Contents:
Leather is a strong, durable and beautiful material. For many years, it has been used in the manufacture of clothing, accessories and furniture, and today it has become more affordable than ever thanks to CO2 laser technology. In this article, we will look at how to work with the skin on a CO2 laser machine, what to pay attention to and how to achieve excellent results with minimal effort.
Choosing the right leather for laser processing
Before you start working, you need to take the first step: choose the right skin type. Not all skin types are created the same, and understanding the differences will help you avoid damaging the material, equipment, and your health.
Natural vs imitation leather
All types of leather can be divided into two main categories: natural and imitation (synthetic). There are types in each category that are suitable for laser cutting and engraving, and they also have unique characteristics that affect how they should be handled.
Natural leather characteristics
Natural leather has different characteristics and varieties, including smooth, lacquered, embossed, nubuck and suede surfaces. This material is highly environmentally compatible, as it is breathable, able to retain moisture inside structural elements, and also surpasses synthetic analogues in durability and comfort.
Imitation leather characteristics
Imitation leather is made from materials such as polyurethane (PU) or eco-leather. These alternatives are easier to clean, are more resistant to chemicals, and are often popular because of their ethical and environmental benefits, as they are not derived from animal raw materials. It is important to note that not all types of synthetic leather are suitable for laser treatment.
Warning: avoid PVC-based materials
An important safety rule when working with leather on a laser machine is never to cut materials containing PVC (polyvinyl chloride). When burned, PVC emits toxic and corrosive vapors that can harm both your health and your equipment. Instead, choose PU-based or certified eco-leather options and always test a small piece from any new batch before starting production.
Understanding the cutting process
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The processing of leather on a CO2 laser machine has two main difficulties:
- Setting the correct parameters for each skin type.
- Removing soot and smoke, which are especially dangerous for light-colored leather.
A practical solution for holding the material in place are neodymium magnets, which help minimize residue and ensure a clean cut. They work particularly well on Wattsan machines equipped with a metal honeycomb table.
Practical test: experimenting with settings
Let’s look at a real example. For this test, we selected several types of natural leather: patent leather, suede and Crazy Horse. After numerous tests, we came to the conclusion that the following parameters are the most effective:
- Speed: 10 mm/s
- Power: 20%
- Air consumption: 1.5 atm
These settings ensure a clean and precise cut with minimal edge burn. However, one important tip: always use a smoke extractor. The smell of burnt leather can be unpleasant, and without proper ventilation, it can discourage you from using leather at all. Fortunately, Wattsan laser machines are equipped with a built-in fume extraction system that helps maintain a cleaner working environment.
Final thoughts: is leather worth it?
Leather is a complex but useful material. It requires attention to detail, proper machine settings, and proper ventilation, but with the right approach, the results can be amazing. Thanks to modern Wattsan CO2 laser machines, you can cut and engrave leather with high precision, while eliminating unpleasant odors and protecting your workspace.
Whether you’re making accessories, customizing products, or exploring new creative possibilities, laser processing provides flexibility and precision that traditional methods simply cannot match. Now that you have figured out the main thing, you are ready to confidently start laser cutting and engraving on leather.
