Leather laser engraving has become one of the chioces for craftmen in leather projects. With the common use for leather crafts, people tend to use laser engraving on leather for higher effectiveness. While for beginners first meet laser engraving leather technology, we provide you with leather laser engraving tips and steps you may need to know.
Leather laser engraving enables the creation of both highly detailed textures and crisp, bold markings on leather. In this blog post, we will delve into this capable leather engraving technology.
I. Leather for Laser Engraving
Not all leather performs equally in laser engraving. Leather type, thickness, and composition significantly impact engraving quality. Below is a categorization of leather materials based on compatibility with laser engraving:
Vegetable-tanned leather is made from natural organic elements and highly receptive to laser, capable of carving clear and highly complex patterns, suitable for laser lengraved leather crafts.
Full-grain leather retains natural textures and imperfections, yielding clear, detailed, and deep engravings. Suitable for premium laser engraved leather projects like luxury fashion items and personalized gifts.
Top grain leather, after polishing, it requires lower power and faster speeds for clear, delicate leather laser engraving. Its durability suits high-end products.
Suede and frosted leather, its soft-touch finishes suitable for thermal transfer engraving. Nubuck offers finer details than suede.
Can you laser engrave any leather?
Unluckily, nope. Leather projects with bad quality may generate toxic gas or hard to engrave clear patterns, while we list three kinds of leather not suitable for laser engraving.
Recycled leather is made by bonding leather fragments with polyurethane or latex, it has lower quality and poor durability. The laser engraving may not be very clear, and it is recommended to use lower engraving power to avoid burning.
Artificial leather, also known as PCV/PU, the surface feels similar to leather, but the breath ability and wear resistance are not as good as leather, and it is easy to fade.
Chrome-tanned leather has a surface that is not as dry and hard, but flexible and less rigid, suitable for bendable applications. Engravings are clean but less defined than vegetable-tanned leather.
II. What is the best laser engraver for leather?
Fiber laser engraver and CO2 laser engraver, to be honest. Distinctive with metals and wood, leather as a common laser engraving material, can be engraved by fiber laser, diode laser CO2 laser and uv laser.
CO2 laser engraver
As a capable crafting tool for DIY business, CO2 laser engraver has a perfect command on non-metal laser engraving, and even better than diode laser engraver. That's why people work in personal craft studio prefer to purchase CO2 laser engraver
EM-Smart Basic -- Fiber laser engraver
Fiber laser is usually used in manufacture industry, while with the development of laser technolgy, brands like em-smart provides people with desktop fiber laser engraving machine with 20W~60W(EM-Smart Mopa).
EM-Smart Dual -- Diode + Fiber laser
Diode laser engraver is similar to co2 laser engraver, which is friendly to non-metals. While for the compatibility of laser engraving materials, co2 wins. But for laser novice or hobbies, diode laser wins with its afforable price and efficiency in wood laser engraving. Of course, leather engraving can be handled with ease.
III. How to Laser Engrave Leather
1. Material & Machine Prep
- Select leather: Choose based on project needs and compatibility. Ensure surfaces are clean.
- Machine setup: Configure EM-Smart Dual (for example) per manual. Inspect laser head alignment; clean lenses/camera. Level the engraving bed.
- Secure leather: Use a cutting panel to fix smaller pieces, preventing movement during engraving. Center the leather.
2. Software-Link Setup
Install LightBurn software. Verify "Ready" status upon connection. Familiarize with design workspace, parameter panels, and file management.
3. File Import
- Design prep: Use vector files (SVG/DXF recommended).
- Import: In LightBurn, click "File" → "Import" → select file.
- Adjustments: Resize, reposition, or rotate designs using "Select," "Move," and "Rotate" tools.
4. Protective Measures
-
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Wear laser protective goggles. Additionally, close the protective enclosure during machine operation to protect hands from heat and any potential smoke damage. -
Ventilation:
Ensure the working area is well-ventilated. Leather laser engraving produces smoke that may be harmful if inhaled. EM-Smart Dual has special deisgned dust extraction system to expel smoke from the work area.
5. Perform Test Engraving on Scrap Leather
Before engraving the final leather product, always perform a test engraving on a piece of scrap leather of the same type and thickness. Once satisfied with the test results, record the optimal parameter settings for the actual project.
6. Start Engraving
-
Final Check:
Carefully check all settings, the alignment of the design’s red-light preview, and the fixation of the leather on the engraving bed. Ensure there are no loose items or interfering factors in the work area. -
Initiate Engraving:
In the software, click the "Start" or "Engraving" button. EM - Smart Dual will commence the engraving process; the laser head will move across the leather according to the design. Closely monitor the engraving process, but do not touch the machine or leather during engraving.
