Laser News Digest - January 30, 2026
Your weekly laser cutter roundup. Correction: the reported xTool S2 Ultra could not be verified on xTool's official site. Creality announces modular Falcon 3 hybrid, Glowforge adds offline mode, and the industry shifts toward Class 1 safety enclosures.
This week in laser news: correction — the reported xTool S2 Ultra and its specifications could not be verified on xTool's official site. Creality's Falcon 3 introduces hot-swappable diode/fiber heads. Glowforge finally adds offline mode to the Spark Professional. Plus: LightBurn 2.0 brings AI material recognition and the industry moves toward enclosed designs.
ReportCorrection added September 15, 2026
Correction: no official xTool S2 Ultra product could be verified
A previous version reported an xTool S2 Ultra and attributed specifications to it. Rechecked September 15, 2026: the former product page is no longer available, and xTool's official product search and sitemap show no S2 Ultra. The unsupported specifications have been removed.
Do not use the earlier S2 Ultra claims for a purchase decision. The verified comparison below retains only xTool's current S1 and P2S product pages.
Source notes
No official xTool listing currently substantiates the S2 Ultra name, power, cutting capacity, price, or availability reported here previously.
What it changes: No market position can be assigned to an unverified product. Current buyers should compare documented xTool models instead.
- Was the reported name ever used in an official announcement that is no longer public?
- Will xTool announce a verified S-series successor under a different name?
Wait if:You were considering an S2 Ultra based on the former claims — no official product or specifications could be verified
Buy if:A current S1 or P2S fits your needs after checking its official product page and present specifications
Verified specifications
| Spec | xTool S1 40W | xTool P2S (CO2) |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 40W diode | 55W CO2 |
| Wood Cut (single pass) | 10mm | 18mm |
| Acrylic Cut | 8mm | 20mm |
| Cooling | Air | Water |
| Enclosure | Optional | Class 1 |
| Price (est.) | $1,099 | $3,999 |
Sources: xTool official specs(paid link), xTool official specs(paid link)
ReportCES 2026
Creality Falcon 3 Introduces Modular Hybrid System
Creality unveiled the Falcon 3 at CES 2026, featuring a modular hybrid system that allows hot-swapping between a 40W blue diode and a 20W fiber laser head on the same gantry. This enables both wood cutting and direct metal marking without separate machines.
For makers who need both wood engraving and metal marking capability, this eliminates the need for two separate machines. The fiber head opens up stainless steel and titanium engraving that blue diodes can't touch.
Source notes
The 20W fiber module operates at 1064nm wavelength - ideal for direct marking on metals like stainless steel, titanium, and brass. Combined with the 40W blue diode for wood/acrylic, this covers 90% of maker material needs.
What it changes: First consumer hybrid to include fiber. Previously, metal marking required a separate $3,000+ fiber machine. This opens jewelry making, tool engraving, and knife marking to the hobbyist market.
- Module swap time (claimed 'seconds')
- Fiber head depth capability on hardened steel
- Total system price with both heads
Wait if:You only work with wood and acrylic, You need deep metal engraving (>0.1mm)
Buy if:You sell personalized metal items, You want one machine for wood AND metal
Standout features
ReportCES 2026
Glowforge Spark Professional Adds Offline Mode
Glowforge expanded its lineup with the Spark Professional, featuring a proprietary 'Cloud-Free' offline mode. This responds to long-standing community requests for local processing without internet dependency.
This addresses the #1 criticism of Glowforge machines. If you've been hesitant about cloud-only processing, offline mode removes that barrier. Worth watching for professional users who need reliability without internet dependency.
ReportLightBurn
LightBurn 2.0 Preview Focuses on Dark Mode, Shape Tools, and Camera Workflow Updates
LightBurn 2.0 documentation points to interface and workflow updates rather than confirmed automatic material recognition: dark mode, additional built-in shapes, an Edit Nodes toolbar, Camera Control updates, and improved camera calibration flow.
The value for production users is cleaner daily operation and better setup tools, not a guaranteed shortcut around material test grids. Keep using documented material libraries and test burns for new stock. [Read our full LightBurn 2.0 Guide & Tutorial](/lightburn-software-guide/)
Source notes
Version 2.0 is the first major integer release since launch. Official documentation highlights the updated application framework, dark mode, new shape tools, an Edit Nodes toolbar, Camera Control updates, and camera calibration changes.
What it changes: Widens the gap against free manufacturer software like xTool XCS for users who want machine-agnostic workflow control, better editing tools, and more mature camera setup options.
- Which Labs camera features become stable defaults
- How quickly machine-specific camera workflows adopt the new calibration flow
- Upgrade cost for existing license holders
Wait if:You exclusively use xTool XCS and are happy with it, You don't use a camera with your laser
Buy if:You switch materials frequently, You want industrial-grade control features not in XCS
Standout features
ReportIndustry Trend
Industry Shifts Toward Class 1 Safety Enclosures
Following 2025 regulatory discussions, most new consumer laser models released in January 2026 come standard with Class 1 safety enclosures and integrated HEPA/carbon filtration. Open-frame designs are becoming legacy products.
If you're shopping for a new laser, enclosed designs are now the norm. This is good news for home workshops - better safety ratings mean easier insurance and zoning compliance. Open-frame bargains may still exist, but plan for long-term filtration needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a verified xTool S2 Ultra product?▼
No current official xTool product page, product-search result, or sitemap entry verifies an S2 Ultra. The former page is no longer available, so this digest has removed its earlier power and cutting claims.
Can I use Glowforge offline without internet?▼
The new Glowforge Spark Professional includes a 'Cloud-Free' offline mode, allowing local processing without internet dependency. Previous Glowforge models still require cloud connectivity.
What is LightBurn's new AI material recognition?▼
LightBurn 2.0 uses camera-based AI to identify materials in your laser bed and automatically suggest optimal speed and power settings, reducing trial-and-error when working with new materials.
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