Laser Cutting Leather: Your Complete Guide

Laser cutting is a versatile and precise technique that can be used to create intricate designs and shapes from various materials. 

Leather is a popular material for fashion accessories and crafts. Leather can be cut with a laser cutter because it absorbs the heat and energy from the laser beam, which vaporizes the material along the cutting line.

However, not all types of leather can be laser cut. Read on to learn the types of leather that can be laser cut and more about laser cutting leather.

What Types of Leather Can Be Laser Cut?

As we mentioned before, not all types of leather can be laser cut. Some of them may produce toxic fumes when exposed to the laser beam. There are two main categories of leather that can be laser cut: natural leather and synthetic leather.

Natural Leather

Natural leather, as the name implies, is derived from the hide of an animal, primarily cows, but also from sheep, goats, and other animals. All natural leather can be laser cut, and it generally results in high-quality, professional-looking outcomes. 

Synthetic / Faux / Artificial Leather

Synthetic, faux, or artificial leathers are man-made materials designed to imitate the appearance and feel of natural leather. These types of leather are usually made from a plastic base, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PU (polyurethane), and then treated to resemble leather.

Synthetic or faux leathers can also be laser cut. However, it's important to note that some synthetic leathers, particularly those containing PVC or vinyl, can release harmful chlorine gas when laser cut, which is hazardous to both the user and the laser machine itself. 

Therefore, always ensure you know the composition of your synthetic leather before you begin laser cutting, and if it contains PVC or vinyl, consider opting for another material or cutting option, such as blade cutting.

Advantages of Laser Cutting Leather

Laser cutting has many advantages over other methods of cutting leather, such as scissors, knives, or punches. Here are some of the main benefits of laser cutting leather:

Enhanced Precision and Quality

Laser cutting leather allows you to create intricate and complex shapes and designs with high accuracy and detail. This is because laser cutters are controlled using computer software, allowing the user to design their cuts digitally. 

Besides, the laser beam is very thin and focused, and can follow any path or curve that you set on the computer software. This method enables the creation of precise, complex, and repeatable patterns that would be nearly impossible to execute by hand. 

Moreover, laser cutting leather is a non-contact process, meaning that no physical contact takes place between the cutting tool and the material. This ensures that the leather remains undamaged during the process, as it is not in direct contact with any sharp surfaces. 

Faster Efficiency and Cost Savings

Using a laser cutter eliminates the need for manual cutting and reduces the risk of human error. With a laser cutter, you can quickly and accurately cut leather in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods. This increased efficiency can help you save both time and money.

Versatility

With a laser cutter, you can cut and engrave various materials including leather, such as wood, acrylic, and paper, making it a highly versatile tool. 

Whether you're creating detailed cut-outs, embossing patterns, or engraving fine details, a laser cutter can handle it all. This capability opens up a broad range of possibilities in terms of design and customization.

What Kind of Laser Cutter is Needed to Cut Leather?

For cutting leather, CO2 laser cutters are generally the most suitable due to their wavelength and power.

A CO2 laser cutter operates by electrically stimulating a gas mixture predominantly containing carbon dioxide (CO2), which generates a laser beam. 

CO2 lasers are highly effective at cutting and engraving organic materials like leather because of the specific wavelength of light they produce (around 10.6 micrometers). This wavelength is readily absorbed by organic materials, allowing for efficient and precise cutting and engraving.

Can a Diode Laser Cutter Cut Leather?

Diode laser cutters are another type of laser cutter that are often used in the hobbyist market due to their lower cost compared to CO2 lasers. Diode lasers can indeed be used to cut leather, but diode lasers are typically less powerful than CO2 lasers. Diode lasers typically range from 5 to 20 watts. This lower power means that cutting through thicker leather can take longer, and the results may not be as clean as with a CO2 laser.

Best Laser Cutter for Leather

Normally, desktop laser cutters come with CO2 or diode laser technology. CO2 laser cutters are on the powerful side and have higher cutting speeds. Whereas, diode laser cutters are nominally powered and budget-friendly, making them ideal for use by hobbyists. We have listed both the popular options for laser cutting leather. 

xTool P2: The Powerful CO2 Laser Cutter

xTool P2 is currently the best desktop CO2 laser cutter on the market, as endorsed by eminent product reviewing sites i.e. CNET, Creative Bloq, MOU and Tom’s Hardware.

The 55W CO2 laser module is capable of slicing a material thickness of up to 18mm – and most leather sheets are less than 1mm thick. So, no problems on that end. Moreover, the CO2’s wavelength (10,640 nm) is effectively absorbed by leather. This makes it 500% quicker than 40W diode lasers on the market.

