At Lotus Laser Systems we manufacture a wide range laser marking and engraving solutions ideally configured for laser cutting and laser engraving leather. From UV to CO2, our experts would be happy to recommend which configuration best suits your application.
Leather Laser Engraving
Leather is a general term predominantly used to describe some form of hide (skin) that can be natural (of animal origin) or synthetic (man-made). If at all possible, when laser engraving or laser cutting leather try to use synthetic materials. Not only is this morally responsible but often the job is easier to achieve with a more predictable result due to the consistent nature of a man-made product compared to a natural animal hide.
There are a multitude of different colours, thickness and types of leather. Leather can be plain in finish, embossed with patterns or even retaining fur or hair.
When laser cutting or laser engraving leather there are a few good approaches: The best would be the 355nm UV laser wavelength; as compared to longer laser wavelengths like 1µm (Fiber) or 10.6µm (CO2) UV does not generate much heat, providing reliable, accurate results. A CO2 laser at 10.6µm wavelength can be quite effective too and these systems cost less.
When laser engraving leather the best effects are produced by using lighter colours, such as tan or even better results can be achieved using colour dyed leathers where the contrast can be further enhanced.
One of the main obstacles to overcome is the adverse reaction that leather can have to the heat of the laser engraver, particularly when laser marking over larger areas. One way to overcome this is to pre-soak the leather before it is placed within the laser engraving machine. CAUTION: do not place wet materials inside the laser machine! Prior to attempting this technique seek detailed advice from our support department
When pre-soaked the excess moisture within the material acts as a heat-sink to minimise the material warping and/or excessively charring during the laser cutting and laser engraving process. The retained moisture also adds weight to the leather, which minimises it from moving as air flow across it from the laser fume extraction unit.
After laser engraving, some types of leather can be further enhanced by rubbing hand cream or sun lotion onto the material to moisturise it and provide for a luxurious looking lustre, especially where it has been intensely laser engraved.
If using leather with hair, such as cowhide for example, some visually stunning effects can be produced by setting the parameters of the laser engraving machine to remove the hair but without marking the hide beneath. The results can be very eye-catching, similar to some hairstyles supported by basketball players! One examples of this technique is use the hide associated with one type of animal but etch it with a fur pattern associated with another type of animal.
Commercial applications for laser cutting and laser engraving leather range from decorative marking and branding of wallets, purses and handbags to cutting intricate patterns for shoes or even the creation of decorative hides to be used in manufacturing footstools.
Watch our systems at work
Below are video examples of laser engraving leather.
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Lotus Laser Systems Meta C 5w UV laser engraving leather
One of the big advantages of the 355nm UV laser wavelength is that compared to longer laser wavelengths like 1µm (Fiber) and certainly like 10.6µm (CO2) UV does not generate too much heat
With less heat generated during the laser marking process there are less adverse reaction from the material.
Laser engraving leather with a CO2 laser can cause the leather to curl-up, which is undesirable. Using a UV laser does not cause this problem
The UV laser can create a higher contrast and is also x30 higher resolution than a CO2 laser
Here at Lotus Laser Systems we have over 25 years of experience in laser marking and laser cutting technology within a range of industries and applications
For more information on how we can help you please visit our website and get in touch.
Read about Laser Engraving Leather ► https://www.lotuslaser.com/laser-cutting/laser-cutting-and-laser-engraving-leather/
The system used in the video ► https://www.lotuslaser.com/machine/meta-c-laser-engraving-workstation/
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Lotus Laser ► https://www.lotuslaser.com/contact/
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Laser marking PU Leather and real Leather by Meta CO2 75W
https://www.lotuslaser.com/all-machines/
Meta CO2 75W laser marks synthetic leather and real leather at high speed.
Here at Lotus Laser Systems we have extensive experience in laser marking within a range of industries and applications
For more information on how we can help you please visit our website and get in touch.
Please view our full range of machines at http://lotuslaser.com/machines -
Laser Engraving Leather Wallet - Galvo vs Plotter
http://lotuslaser.com
This video shows the speed comparison between the Meta C1 CO2 and the Blu70
Both use industry leading Synrad CO2 laser sources but the methods of beam delivery mean that we get significant differences in the job processing time
The galvo based beam delivery of the Meta C1 CO2 uses an X and Y mirror that produces blistering engraving speed that no plotter system could compete with
The Blu70 is an excellent plotter system and also produces very good engraving results but when it comes to engraving speed, there is only one winner
The Blu70 is an excellent choice of system if cutting sheet materials or laser engraving very large areas
Here at Lotus Laser Systems we have extensive experience in laser cutting, marking and engraving within a range of industries and applications
For more information on how we can help you please visit our website and get in touch.
Please view our full range of machines at http://lotuslaser.com/machines