The main advantage of using laser engraved leather is that you can engrave without damaging all the surfaces of the material, allowing more freedom of design than other processes.
- High precision, allowing very fine details to be engraved.
- No contact with the leather surface, which means there is no risk of damaging the leather.
- The output is directly marked onto the leather and there are no toxic fumes
- Minimal heat generated by the laser beam does not cause any damage or discoloration to the leather in non-engraved areas.
- Highlights the leather with high contrast, resulting in a natural look. durable and indelible as the laser burns the leather surface
- Engraved deeper than other processes, this creates greater contrast and sharpness
- Quick and easy to operate, ideal for small-scale production.
Laser Engraver recommendation: atomstack p7 m40, sculpfun s10.These two engraving machines can not only engrave leather but also cut leather, atomstack p7 m40 is suspended type and sculpfun s10 is frame type.
Some types of leather
1. Smooth leather
Smooth leather is the most popular type of natural material, made from the highest quality raw materials. It has pores, due to which it is able to "breathe" and has a long service life. Smooth leather products are characterized by their greater wear resistance. The most expensive and luxurious models of shoes, outerwear, and furniture are made from it.
2. Nubuck
Nubuck is made from the leather of pigs or cattle by chrome tanning. The velvety effect is achieved by sanding with fine-grained materials. It is used in the production of leather goods, uppers and decorative furniture. Nubuck is also used to make certain types of golf shoes.
The material offers less protection against moisture and dirt and is more prone to salt stains than suede. Nubuck requires special care, especially in the first few months after purchase. It is worth noting that over time, darker positive suede clothes will brighten and lighter colors will darken. Nubuck is often finished with an acrylic spray-on protective coating, similar to the finish on patent leather.
3. Velour
Velour has a similar structure to nubuck, but the leather in the first case is sanded from the inside, while the leather in the second is sanded from the outside. Depending on the process, velvet can be either soft and thin or hard and thick. It is made from chrome-tanned pork or sheepskin. The material is used in the manufacture of garments, shoe uppers, and leather goods. Clothes made of velvet are very comfortable to wear and can be used in any season.
4. Suede
Suede is considered one of the most popular types of genuine leather. It is made from goat, pig, sheep, deer, and elk leather. It is by nature soft, porous and durable, with a tufted surface and an appearance that meets many tastes. The suede is comfortable to use, has breathable properties, and is also able to maintain its softness even after cleaning in soapy water.
The fat-tanning procedure is used to produce this sort of natural leather. Because of the following sanding, the suede is velvety. Suede is used to create exclusive outerwear, purses, shoes, and accessories.
5. Aniline leather
Aniline leather is considered to be of the best grade by experts. It is dyed with organic colors and treated as little as possible. Natural markings, such as scratches or scars, can be observed on aniline leather. Aniline leather is highly susceptible to environmental factors and can develop an antique appearance with wear.
6. Nappa
Nappa is created from the leather of young and mature animals and is extremely soft due to the double tanning process. Nappa can be matte or glossy, smooth or perforated, depending on the finish. Because Nappa is not as expensive as vegetable-tanned leather, it is commonly used for cheaper versions of luxury leathers such as Calf, Coach, and Vachetta.
7. Patent leather
Patent leather is created by coloring the hide and putting a high-temperature lacquer on it. It is less durable than genuine leather and cracks at temperatures below -10 and above +25 degrees Celsius. High-quality patent leather can survive several bends and may last more than a year with regular maintenance. It makes a great interior for bags, handbags, and shoes.
8. Nappalan
Nappalan, also known as Silka, is a suede leather that is treated with a solution in which rubber blocks are added. Thanks to this coating, Nappalan is rain and snow resistant, but after a while, it will start to crack, and if you scratch a product like this, you won't be able to recover it. Fortunately, the manufacturers have developed a special care method that keeps this leather in good shape and makes it resistant to scratches.
9. Laika
Laika is a soft and supple natural leather made from lambskin, treated with chrome fat or chrome tanning. This material is almost always used to make gloves. The way in which you maintain this material after use is very important if you want to ensure that the glove will have a long life.
10. Brushed and embossed leather
Plant scratches, bug bites, and other natural flaws are common in animal leathers. As a result, holes occur that do not mend, lowering the material's value significantly. Such flaws are corrected during manufacture by grinding, and a coating is added to make the product surface smooth. This leather will need to be colored. After production, the manufacturer must test the leather for embossing and needling irregularities.
Leather Laser Engraving Tips
- Genuine leather is a natural biological substance obtained from animal skins. It has distinct characteristics that must be taken into account while laser engraving.
- The most important thing to remember when laser engraving leather is that the laser must establish excellent contact with the leather surface in order to generate a clear, sharp picture. Without proper contact, the laser will generate a muddy, smoky image.
- Leather also absorbs moisture and becomes slippery when wet. This makes it harder to keep the engraving in place and can also cause the etched image to fade over time.
- To remedy these issues, it is critical to utilize the proper type of leather and change the laser settings properly.
- If you are using a desktop laser engraver, be sure to choose a quality leather that has been treated with a surface treatment such as a sealer or varnish. This will assist to avoid picture fading and ensure proper contact between the laser and the leather.
- You may engrave thinner grades of leather without any surface preparation if you use a high-powered industrial laser engraving machine. However, you will need to change the engraving parameters to accommodate for the natural water absorption of the leather.
- In general,Leather should be engraved at a slower pace and with a lower power level. Set the laser to "mark" mode rather than "cut," and adjust the focus such that the beam only touches the surface of the leather.
Following these guidelines will allow you to make stunning etched pictures on leather that will last for years.
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