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Leather laser engraving and cutting

What is leather?

The term leather, or simply leather, refers to animal skin that has been tanned or otherwise processed and is used in clothing and other crafts. Materials that resemble leather in appearance are known as “Artificial leather” and have been produced since the 20th century using synthetic polymers like polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride. Consequently, “genuine leather” is another name for animal leather. Leather is a common material in daily life and is ideal for laser engraver machine laser machining. Leather laser engraving and cutting can be observed everywhere in daily life.

leather engraving jewelry

Regular classifications about leather engraving

There are several varieties of leather fabrics in the fabric industry, which are generally grouped into three categories: natural leather (genuine leather), recycled leather, and Artificial leather.

Organic leather

Natural leather, usually referred to as genuine leather, is a type of leather that is produced by shaving off the hair from an animal’s skin and processing it using various tanning and processing techniques.


The surface form of its leather is irregular, with unequal thickness. It has great strength and is supple, breathable, wear-resistant, and durable. The most popular types of natural laser engraving leather available on the market are pig, sheep, and cow leather.

Reused leather

Regenerated leather is leather that has been processed using genuine leather or recycled leather as the raw material to create corner fragments. It is processed and turned into recycled leather material after recycling, which combines the qualities of real leather with PU.


Like genuine leather, recycled leather fabric has good softness, strong ductility, and lightweight material, making it a very versatile leather fabric nowadays. These leathers are often widely used in various leather laser engraving goods manufactured by laser engraver machine

Artificial leather

While synthetic leather, also known as PCV/PU, has a comparable surface feel to real leather, it lacks the latter’s superior air permeability and wear resistance. It has a weaker hand feel and less resilience than genuine leather, and it is easily faded. It works on the same principles as real and faux leather.


Because the leather of real leather is expensive, counterfeit Artificial leather was formerly fashionable and widely utilized in apparel and bag manufacture. Artistic leather is also a good material for laser engraver machines to laser cut leather and laser engrave leather.

leather cutting belt
laser leather wallet

The benefits and risks of Leather laser engraving and cutting

Since leather is such a well-suited material for laser machining, Leather laser engraving, and cutting processing is currently quite popular. There won’t be any leather burrs, and it can cut leather and laser etch leather intricate, beautiful designs and lettering with clarity and finesse.


Leather, however, can be damaged by heat because it is a natural material and can burn, burn, and experience other effects of heat. Laser machining imitation leather is also the same. To ensure proper operation and optimum parameter selection, a good laser engraver machine must be chosen.

The most popular Leather laser engraving and cutting leather projects

Which kind of leather is best for Leather laser engraving?

Both laser engraving on natural leather and synthetic leather engraving is ok. But for the best results, each type of leather needs a distinct laser engraver machine and setting. Artificial leather, including suede and Oca leather, is easily laser machining and produces stunning effects. PVC synthetic leather, however, is not ideal for laser machining because the Leather laser engraving and leather laser cutting processing would produce hazardous smoke that will injure the co2 laser engraver’s inside and rust the co2 machine’s screws.

Which laser engraver machine is more suited to my Leather laser engraving and cutting project?

What do you cut leather with? The NOVA and ODIN series are all CO2 laser engravers, so they can both be leather cuts and laser etch leather.

However, because of its stronger laser and processing platform (which includes through doors), we call it a leather cutter machine. The NOVA series has greater advantages in cutting leather.


Unlike nova laser leather cutting machines, due to its extremely fast processing speed and precise laser control, we call it a leather laser engraver machine. The Thunder laser ODIN series can laser engrave leather with even more impressive Leather laser engraving results.

Depending on the subject of your job, you can select a more appropriate leather laser cutter or leather etching machine. 

Tips for leather laser engraving and leather cutting

Best way to cut genuine leather or etch dermis

Genuine leather is a natural product having an uneven surface, thickness, and reactions to laser machining. Thus, there is no universal standard for Leather laser engraving and cutting. However, there are a few important things to remember:
If the leather deforms during laser leather engraving in a laser engraver machine, it shows that the power is too high. Reducing the laser’s power is advised.

