Material Blog

Leather Laser Engraving

Can you laser engrave leather?

Yes, laser can engrave leather efficiently without any leather burrs. Laser engraving on leather is a popular method for creating detailed designs, it can precisely burn the surface of the leather, producing a clean and permanent mark. This process can add a personalized touch or create intricate designs, making it ideal for custom leather goods.

Leather, however, can be damaged by heat because it is a natural material and can burn or damaged. To achieve the best results, you need to choose a good laser engraver machine and select optimum parameter.

Laser engraving leather ideas

Hat patch

Adds a personalized touch to headwear, making them perfect for custom branding or unique designs. These laser leather patches can also be extended to other items like jackets or bags, enhancing their style with durable and intricate designs that stand out.

Wallet

A laser-engraved wallet combines functionality with personalization. Engraving names, logos, or intricate patterns onto the leather offers a stylish and durable alternative to plain wallets. This method can also be applied to cardholders, making them unique and resistant to wear.

Photo engraving

Laser engraving detailed photos on leather surfaces captures memories in a lasting and artistic way. It can be used on products like leather photo albums, personalized plaques, or keepsake boxes, offering a meaningful and decorative touch.

Saddle

Engraving saddles with custom designs, logos, or names can make them stand out while maintaining durability. Bridles or stirrup leathers can also be laser engraved, providing a unique and personalized touch to riding equipment.

Belt

Engraving leather belts with custom designs, initials, or patterns adds a sophisticated and personalized flair. This application can be extended to watch straps or leather bracelets, offering stylish and individualized accessories that stand the test of time.

Pouch

Enhances their aesthetic and functional appeal, making them ideal for personalized gifts or branded merchandise. Other small leather goods like coin purses or key cases can also be customized, adding a touch of elegance and uniqueness.

What should I consider when laser engraving different leathers?

1. Genuine leather

Genuine leather is a natural material with an irregular surface and uneven thickness, which results in varying effects during laser processing. Therefore, there are no universal rules for laser processing leather. If the leather deforms during laser processing, it indicates that the power is too high. It is recommended to reduce the laser power.

Does the processed piece of genuine leather need cleaning?

Since genuine leather is a natural material, it is best not to use any cleaning agents. Some cleaning agents can be corrosive, potentially damaging the leather or causing the surface to dry out. If cleaning is necessary, it’s advisable to test on scrap pieces first, as different leathers can react differently to the same cleaner, so extensive testing is required.

2. Synthetic leather

When laser engraving synthetic leather, defocusing can be used to achieve variations in light colors.

Synthetic leather usually has a fabric layer, making its structure more stable. It can be easily wiped clean using a damp sponge or cotton cloth.

How to laser engrave leather?

1、General considerations

Leather laser engraving requires attention to the specific type of leather being used. Each type of leather reacts differently to the engraving process, so adjustments to the laser settings may be necessary. For example, vegetable-tanned leather generally responds well to laser engraving, allowing for fine details, while chrome-tanned leather may produce more smoke and require lower power settings to avoid damaging the surface.

2、Selecting the right leather

Not all leathers are equally suited for laser engraving. Vegetable-tanned leather is a highly recommended leather for laser engraving due to its consistent results and minimal residue production. In contrast, oily or treated leathers, like oil-tanned leather or patent leather, may present challenges such as uneven engraving or excessive smoke, requiring special attention during the process.

3、Conducting a test engraving

Before proceeding with a full design, it’s crucial to perform a test engraving. Start with low to medium power settings, especially on thinner leathers, to avoid burning through the material. Gradually adjust the power and speed settings to find the optimal parameters for the specific type of leather you are working with.

4、Enhancing the engraving process

To achieve the best results during leather laser engraving, ensure proper focus and adjust the laser parameters according to the leather type. For example, applying masking tape on the leather surface can help reduce residue buildup and prevent scorch marks. Additionally, using an air assist system can blow away smoke and debris, resulting in cleaner engravings and preventing heat buildup on the leather surface.

How to clean leather after laser engraving?

Brush off residue

Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove any loose debris or residue left on the surface after engraving.

Wipe with a damp cloth

Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with water and wipe the engraved area to remove any remaining dust or soot. Ensure the cloth is not too wet to prevent water damage.

Use leather cleaner

If there are any stubborn marks or residues, apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a soft cloth and gently clean the area. You should test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Dry the leather

After cleaning, use a dry cloth to gently pat the area dry, then put it in a ventilated place to ensure that the leather is completely before using or storing it.

Condition the leather

To maintain the leather’s quality, you can apply a leather conditioner to the engraved area after it’s fully dry. This helps keep the leather supple and prevents it from drying out or cracking.

What is the best laser engraver for leather?

What is the best laser for leather engraving?

Different types of lasers have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to processing leather. CO2 lasers excel in engraving and cutting, offering detailed designs and smooth edges, making them suitable for various leather thicknesses. Fiber lasers are better for marking and engraving but not good for cutting, providing high-contrast markings and fine details, ideal for applications that require precision. UV lasers are known for their high-resolution engraving capabilities, but they’re always expensive and not good for leather cutting. On the other hand, diode lasers, while more affordable and compact, are generally less powerful and better suited for simpler tasks and small-scale projects.

In summary, CO2 lasers are the most suitable for leather engraving, offering the best combination of precision, versatility, and quality.

Thunder Laser Leather Engraving Machine

Thunder Laser offers high-end and powerful laser machines for you! You can choose the one that best suits your specific needs. Here, we’ve selected a few laser engravers for leather laser engraving that you might like.

Thunder Nova Cutter

Thunder Bolt Desktop Engraver

Thunder Aurora Marker

The Nova series laser machines use CO2 as the laser source, making them well-suited for engraving and cutting leather of different texture and thicknesses. With a large working area, you can conveniently perform batch processing, making it a highly cost-effective choice.

Bolt desktop engraver is recommended for beginners, hobbyists, or those with limited space. Also utilizing a CO2 laser source, BOLT can process a wide range of materials, including leather, offering exceptional versatility. It delivers precise engraving results in a compact space. If you need a larger, non-desktop machine, you can opt for the upgraded Bolt Pro, which is larger, faster, and more precise.

Additionally, the Aurora, which uses either fiber or UV as the laser source, is also a great option. Although primarily designed for metal engraving, this desktop marker can achieve fine leather engraving as well. If you also have substantial metal engraving or marking needs, Aurora can provide high-quality leather engraving results as well.

Recommended settings for laser engraving leather

Here are the leather processing parameters for using a 30-Watt RF laser, typically applicable to our Bolt machines. You can use these as a reference to adjust your settings, but it’s best to test on scrap material or edges before starting your actual project.

Thickness	Process	Speed(mm/s)	Min Power(%)	Max Power(%)	Blow Type	DPI
/	Engraving	1000	50	50	low	350
1.5mm	Cutting	20	10	20	high	1.5"
3mm	Cutting	5	10	90	high	1.5"

More parameters on our official website>>

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