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AlgoLaser · Diode
AlgoLaser DIY Kit MK3 · 15W diode
Balanced 15W module of the MK3: engraving and 3 mm cutting on a 400 × 400 mm frame for $309
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Last updated How we evaluate
Released July 2026
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Showing module: 15W diode
TL;DR
The DIY Kit MK3 15W is the middle tier and the one AlgoLaser calls 'Everyday Maker's Choice': the 400 × 400 mm frame, AlgoOS touchscreen and focus stick of the MK3 with a 15W diode for faster engraving and routine 3 mm cutting. At $309 it costs only $50 more than the 8W. AlgoLaser publishes no cutting figure for this module, and no independent review exists yet.
Best for
What makes this machine stand out
Hardware and workflow features worth understanding before you buy : not just wattage on a label.
The balanced tier
AlgoLaser positions the 15W as its everyday module: faster engraving than the 8W and routine 3 mm cuts for only $50 more.
Offline touchscreen
Text, sketches and stored projects run straight from the AlgoOS screen, so batches of coasters do not need a computer.
Our verdict
Ideal if you
The 15W is the sensible default of the MK3 range: close to the 8W in price, much faster in use, and enough for routine 3 mm cutting. With a touchscreen and a 400 × 400 mm frame for $309, it undercuts most open-frame rivals of similar size.
Skip if you
AlgoLaser gives no verified cutting figure for this module, air assist costs extra on the machine-only version, and the open frame needs ventilation and eye protection. No independent review has tested it yet.
Pros
- Only $50 more than the entry module for clearly faster engraving
- Handles routine 3 mm basswood and plywood cuts with air assist
- Full MK3 package: touchscreen, focus stick and 400 × 400 mm frame for $309
Cons
- No published cutting thickness or optical power test for this module
- Open frame with no enclosure in the box
What this machine is for
All-round engraving and light cutting on a mid-size bed at a budget price
15W module · AlgoLaser DIY Kit MK3
Laser spot size
—
Motion precision: —
Sample engrave job
~11–17 min
10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)
Sample cut job
~6–9 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 & plywood
- · Leather
- · Slate & stone
- · Dark acrylic
- · Paper & card
- · Coated and anodized metal
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 15W tier of the DIY Kit MK3, the one most buyers should compare first. Against the 8W it adds speed and cutting margin for $50; against the 20W it saves $150, which pays for air assist and a honeycomb. Take the 20W only if cutting wood is your main job.
Pro tips
Pair the 15W with air assist before cutting anything: it keeps edges clean and the lens free of smoke. Do batches of coasters from the touchscreen's stored projects, and move to LightBurn for photo work. Expect 3 mm in one or two passes and plan more passes beyond that.
Pro / technical specsRaw numbers for experienced users comparing machines.
- Max speed (spec)
- 250 mm/s (15 000 mm/min)
- Avg engrave speed
- ~60–150 mm/s
- Avg cut speed
- ~2–5 mm/s
Common questions
How thick can the DIY Kit MK3 15W cut?
AlgoLaser does not publish a figure for the 15W. Plan on 3 mm basswood or plywood as routine, about 6–9 min for a 10 × 10 cm square in our benchmark, and several passes for 5–6 mm. AlgoLaser's 12 mm one-pass claim applies to the 20W only.
15W or 20W?
The 20W costs $459 with a free air pump against $309 for the 15W on AlgoLaser's store (October 2026). The 20W cuts faster and AlgoLaser rates it for 12 mm wood in one pass. For mostly engraving with some 3 mm cutting, the 15W plus a $69 air assist is the better buy.
Does the 15W need a computer?
Not for simple jobs: the AlgoOS touchscreen engraves text, sketches and over 400 stored projects on its own. For photos, vector files and precise layouts, connect LightBurn, LaserGRBL or the AlgoLaser app.
Alternatives to the AlgoLaser DIY Kit MK3 15W
Machines in the same space, picked from our database by type, price, and score.
Ortur · Diode · $140 – $1,740
The 20W LM3 is the configuration most buyers mean when they say 'Laser Master 3'. Strong engraving, light cutting, huge community: verify you are not accidentally ordering the 10W SKU.
Sculpfun · Diode · $480 – $979
S30 Pro Max 20W is Sculpfun's earlier high-power open-frame. Still capable for wood and leather; Ultra 22W/33W superseded it for new buyers but used units remain popular.
Sculpfun · Diode · $270
Sculpfun S10 10W (2022) is a mid-size open-frame engraver with a sturdier industrial frame than S9, ~385 mm work area, and detachable laser cover. Positioned between budget S9 and S30 families for makers who want better rigidity without Ultra pricing.