MA
Maker Atlas

Sculpfun S30 Ultra 22W vs Atomstack A40 Pro 40W

Spec-by-spec breakdown of the Sculpfun S30 Ultra 22W and the Atomstack A40 Pro 40W: scores, pricing, cutting performance, software, and what each machine is really best at.

Sculpfun S30 Ultra 22W laser engraver by Sculpfun

7.9

Sculpfun S30 Ultra 22W

Sculpfun · Diode

The 22W S30 Ultra is what Sculpfun sells today as the top open-frame Ultra config (often bundled with LightBurn). Best cut headroom in the family; do not confuse with older 10W or 20W listings.

View full profile
Atomstack A40 Pro 40W laser engraver by Atomstack

7.6

Atomstack A40 Pro 40W

Atomstack · Diode

Atomstack A40 Pro 40W is the 40W SKU on the Atomstack atomstack a40 pro line. Step up from A5 Pro with a stiffer frame and stronger cutting marketing (40W combined). Verify optical power on the listing: do not assume combined-watt marketing.

View full profile

Our verdict

Sculpfun S30 Ultra 22W

5 spec wins

Sculpfun S30 Ultra 22W wins on

ScoreEase of useCapabilityBuild quality+1

Atomstack A40 Pro 40W

3 spec wins

Atomstack A40 Pro 40W wins on

Value scorePricePower

Overall, the Sculpfun S30 Ultra 22W takes it: 7.9 vs 7.6 in our scoring.

SpecSculpfun S30 Ultra 22WAtomstack A40 Pro 40W
Overview
BrandSculpfunAtomstack
Laser typeDiodeDiode
Main focusBuilt mainly for cutting shapes and partsBuilt mainly for cutting shapes and parts
Main objectiveFaster cutting and deeper hobby cuts while keeping solid engraving capabilityMaximum cut speed and depth in the line: engraving remains strong at tuned speeds
Best for
  • Faster cutting
  • Thicker basswood
  • Panel work
  • Upgrade from 10W
  • Maximum cuts in line
  • Speed-focused hobby
  • Thick soft woods
  • Cut-heavy weeks
Scores
ScoreBest7.97.6
Value score7.8Best8.1
Ease of useBest7.87.5
CapabilityBest7.67.2
Build qualityBest8.07.2
Pricing
Price

$690

635 €

22W module: common LightBurn bundle

Best

$399 – $599

367 € – 551 €

40W optical module: verify SKU before buying

Hardware
Power22W diodeBest40W diode
Work area410 × 400 mm410 × 400 mm
Precision0.01 mm0.01 mm
Real-world performance
Sample engrave

Filled photo or logo on birch plywood

~7–11 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Filled photo or logo on birch plywood

~12–18 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Sample cut

Simple square cut-out from 3 mm basswood

~4–7 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Simple square cut-out from 3 mm basswood

~6–10 min · 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in)

Spot size~0.08 mm spot~0.08 mm spot
Max speed167 mm/s250 mm/s
Materials
EngravesBest
  • Wood
  • Leather
  • Slate
  • Anodized aluminum
  • Stainless (with spray)
  • Wood
  • Leather
  • Slate
  • Anodized aluminum
Cuts
  • Basswood (up to 8 mm)
  • Dark acrylic (up to 5 mm)
  • Paper
  • Fabric
  • Basswood (up to 10 mm)
  • Dark acrylic (up to 5 mm)
  • Paper
  • Fabric
Cannot do
  • Clear acrylic
  • Thick acrylic sheets
  • Bare metal
  • Glass engraving (reliably)
  • Clear acrylic
  • Bare metal
  • Production-grade consistency
  • Thick hardwood reliably
Software & connectivity
SoftwareLightBurn, LaserGRBLLightBurn, LaserGRBL
ConnectivityUSBUSB
Verdict
TL;DRThe 22W S30 Ultra is what Sculpfun sells today as the top open-frame Ultra config (often bundled with LightBurn). Best cut headroom in the family; do not confuse with older 10W or 20W listings.Atomstack A40 Pro 40W is the 40W SKU on the Atomstack atomstack a40 pro line. Step up from A5 Pro with a stiffer frame and stronger cutting marketing (40W combined). Verify optical power on the listing: do not assume combined-watt marketing.
Pros
  • Strongest cut headroom in the line: about 8 mm basswood-class stock in benchmarks
  • 22W: the most cut-focused head in the Sculpfun S30 Ultra line
  • Open-frame: plan laser glasses, exhaust, and workspace rules from day one
  • Software on the profile: trial your workflow on scrap before production
  • Strongest cut headroom in the line: about 10 mm basswood-class stock in benchmarks
  • 40W: the most cut-focused head in the Atomstack A40 Pro line
  • Open-frame: plan laser glasses, exhaust, and workspace rules from day one
  • Software on the profile: trial your workflow on scrap before production
Cons
  • Clear cast acrylic and thick production cutting still favor CO₂, not diode power alone
  • Confirm optical wattage on the listing before you buy
  • Clear cast acrylic and thick production cutting still favor CO₂, not diode power alone
  • Confirm optical wattage on the listing before you buy

“Best” highlights the strongest spec on paper for that row only — not an overall buying recommendation.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Sculpfun S30 Ultra 22W or Atomstack A40 Pro 40W?

In our scoring, the Sculpfun S30 Ultra 22W comes out ahead with 7.9/10 overall versus 7.6/10 for the Atomstack A40 Pro 40W. The detailed table above shows exactly where each machine wins.

Which is cheaper: Sculpfun S30 Ultra 22W or Atomstack A40 Pro 40W?

The Atomstack A40 Pro 40W is the more affordable option, starting around $399, versus $690 for the Sculpfun S30 Ultra 22W.

Which is better for a beginner: Sculpfun S30 Ultra 22W or Atomstack A40 Pro 40W?

The Sculpfun S30 Ultra 22W is the easier machine to start with: it scores 7.8/10 for ease of use, versus 7.5/10 for the Atomstack A40 Pro 40W.

What is the main difference between the Sculpfun S30 Ultra 22W and the Atomstack A40 Pro 40W?

The Sculpfun S30 Ultra 22W is a Diode laser geared toward cutting, while the Atomstack A40 Pro 40W is a Diode laser geared toward cutting. That difference drives most of the gaps you see in the comparison table.