Controlling the Depth of Laser Engraving on Leather

Want to achieve precise laser engraving on leather of various thicknesses? This course explains how to adjust laser power and speed to control engraving depth, and shares tips on classifying leather thicknesses and solutions to common problems. The course will help artisans and creators easily improve the quality of their work.

Why does the thickness of the leather affect the depth of the carving?

When using a laser to engrave leather, thickness directly determines the difficulty of the laser's penetration.The thin ones (0.5-1 mm) are easy to burn through, while the thick ones (over 3 mm) may have unclear patterns due to insufficient energy.Only by flexibly adjusting parameters according to the characteristics of the material can the lines of the carving be clear and the leather not damaged.

Preparation: Know your leather.

Learn to distinguish different types of leather.

The reaction of vegetable-tanned leather, chromium-tanned leather and composite leather to lasers is markedly different.For instance, vegetable-tanned leather is easier to carbonize and color, so the power can be reduced by 10-15 % when carving.It's recommended that you first test on a scrap piece, and record the characteristics of the reaction.

Necessary measuring tools.

Don ’ t rely on your sense of touch to gauge thickness! Get a digital caliper or a professional thickness gauge, especially if you ’ re working with mixed materials (such as leather with sponge padding). Accurate measurements will help you avoid mistakes when carving.

Parameter setup guide.

Thin leather (0.5-1.5 mm).

Power should be set at 30-40 %, and speed at 500mm / s or more.Focus carefully on the focal point--a slight defocusing of 0.5 millimeters can create a softer transition effect and prevent burning at the edges.

Medium-thick leather (1.5-3mm).

The power is raised to 50-60 %, and the speed is lowered to 300-400 mm / s.Before carving, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. The water will slow the carbonization process, making the dark markings more uniform.

Special thick leather (3mm +).

The process involves first using 60 % power to quickly scan the outline, then using 70 % power to deepen the key areas.Remember to turn on the exhaust fan, which will prevent the build-up of grease and tar that can affect the machine's performance.

Avoid these common pitfalls.

• Uneven thickness of the skin? Check the distribution of density by shining a light through it before carving.

• If the edges of the carving turn yellow, try increasing the number of passes by 2-3 without changing the parameters.

• If there is a color difference in dark-colored leather, lower the speed appropriately (but not below 200mm / s) and turn on the air assist.

A few tips for maintenance.

After the carving is completed, use a leather polish to gently rub the surface. This not only repairs any minor scorch marks, but also makes the color of the patterns more vivid.Remember to wait for the leather to cool completely before you handle it, or you'll leave fingerprints.