the method of unlocking and moving the laser. @Leonard
- Baseline grids from the left and top rulers. @Kerry
- Add, delete, and break anchor points in the vector drawing. @Kerry
- Export .SVG files in XCS. @Kerry
Community site suggestions
- Create collections of previous tips. @Robert Guzmán
- Hold festive events, like holidays around the world or more themes from China. @Robert Guzmán
Again, your input is greatly appreciated!!
Q&A
1. In XCS, what defines the processing order of a drawing?
— With the XCS software (V1.0 or above), the processing logic behind Laser Flat mode is as follows:
- With a project file consisting of either bitmap or vector, engraving comes before cutting; With a project file consisting of both bitmap and vector, bitmap engraving> vector fill engraving> vector score engraving> vector cutting.
- With cutting, inner cutting comes before outline cutting.
- With bitmap engraving and vector fill engraving, multiple bitmap engraving, and multiple vector fill engraving, it is in random sequence at the moment.
- With complicated SVG images, there may be sequence disorder with cutting, which is to be fixed in the next version of XCS.
2. What could be the reason for XCS loading errors?
— One possible reason is that you’re using a low-configuration computer. In this case, we suggest that you close other running apps when you use XCS.
Another reason might be the large file size or complex design. If you create too many canvases in one project on XCS, or import this type of file to XCS, the loading can also be slow.
The above may also cause XCS crashes.
We are working constantly to improve XCS to reduce similar errors. Please stay tuned!
Check out FAQs on Importing Images if you have questions about
- supported file formats
- maximum image size
- file cannot be opened error
- lengthy parsing time and operation lag
- text in SVG
- SVG parsing errors
- G-code being too large
If you have other unanswered questions, please email [email protected], the after-sales team for support, or contact Nicole Peng from the Facebook group for further troubleshooting.
3. 【D-series】What is the Extension kit and how to use it?
With the extension kit, the processing area is expanded from the Y axis. It can expand your working area to 936*432mm (36.85”*17”).
It’s designed for large-sized projects, for example, a guitar, skateboard, or wall decor.
Here’s an assembly guide: Assembly of the Extension Kit for xTool D1 & D1 Pro
To use the extension kit, you’ll need to switch to “Laser extension kit” Mode in XCS, and the rest is the same.
Click on the drop-down arrow for more options and select “Laser extension kit”.
Note:
Make sure your XCS version is beta.5.6 or above, and the firmware version of your D1 or D1 Pro is the latest, which is 40.30.007.01B4 for D1 and 40.31.003.01B4 for D1 Pro.
Weekly Recap
Last week, we shared 5 articles each with our M1 and D-series members. Hope you guys find them helpful! Check the list to see if you missed some of them:
What is the Red Cross and Laser Spot Mode?
[D-series]An Introduction to the Flame Alarm
Step-by-Step Heat Press Bags Tutorials
How to Upgrade xTool M1 Firmware?
How to Use the Magic Wand Tool?
Tips We’re Writing
Just like previous episodes of WU, we selected a couple of topics based on your feedback. They are expected to be out soon;)
- How to utilize your materials more effectively
- Tips on using the 1064nm infrared laser module + Case example
- Fire safety precautions
Please let us know what tips/project cases/function introductions you’d like to see in the upcoming series. I’m sure you have a lot of insights to share with us!
Now we’re coming to the end of this update.
Thank you for taking the time to read this!! Have a wonderful week ahead~
