Finally, BIG Engravings at Blazing Speed! Aliencell X1 Review.

If you are looking to create large-scale laser projects without breaking the bank on a massive CO2 setup, the Aliencell X1 might be the machine you have been waiting for. Packed with a giant work area and designed for high-speed detailed work, we put this machine through its paces with speed tests, thick material cut tests, and four full DIY builds.

>> Get the Aliencell X1 Laser Engraver HERE <<

Here is everything you need to know about the Aliencell X1.

1. What Comes in the Box?

• The Laser Unit: Features a robust frame and a massive enclosure.
• Diode Laser Module: Available in 20W, 40W, or 60W options (we tested the 40W module)
• Air Assist & Exhaust: Includes an air assist pump, exhaust module, plastic ducting, and replacement filters.
• Accessories & Safety: Power adapter, wiring, safety goggles, material clamps, and a variety of test materials so you can start engraving immediately.
  

2. Key Features & Specs

• The Aliencell X1 bridges the gap between desktop diode lasers and high-end CO2 machines:
• Massive Work Area (24" x 18"): Easily competes with standard CO2 work areas, allowing you to tackle large-scale wall art and signage without needing pass-through slots.
• Quick-Change Module: Swap or clean your diode module in seconds.
• Built-in Safety: Perimeter fire detection sensors sound an alarm and halt processing if a flame is detected.
• Dual Camera System: Precise alignment of designs directly onto your raw material.
• Removable Catch Tray & Slats: A bottom tray with removable cutting slats makes debris cleanup quick and painless.
• 6.8" Touch LCD Screen: Standalone control allows you to run jobs directly from the machine via Wi-Fi without tying up your main computer.

3. Software Overview: Aliencell Space

The native software, **Aliencell Space**, balances ease-of-use with essential control:

• Canvas Snapshots: Takes a photo of your laser bed so you can drag and drop graphics right on top of your material.
• Material Library: Pre-set material parameters give you quick starting points for power and speed.
• Line-byLine Preview: Allows you to zoom in and check the exact laser path before hitting start to avoid costly mistakes.

4. Performance Tests

Cut Test (Baltic Birch Plywood)

Using a 100% power baseline on the 40W module, we tested three standard plywood thicknesses:

• 1/8" Plywood (Power 100 | Speed 12): Sliced right through with clean edges and minimal flashback.
• 1/4" Plywood (Power 100 | Speed 6): Clean cut through, no charring on the cut edges.
• 3/8" Plywood (Power 100 | Speed 8 | 2 Passes with 2 mm lowering): Successfully cut through the thickest stock with clean edges and minor, easily sandable flashback.

Speed vs. Detail Test (200 mm/s vs. 400 mm/s)

Aliencell claims the X1 maintains high-detail engraving even at elevated speeds. To test this, we engraved the exact same bobcat image on Baltic birch at both **200 mm/s** and **400 mm/s**:

Result: The 400 mm/s engraving appeared slightly softer, but captured nearly the exact same level of crisp detail as the 200 mm/s run in a fraction of the time. Aliencell's high-speed claims hold up!

5. Real-World Projects

Project 1: Multi-Layered Mushroom Wall Art

• Technique: Borax treatment on 1/8" plywood for a dark, rich burn effect paired with a 1/4" stained plywood backer.
• Settings: Jarvis Mode | Power 10 | Speed 225 mm/s | Line Interval 0.08.
  
• Tip: Set your air assist low (level 6) on borax-treated wood to keep the air stream from blowing away the dark burn layer. Seal with satin lacquer to prevent smudging.

Project 2: High-Speed Painted Canvas

• Technique: Prep a 18" x 24" canvas with white primer and flat black paint, then use the laser to blast away the black paint layer.
• Settings: Inverted Image | Jarvis Mode | Power 48 | Speed 400 mm/s.
• Result: Running at **400 mm/s**-twice the speed of typical diode lasers-the X1 effortlessly revealed the white underlying layers to create a striking owl portrait. Soot wiped away cleanly with a damp microfiber cloth.

Project 3: Slate Engraving

• Technique: Pre-coating slate with clear satin lacquer or matte spray brings out maximum contrast.
• Settings: Inverted Image | Jarvis Mode | Power 20 | Speed 400 mm/s.
• Result: The X1 aced the complex shading of a bear wildlife graphic with incredible clarity at high speed.

Project 4: Black Cast Acrylic & Wood Display

• Technique: Inverted artwork engraved into black acrylic, cut to shape, and mounted onto a finished plywood backer using aluminum standoffs.
• Settings (Engrave): Jarvis Mode | Power 13 | Speed 400 mm/s.
• Settings (Cut): Power 100 | Speed 10.
• Result: Crisp detail on the acrylic with smooth cut edges.

Final Verdict

If you need a large-format laser engraver that handles both speed and intricate detail without needing a complex CO2 setup, the **Aliencell X1** is a strong contender.

Pros:

• Massive 24" x 18" workspace
• Excellent speed retention at 400 mm/s without sacrificing detail
• Easy standalone operation via touchscreen
• Clean, modular design with built-in air assist and dual cameras

Considerations:

The base machine height limits object working depth to about 2.5 inches. If you plan to engrave taller items or use a rotary attachment, keep an eye out for Aliencell's riser block add-on.

>> Get the Aliencell X1 Laser Engraver HERE <<