LEATHER LASER

ENGRAVING & CUTTING & MARKING

Vegetable-tanned leather is usually the best starting point for laser cutting and engraving. Full-grain, top-grain, suede, nubuck, and selected synthetic leather may also be processed when the tanning method, coatings, backing, adhesives, and complete material composition have been verified as laser-safe.

Light-colored vegetable-tanned leather with a smooth, even surface usually produces clear engraving contrast and fine detail. The best leather depends on the required color, grain, thickness, finish, engraving depth, and final product.

Leather laser settings depend on the machine model, laser power, leather type, tanning method, thickness, color, surface coating, moisture, and desired result. The following Nova 100W DC glass CO₂ laser settings are starting references and should be tested on the actual leather before production.

These values are intended as starting points only. Always run a small material test and adjust the speed, power, focus, air assist, DPI, and number of passes according to the actual leather and the required engraving or cutting result.

For settings covering more Thunder Laser models, laser powers, materials, thicknesses, lenses, and processing methods, visit our complete CO₂ laser settings library.

Selected PU leather can be laser processed only when its complete composition, surface coating, backing, and adhesives have been verified as PVC-free and laser-safe. Because synthetic leather formulations vary, always review the supplier’s safety information and test the actual material before production.

Do not process PVC leather, vinyl, unknown synthetic leather, or materials with unidentified coatings, backing, fillers, or adhesives. If the complete material composition cannot be confirmed, do not place it in a laser machine.

If you are unsure whether a material is compatible, use our material testing service before processing it.

Chrome-tanned leather should not be treated as generally laser-safe because its composition and emissions can create health and environmental risks. For routine laser work, choose verified vegetable-tanned leather instead. Do not process chrome-tanned leather without complete documentation, a formal risk assessment, and appropriate professional extraction controls.

The achievable cutting thickness depends on the leather type, density, tanning method, moisture, laser power, lens, focus, air assist, speed, and required edge quality. Thunder Laser’s settings library includes starting references for 1.5 mm and 3 mm leather, but every material should be tested individually.

Laser cutting uses heat to separate the material, so some darkening or heat sealing along the edge is normal. The amount of discoloration depends on the leather type, color, thickness, oils, coatings, power, speed, focus, air assist, and extraction.

Use tested power and speed settings, correct focus, suitable air assist, and effective source extraction. Keeping the optics and laser bed clean, avoiding unnecessarily slow processing, and applying protective masking when appropriate can also help reduce surface residue.

Yes. Smooth, light-colored vegetable-tanned leather with an even grain usually provides clearer contrast and finer photographic detail. Grayscale conversion, contrast adjustment, sharpening, and dithering can help prepare the image for leather photo engraving.

Air assist is recommended when laser cutting leather because it helps control flames and move smoke and debris away from the processing area. The appropriate airflow depends on the leather type, process, and laser machine.

Leather laser processing can also produce smoke, odors, and airborne particles, so effective fume extraction is essential. For workshops that cannot vent directly outdoors or require additional filtration, the Thunder Air Fume Extractor provides a dedicated extraction and filtration solution for Thunder Laser machines.

Always keep the laser machine actively supervised and confirm that the leather composition, extraction setup, and processing conditions are suitable before starting the job.

Allow the leather to cool, then remove loose residue with a soft brush or dry lint-free cloth. If further cleaning is required, test a small amount of leather-safe cleaner on an inconspicuous area and avoid solvents or excessive moisture that may change the color or finish.

Laser marking creates a low-depth surface or color change on selected coated or synthetic leather. Laser engraving removes material to create a recessed result on suitable natural leather. The final effect depends on the leather construction, coating, color, laser source, power, and speed.

CO₂ laser machines are commonly used for cutting and engraving suitable natural leather. RF CO₂ systems are well suited to detailed, high-speed engraving, while DC glass CO₂ systems provide strong cutting capability. Fiber, MOPA, or UV systems may mark selected coated or synthetic leather after material compatibility has been verified.

Finishing depends on the leather and final product. The edges may be brushed, lightly sanded, burnished, sealed, dyed, or conditioned, while engraved surfaces may only require residue removal. Always test finishing products because they can change the leather’s color, contrast, texture, and flexibility.