How to clean leather after laser engraving leather?

Since real leather is a natural product, it is preferable to avoid using any cleaning solutions. Some cleaning solutions are caustic, which means they can easily harm leather or dry out the surface. It is best to conduct testing on residual materials if cleaning agents must be employed after leather laser engraving. Different leathers have different reactions to the same cleaning agent, so more tests are needed.

Unreal leather​

Since faux leather typically comprises a layer of fabric, its structure is fairly robust and it is simple to clean with a moist sponge or cotton paper.

Defocusing enables light color shifts when leather laser engraves in a laser engraver machine.

A few suggestions for avoiding burn marks when laser cutting and engraving leather.

1. Modify the power settings

It is crucial to adjust the power level on a laser engraver machine for leather while leather laser engraving and cutting prevent the laser from being too powerful and burning the leather.

2. Modify the speed parameters.

Even though laser engraver machines’ high levels of precision are advantageous for processing leather, the material damage risk remains due to the laser’s intense heat. It is crucial to adjust the speed setting before cutting because different leathers vary in thickness and toughness.

3. Utilize the proper laser focal length

The laser focal length of the Leather laser engraving and cutting device is essential while cutting leather. The Accuracy of cutting in a laser engraver machine is impacted by the distance between the laser head and the leather. Cutting other materials is similarly similar, not just leather.

 

The incision will be too low if the focal length is too long because the Leather laser engraving head will be too far from the leather. But if the focus length is too little, the laser will pierce the leather too deeply and could leave burn marks. To adjust the laser’s focal length, our laser cutting equipment typically employs a focal length of 6mm.

4. Use nozzles of the proper size.

When laser cutting leather in a laser engraver machine, the size of the laser nozzle also plays a significant role. The laser may overheat if the nozzle is too small, leaving burn marks on the leather. On the other side, a nozzle that is too big can result in subpar laser performance, which results in subpar cutting. Choosing the appropriate nozzle is so crucial.
These pointers also work for cutting various kinds of materials.

How to store leather?

There is a certain quantity of water and oil in leather. The oil and water will slowly evaporate if stored incorrectly or for an extended period, and the leather will progressively deteriorate as a result of drying shrinkage and hardening. Therefore, the following safety measures ought to be followed while storing leather for laser engraving:

1. moisture-proof

Under typical temperature and humidity conditions, moisture-resistant leather can maintain equilibrium. When the humidity increases, the leather will collect moisture, and excessive moisture can easily lead to mold. The surface will not only develop mold stains that are challenging to remove, but the leather’s tensile strength will also decline.

 

Therefore, the first consideration when storing leather instead of engraving it in a laser engraver machine should be its moisture resistance, and the storage and display areas should be dry and well-ventilated. Avoid direct sunlight and stay away from the ground and brick walls. Some anti-mold solutions can be administered during the Huangmei season.

2. Heat

Heat-resistant leather needs a specific amount of oil in addition to a specific amount of water to keep its suppleness and sheen. If the temperature in the storage area is too high, the leather’s moisture evaporates, leaving the upper fibers dry and brittle, which can lead to cracking and deformation; if the heat buildup is not released, the oil will deteriorate and decompose, reducing the leather’s strength and flexibility. So, when storing leather for laser engraving, it should be kept away from heat sources like fires and heating pipes as well as direct sunshine.

3. Anti-acid and alkali

Acid and alkali-resistant leather for laser engraving that comes into touch with acidic or alkaline substances may develop cracks and fractures on the surface as a result of corrosion, which lowers its toughness and elasticity. Because of this, it can’t be stored with soap, alkaline noodles, chemical raw materials, or some non-stability meals.

4. Prevent insect and rodent bites

Rodent and insect-resistant leather comprise animal protein fibers and oil components, rendering it susceptible to bites from rodents or insects. To ensure the leather is entire in a leather engraver when preserving leather, caution must be taken to avoid insects and rodents.

Call us at 86 181 0304 3363 to speak to one of our professionals, or email us at [email protected] / [email protected]

We stand ready to help you find the system that works for you! 

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