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Algolaser · Diode
Algolaser Alpha MK2 · 40W
40W Premium open-frame diode focused on speed and fine engraving detail
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Last updated How we evaluate
Released June 2024
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Showing specs for: 40W
TL;DR
Algolaser Alpha MK2 40W is the 40W SKU on the Algolaser algolaser alpha mk2 line. Algolaser targets makers who want faster engraving and tighter spot control than typical budget diodes. Verify optical power on the listing: do not assume combined-watt marketing.
Best for
What makes this machine stand out
Hardware and workflow features worth understanding before you buy : not just wattage on a label.
15 mm plywood in one pass
Algolaser's own settings cut 14–15 mm basswood plywood in a single pass at 150 mm/min with the 40W module.
Fastest engraving of the line
30,000 mm/min engraving preset on basswood plywood, and ~6–9 min for our 10 × 10 cm photo test.
8 mm black acrylic, one pass
Opaque black acrylic up to 8 mm cuts in a single pass at 200 mm/min (Algolaser's settings).
Our verdict
Ideal if you
Algolaser Alpha MK2 40W targets mixed engraving and wood-cutting weeks: fewer passes on basswood and dark acrylic than weaker SKUs in the same line.
Skip if you
Wrong pick if you never engrave and only wanted the lowest price. Ultra-fine photo work can look better on an engraving-first SKU. Open-frame: safety and smoke are on you.
Pros
- Algolaser's settings keep basswood plywood single-pass up to 15 mm (150 mm/min), with 8 mm at 350 mm/min
- Highest engraving preset of the line: 30,000 mm/min on basswood plywood
- Black acrylic up to 8 mm in one pass at 200 mm/min, twice the 20W's speed
Cons
- About $420 more than the 20W machine-only ($999 vs $579 in October 2026)
- Widest spot of the line at full power (0.175 × 0.15 mm), and a slightly smaller work area (400 × 386 mm)
- More smoke at full power: plan an exhaust or the smart enclosure bundle ($1,298)
What this machine is for
Maximum cut speed and depth in the line: engraving remains strong at tuned speeds
40W module · Algolaser Alpha MK2
Laser spot size
~0.06 mm spot
Motion precision: 0.01 mm
Sample engrave job
~6–9 min
10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)
Sample cut job
~3–6 min
10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)
Reference benchmark: same job size on every machine so you can compare times fairly. Times are estimates for the reference job above; your design complexity and settings will change them.
Materials
- · Wood
- · Leather
- · Slate
- · Anodized aluminum
- · Stainless (with spray)
Accessories & add-ons
Typical inclusions and add-ons for this profile : confirm your SKU.
- Optional
Enclosure / cabinet
Third-party enclosure improves smoke control and safety
- Recommended
Laser safety glasses
~450 nm diode: OD rated for your wavelength
- Recommended
Fire extinguisher
Editorial guidance : not a live parts list. See also: Ventilation setup · Safety basics
Practical notes
Beginner notes
This profile is the 40W SKU on Algolaser Alpha MK2. Read the TL;DR and benchmarks above, then compare other power options via the chips before buying.
Pro tips
Treat engraving and cutting as separate profiles. Push cut speeds only after test squares on your material. Compare CO₂ only when clear acrylic or all-day production enters the picture.
Pro / technical specsRaw numbers for experienced users comparing machines.
- Max speed (spec)
- 400 mm/s
- Avg engrave speed
- 90–200 mm/s fill
- Avg cut speed
- 5–13 mm/s on 3–6 mm wood
Common questions
What thickness does the Alpha MK2 40W handle in a single pass?
Algolaser's settings list basswood plywood in one pass at 1,200 mm/min (2 mm), 750 (3 mm), 700 (4–5 mm), 400 (6 mm), 350 (8 mm), 300 (10 mm), 250 (12–13 mm) and 150 mm/min (14–15 mm). Black acrylic: 3.5 mm at 500 mm/min, 5 mm at 250 and 8 mm at 200, all in one pass; 10 mm needs 4 passes.
Does the 40W lose engraving detail?
Slightly at full power: Algolaser specifies 0.175 × 0.15 mm for the 40W against 0.16 × 0.14 mm for the 20W. For photos you will run lower power, and our 10 × 10 cm photo test still finishes in ~6–9 min, the fastest of the line. For portrait work at very fine scale, the 10W's smaller spot keeps an edge.
Is the 40W worth it over the 20W?
If you cut 8 mm and thicker stock daily, yes: 8 mm runs at 350 vs 200 mm/min, and 13–15 mm plywood stays single-pass where the 20W needs two. Otherwise the $420 gap (machine-only, October 2026) buys little for engraving-led work. The 40W smart enclosed bundle was $1,298.
Alternatives to the Algolaser Alpha MK2 40W
Machines in the same space, picked from our database by type, price, and score.
Sculpfun · Diode · $690
The 22W is the middle of Sculpfun's three S30 Ultra heads (11W, 22W, 33W), often sold bundled with LightBurn. The 33W head goes further for thick cuts. Listings that say S30 Ultra 10W or 20W are reseller labels.
xTool · Diode · $1,299 – $2,599
The 20W S1 is the value pick in xTool's enclosed diode line: same cabinet and filters as the 40W, but less cut depth on thick wood. Buy this if safety matters and you mostly engrave.
xTool · Diode · $699 – $899
The 20W D1 Pro module is xTool's most popular open-frame head: mixed engraving and light cutting on the large D1 bed. Verify optical power on the listing; swap to 40W later if cut jobs dominate.