XLaserLab X1 Lite: The World’s First Pen and Dual-Mode Laser Workstation

XLaserLab, the consumer laser brand backed by XPhotonics — the world’s largest manufacturer of semiconductor laser pumps — today announced the launch of the X1 Lite, a compact handheld laser welding system that the company bills as the world’s first Pen & Torch Laser Workstation.

The X1 Lite represents a new entry point into XLaserLab’s growing lineup of portable laser tools, following the breakout success of the X1 and X1 Pro models, which raised over $5 million on Kickstarter and ranked among the platform’s top-performing campaigns in Q1 2025. Designed for creators who need professional-grade metal joining without the infrastructure demands of TIG welding or the cost of industrial systems, the X1 Lite aims to make laser welding as accessible as picking up a pen.

From Industrial Giant to Consumer Innovator

XLaserLab’s parent company, XPhotonics, has spent nine years developing core laser technologies from chips to complete laser systems. The company produces more semiconductor laser pumps than any other manufacturer globally — one in every three laser devices in China contains a pump source developed and manufactured by XPhotonics.

The shift to consumer hardware came as the company recognized a gap in the market. While industrial laser welding machines cost between $9,000 and $30,000 and require specialized training, the consumer space offered nothing between cheap spot welders and full-scale industrial systems. XLaserLab was created to bridge that divide.

“We’ve created portable laser welders that blend industrial-grade performance with affordability and ease of use,” the company states. “Designed for DIY enthusiasts and first-time users, these tools make it simple to take on both creative and practical projects”.

Pen & Torch: A New Form Factor for Laser Welding

The X1 Lite’s defining feature is its Pen & Torch design — a lightweight, pen-style welding gun that gives users fine, controlled fusion on delicate components and small-scale assemblies. Weighing in at just 13 kg for the complete system, it’s portable enough to fit on any workbench or travel to job sites.

The system is engineered for precision work with ultra-thin materials, capable of processing stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum with thicknesses ranging from 0.2mm to 2mm. This makes it ideal for applications that require high accuracy without burn-through, including sheet metal fabrication, stainless fixtures, decorative metalwork, jewelry, brackets, and home workshop projects.

Key features of the X1 Lite include:

• Pen-style welding gun for precise, controlled fusion
• Beginner-friendly preset controls — most users are making clean welds within hours
• Compact 13 kg system that deploys in minutes
• 460W diode laser operating at 976 nm with a 50% photoelectric conversion rate — the highest efficiency rating in its class
• Broader, gentler energy spot that’s forgiving and capable on thin material
• 220V single-phase operation — no industrial power required
• Clean, low-distortion welding on thin metal from 0.2mm to 2mm

The system produces zero arc flash, minimal fumes, and low noise, according to the company. It operates reliably in extreme environments, from -20°C (-4°F) to 45°C (104°F).

Who Is the X1 Lite For?

XLaserLab has positioned the X1 Lite for a specific audience: makers and professionals who want laser weld quality without the steep learning curve of TIG, the heat distortion of MIG, or the infrastructure demands of larger industrial systems.

The target users include:

• Home workshop makers and serious hobbyists — get laser weld quality on stainless steel and thin sheet metal without a large machine footprint or a $5,000+ investment
• Jewelry makers and precision fabricators — the pen-style welding gun gives fine, controlled fusion on delicate components where TIG would be overkill
• Sheet metal and decorative fab shops — weld 18–22 gauge stainless, galvanized sheet, and thin carbon steel with minimal heat distortion and near-zero grinding
• Mobile repair technicians and installers — the compact system fits in a van and deploys in minutes on-site
• Small businesses adding welding capability — lower entry cost, lower infrastructure requirements, and a machine that’s easy to train staff on

Availability and Pricing

The X1 Lite joins XLaserLab’s existing product lineup, which includes the X1 (a compact pulsed desktop spot welder using a semiconductor laser source) and the X1 Pro (a fiber laser system offering welding, cutting, cleaning, and rust removal).

The X1 Lite’s pricing and exact launch date have not yet been publicly disclosed. However, the company’s previous models were priced at approximately $1,700 for the X1 and $2,500 for the X1 Pro. However, based on the price announced in the social media images, it will be available on Kickstarter for $1999.

Summary

The X1 Lite represents XLaserLab’s most accessible entry into the laser welding market yet. By combining a pen-style welding gun with a compact, lightweight system and beginner-friendly controls, it aims to lower the barrier to entry for creators who want professional metal joining without the industrial overhead.

With the industrial might of XPhotonics behind it — nine years of laser R&D, global leadership in semiconductor laser pumps, and a $5 million crowdfunding track record — XLaserLab is betting that the future of metalworking belongs not just to factories, but to workshops, garages, and maker studios everywhere.