Key Takeaways
1. All-in-One Metalworking Solution: The MetalFab by xTool combines laser welding, CNC cutting, and surface cleaning in a compact device, designed for both beginners and experienced users.
2. Versatile Functionality: It offers manual and automated features, including handheld welding and CNC-guided cleaning, with notable underwater welding capabilities for high-quality connections in wet conditions.
3. User-Friendly Design: The device includes smart connectivity, a built-in control panel, and a touchscreen for easy navigation, making complex tasks more manageable.
4. Market Gap Addressed: Unlike competitors like the Snapmaker Artisan, the MetalFab provides comprehensive support for welding and metal surface cleaning, enhancing material shaping and finishing capabilities.
5. Pricing and Pre-Order Information: The MetalFab is available for pre-order on Kickstarter, with prices starting at $4,999 USD, and final retail prices may vary based on multiple factors.
What if you could do metalworking without a cluttered workshop packed with tools? That’s the idea behind the MetalFab by xTool – a small, all-in-one device that merges laser welding, CNC cutting, and surface cleaning into one machine. xTool claims this is the first of its kind smart solution for metalworking. It features guided controls and top-notch capabilities suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
Versatile Functionality
The MetalFab system offers both manual and automated features, allowing for handheld welding and cutting alongside CNC-guided cleaning and precision engraving. A particularly impressive aspect is its underwater welding capability. As reported by Highways.Today, xTool states this allows for clean connections “with dry-land quality” even in wet conditions.
User-Friendly Design
Smart connectivity and a built-in control panel help users navigate through challenging tasks while giving professionals room to add their own customizations. It comes equipped with a touchscreen. For the cleaning process, the laser-based system efficiently targets rust and paint, replacing older methods like sandpaper or chemical stripping with focused light precision.
Filling a Gap in the Market
While systems like the Snapmaker Artisan provide 3D printing, engraving, and CNC milling, they lack support for welding or metal surface cleaning. A review from 3DPrinting.com highlights that the Artisan is meant for lighter, modular fabrication. The MetalFab seeks to bridge this gap by offering extended features for material shaping, finishing, and repair.
The MetalFab is up for pre-order on Kickstarter, with the campaign set to close on Thursday, 22 May 2025, at 6:00 PM PDT (Pacific Daylight Time), as per Kickstarter’s details. Pricing on the platform starts at $4,999 USD for the 800W version, while the complete 1200W CNC setup is priced at $13,999. The suggested retail prices from the manufacturer go from $6,999 to $17,999. It’s important to note that retail availability has not yet been confirmed.
Important Notes on Pricing
Keep in mind, the pricing mentioned reflects the Kickstarter campaign tiers at the time of this writing. Final prices could change based on availability, shipping destinations, local taxes (like VAT), and post-campaign retail costs. Also, xTool provides flexible payment plans on its site for certain configurations.
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