xTool AP2 Air Purifier and IF2 Inline fan review – Better exhaust management, hands down

REVIEW – xTool recently announced a new version of their air purifier and inline fan, the xTool SafetyPro AP2 Air Purifier with SuperCyclone System and the xTool SafetyPro IF2 Hyper Flow Inline Duct Fan. Having previously used several different air purifiers for laser engravers, I was skeptical about the effectiveness of this product despite the impressive-sounding product name. I’ve previously been both surprised and disappointed with products, so can this one really do what it says? Let’s find out!

What is it?

The xTool SafetyPro AP2 Air Purifier with SuperCyclone System is an air purifier that uses a 6-layer filtration system for 99.99% dust removal and odor absorption. The xTool SafetyPro IF2 Hyper Flow Inline Duct Fan features a dual fan design in a compact form factor with intelligent control.

What’s included?

xTool SafetyPro AP2 Air Purifier with SuperCyclone System includes:

• AP2 Air Purifier
• Hose
• Clamp
• Reducer
• Wireless dongle

xTool SafetyPro IF2 Hyper Flow Inline Duct Fan Includes:

• IF2 Inline fan with control module
• Hose
• Clamp
• Reducer
• Wireless dongle
• Wall mount bracket and screws

Tech specs

xTool SafetyPro AP2 Air Purifier with SuperCyclone System

• 6-layer Filtration System: 99.99% dust removal and odor absorption.
• Cyclone Separation Technology: Capture Large Particles, 10X Pre-filter’s Lifespan.
• World’s First Ultra-Dense Carbon Mesh, 97.97% odor absorption.
• Intelligent Control: Auto-On/Off, Sync with xTool Lasers & Tailored Setting for Every Material.
• Wireless connectivity with selected machines
• Noise: 55dB

xTool SafetyPro IF2 Hyper Flow Inline Duct Fan

• Dual Fan TurboBoost: two fans at 14,000 RPM each combined to deliver a powerful airflow.
• 100W Brushless Motor: The Strong Heart of Powerful Suction.
• Small Size Yet Powerful Flow: 6x smaller dimensions maximize indoor space for users.
• Intelligent Control: Auto-On/Off, Sync with xTool Lasers & Tailored Setting for Every Material.
• Wireless connectivity with selected machines

Design and features

The previous version the xTool Air Purifier worked well for filtering particulates, however, it did not work well for filtering odors. Although it reduced the smell, there was still a significant amount of smoke odor when cutting or engraving wood, cardboard, leather and such. It was good for filtering the air before expelling out outdoors (as to not annoy your neighbors), but it wasn’t good enough for me to use indoors.

As such, I was skeptical that the AP2 would filter very well, considering the unit was only slightly larger than the previous one. However, I had hoped the new 6-layer filtration system would make up for that.

Instead of a pre-filter and a main filter, the AP2 utilizes 6 separate filters:
1. Cyclone filter
2. Pre-filter
3. HEPA filter
4. Activated carbon filter
5. Carbon and HEPA filter
6. Ultra HEPA filter

Upon opening the box, my hopes grew stronger. The unit features an attractive design that appears to be well thought out. The individual filters are removable, are quite solid, and feature a lot of surface area.

The cyclone filter does not need to be replaced as it is washable and reusable. This filter uses 36 small cyclone groups to trap large particles before they enter and clog the other filters. This helps tremendously when cutting or engraving many items that generate particles, which is more than you would think. xTool claims this can extend the pre-filter’s lifespan by 10 times.

The pre-filter is designed to capture 90% of visible substances such as dust, fibers, hair, etc. The first HEPA filter removes 95% of fine dust up to 0.3um. The activated carbon filter removes 84.4% of harmful fumes such as acidic gases, SO2, etc and features 4.5 lbs of activated carbon. The Ultra-Dense carbon and HEPA filter absorb 97.97% of odors such as VOCs, SO2, Etc. Finally, the Ultra HEPA filter is rated at removing 99.97% of 0.3um dust, allergens, and viruses.

Together the filters weigh 17 lbs (not including the cyclone filter). Although weight does not always translate to quality, these filters just feel like they aren’t messing around. They feature a metal screen, a foam seal around the edge, and a cloth handle to help with removal.