IV. Laser Engraving Leather Settings
-
Power:
Start from relatively low power settings, typically approximately 20% - 40% of the 20W EM - Smart Dual maximum power. Thicker leather may require higher power, while thinner or more delicate leather requires lower power, to avoid burning through the material. -
Speed:
The speed at which the laser moves on the leather affects the engraving depth and color depth. Start from 1000mm/s to 1500mm/s speed, and adjust based on test results from scrap leather. -
Frequency:
Laser pulse frequency affects engraving smoothness and quality. For leather laser engraving, the 20 - 40kHz frequency range generally yields good results. - Parameters Recommended (20W laser engraver machine):
| Operation/Parameters | Laser Type | Power (%) | Speed (mm/s) | Frequency (kHz) |
| Surface Engraving | Diode | 60 | 1000 | 20 |
| Deep Engraving | Fiber | 40 | 1200 | 20 |
| Laser Cutting | Diode | 60 | 1000 | 20 |
V. How to Clean Leather After Laser Engraving?
- Cleaning: After engraving, dust and debris will be present on the leather surface; gently brush them off using a soft, clean brush (e.g., makeup brush, professional leather brush). If stubborn stains exist, dip a small amount of mild leather cleaner, first test on an inconspicuous area, confirm no damage occurs before wiping, and finally wipe with a soft cloth or damp towel.
- Maintenance: Regularly use high-quality leather care oil or cream for maintenance, apply evenly and gently rub to help it penetrate. Vegetable-tanned leather can be appropriately increased in the frequency of care to stabilize the carving color and maintain the texture. Full-grain leather and top-grain leather should be maintained at the regular frequency, pay attention to even application, and prevent excessive care in local areas.
-
Storage: Store the engraved leather products in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent the leather from fading and cracking. If it is not used for a long time, some desiccant can be placed in the leather product to absorb possible moisture and ensure that the leather is always in good condition.
VI. Applications Showcase of Laser Engraved Leather
1. Fashion accessories
- Luggage products: The brand adds exclusive logos, characteristic patterns or customized details to the surface of bags and wallets through laser engraving process.
- Leather accessories: The use of laser engraving technology on belts or others to present exquisite designs can effectively add its luxurious texture and personalized elements.
- Leather Footwear: Laser engraving technology can be used on leather shoe surfaces to present brand names, decorative patterns, or customer-customized designs, greatly enhancing the overall visual effect and brand value of the product.
2. Gifts and Promotions
- Gift customization: Laser engraved on leather products, such as diaries, photo albums, key rings, etc., is a high-quality personalized gift option for special occasions.
- Corporate gifts and promotional materials: Enterprises often choose laser-engraved leather products, such as briefcases, tablet cases, business card holders, etc., as corporate gifts or promotional materials.
3. Souvenirs about crafts
- Souvenir of event: Cultural activities souvenirs can engrave the event logo, thematic elements such as the logo of an art exhibition or a painting, on leather key chains. Sports event souvenirs can engrave the emblem, mascot, etc., such as the World Cup logo, team emblem, on leather badges. Thematic exhibition souvenirs can engrave the theme patterns, symbols, like the cultural relics patterns in a historical and cultural exhibition, on leather bookmarks.
- Cultural and Creative Products for Tourism: Cultural and creative products for tourist attractions can engrave the outline, buildings of famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower pattern, on leather wallets; traditional folk patterns, such as ethnic minority characteristics, can be engraved on coin purses; unique animals, plants, and geographical features of the attraction can be engraved on backpack accessories to promote the attraction.
4. Leather household products
- Table mats and coasters: Delicate patterns, patterns or customer personalized elements are engraved on leather table mats and coasters, such as family badges and personal motto, which have both practical and decorative functions to enhance the style of the home.
- Wall art: Customize leather wall art through laser engraving to present complex artistic scenes or abstract patterns, adding an artistic atmosphere to the home, suitable for high-end residences, villas, and specialty hotels and guesthouses for soft furnishings.
Related Reading:
19 Unique Leather Project Ideas
VII. Conclusion
Leather laser engraving, as a precise and highly creative technology, shows extensive possibilities in the fields of customization and commercial applications. A deep understanding of various leather materials, the selection of high-quality laser engraver for leather, such as EM-Smart Dual, and adherence to standardized operational procedures are conducive to achieving ideal engraving effects.
About EM Smart
At EM Smart, we specialize in providing high-quality laser machines for all your marking, engraving, and cutting needs. Whether you're looking for precision in small-scale projects or efficiency in large-volume production, our advanced machines are designed for versatility and top-notch performance. We are committed to helping you bring your creative and industrial projects to life with the best laser technology available!