As for stated stats, the dust removal is rated at 99.99% PM2.5, 99.97% 0.3um dust, and 99% allergens. The odor removal is rated at 99.97% odor removal, 99.9% toluene removal, and 99.99% VOCs removal.

The AP2 includes a wireless Bluetooth dongle for selected machines that can automatically turn on and off the air purifier (auto-mode is only compatible with P2S, S1, M1 Ultra, and F1 Ultra). The wireless connection also allows for tailoring the settings for fan speed based on the material selected by the user. The xTool app mobile app also allows for filter life cycle monitoring.

The first thing I did once I got the AP2 set up was to cut some cardboard that I use in my product packaging. The cardboard creates a fair amount of smoke and odor. I noticed no odor coming from the AP2. WOW! I was impressed. I ran quite a few batches of the cardboard and there was no smoke odor. Sometimes we can get used to certain smells, but my wife didn’t even notice.

My second test was to cut some EVA foam gaskets. This material produces a lot of unpleasant odors, and I wasn’t looking forward to the test even though the AP2 worked great on the cardboard. It worked just as well as during the first test. My air quality monitor for VOCs did go up a small amount, but not much, and it is only a few feet from the AP2.

The xTool SafetyPro IF2 Hyper Flow Inline Duct Fan

I have the original xTool 6″ inline fan and when the IF2 arrived I was excited to compare them. I have a 6″ inline fan that I have several hoses hooked to, but for quite some time I’ve wanted to set up a second vent to the outside. I’ve hesitated because the xTool 6″ fan is large, and I’ve debated on how I wanted to mount it since the wall behind my lasers is cement block.

The IF2 is substantially smaller, and comes with a wall mount bracket, so I think it will be just what I need. The IF2 is a little louder than the 6″ fan, but the size is much more manageable. xTool claims it is 6x smaller than the xTool inline 6″ fan.

The IF2 utilizes a dual fan design that rotates at 14,000 RPM via a 100W brushless motor. The controller box features a power button, fan up/down buttons, and an auto button.

Similar to the AP2 Air Purifier, the IF2 inline fan can be connected via a Bluetooth dongle (P2S, S1, M1 Ultra, and F1 Ultra machines only) for automatic mode. When used in this way, the laser machine will automatically turn the fan on and off when needed.

The IF2 also has IP55-rated fans, meaning they are washable. This alone is a great feature, as cleaning fans can be quite a chore, and being able to rinse them under running water is a big plus. The IF2 is rated at a suction power of 1300 Pa, whereas the 1st gen 6″ fan is rated at 442 Pa.

A 3-inch diameter, 2.3-meter long pp tube helps with routing the output to the outside. The inlet is the same size, allowing for connections directly to the xTool lasers, including the M1 Ultra with the included adapter for the smaller-sized hose.

I ran a test of the original xTool 6-inch inline fan and the IF2 inline fan. I connected them to my xTool S1 using a 4-inch hose (since that is a common configuration). I measured the output of the fans with a 4-inch adapter. At the output, the original 6-inch inline fan had an airspeed of 2,000 ft/min, whereas the IF2 measured 2,300 ft/min – a definite improvement.

The IF2 was a bit louder measuring 82dB vs the orginal 6-inch fan at 68dB. The IF2 is a bit quieter when not operating at full speed.

What I like about the xTool AP2 and IF2 air purifier and fan

• Exceptional design
• Great filtering
• Wireless/auto mode
• Individually replaceable filters

What needs to be improved?

• A 4-inch hose connection would be nice, but there are 3rd party adapters available.

Final thoughts

The xTool AP2 and IF2 are quite an improvement over the previous products. The filtering of the AP2 is like no other air purifier that I have tested and is the first air purifier that I can consider indoors safe. The IF2 inline fan is a powerful fan in a compact form factor that expands the available places where it can be mounted. xTool has really stepped up its game with these new products. If you can’t vent your laser to the outside, the AP2 is definitely the way to go.

Price: AP2 $699.00 – IF2 $161.10
Where to buy: xTool and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by xTool. xTool did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.