Internally, the machine is spacious enough to hold most of the leather goods. The bed size measures 26 x 14 inches, comparatively larger than what competitors offer. The workspace is expandable length-wise; a passthrough slot lets you work on lengths, up to 118 inches.

P2 also features a dual 16MP camera setup that provides a live preview of the workspace and auto-focus the laser head during cutting operation. Batch engraving on multiple objects is also supported.

Besides cutting, P2 can engrave on all sorts of leather surfaces, whether flat, round, or curved. With its inbuilt 3D Curve Engraving Technology, it first creates a 3D map of the contour and then dynamically adjusts focus to complete the process.

Safety is the hallmark of P2’s success. P2 is a fully enclosed machine that you can use without any safety gear. There’s an emergency stop, automatic lock, and the world’s first fire safety kit. And it’s one of the few machines that come with an inbuilt air-assist – so clean and burn-free cuts every time.

P2 is a power beast designed for small businesses or those who need to cut thicker leather quickly. For anyone who aims to start a leather crafts business, P2 is the perfect tool to buy. 

xTool M1: The Compact Diode Laser Cutter

xTool M1 is the world’s first hybrid laser cutter and blade cutter that can cut multiple materials with laser and blade cutting technology. Its 10W diode laser can easily slice leather. For leather that is not suitable for laser cutting, such as those containing PVC, the blade cutting comes into play.

M1 has an ultra-fine laser spot size, 0.08*0.08mm, ensuring every cut to precision. Internally, the machine working area, 385 * 300mm, is more than enough for most home-made crafts. You can elevate the machine through risers to work on taller objects.

There’s a smart 16MP camera that lets you see what’s inside, and clearly map your design onto materials. With just one click, you can engrave on multiple leather items.

Working with M1 is seamless. Place your material, drag and drop your design through XCS, and then initiate the cutting/engraving operation – it's done.

M1 also shines in safety. The compact white box is fully enclosed – no laser rays or exhaust fumes erupt. That’s achieved through a light filtering lid on the top and an efficient smoke evacuation system.

M1 is an affordable machine, targeted at DIYers and hobbyists. You can consider it if you’re looking to create personalized leather crafts from the comfort of your home.

How to Laser Cut Leather?

Laser cutting leather is not a difficult process, below is a general guide on how to laser cut leather. Remember, always refer to your laser cutter's instruction manual for specific setup instructions.

1. Prepare Your Design

The first step is designing the pattern or image you want to cut. You can create your design using graphic design software, such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, or other CAD programs. The complexity of your design can range from simple geometric shapes or text to intricate patterns.

Once your design is ready, import it to the software that comes with your laser cutter.

2. Prepare Your Leather

As we discussed before, not all types of leather can be laser cut. You should also avoid leather that contains chemicals that produce harmful fumes.

Then, place the leather on the bed of the laser cutter and secure it with clamps or tape. Make sure that the leather is flat and smooth, without any wrinkles or folds. You should also make sure that the leather is aligned with the cutting bed and the laser head.

3. Set up You Laser Cutter and the Machine Settings

Setting up the laser cutting machine involves adjusting the focus of laser and the settings it follows to cut the leather. The settings include the power and speed of your laser cutter. It's recommended to run a few test cuts on scrap material first to decide the optimal laser settings for your leather.

4. Run Your Laser Cutter

Once your settings are finalized, initiate the cutting. The laser cutter will take care of the rest!

What Can Be Done with a Leather Laser Cutter?

Now that you know how to laser cut leather, you may be wondering what kind of projects you can make with this amazing technique. The possibilities are endless, but here are some of the most popular and creative laser cutting leather projects that you can try.

1. Laser Cut Leather Jewelry

You can make stunning and unique jewelry pieces with laser cut leather, such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or rings. You can cut out different shapes and patterns from leather and layer them together to create depth and contrast. You can also engrave your own designs or logos on the leather surface to personalize your jewelry.

2. Laser Cut Leather Keychains

You can make stylish and durable keychains with laser cut leather, which are great for personal use or as gifts. You can cut out different shapes and letters from leather and engrave your name or initials on them. You can also add some hardware or accessories to make them more functional and fashionable.

Get the file & tutorial at Designfind.com

3. Laser Cut Leather Wallets

You can make sophisticated and minimalist wallets with laser cut leather, which are perfect for carrying your cards and cash. You can cut out different parts from leather and join them together with glue or stitching. You can also engrave your own designs or logos on the leather surface to customize your wallet.

4. Laser Cut Leather Bags

You can make gorgeous and spacious bags with laser cut leather, which are suitable for various occasions and purposes. You can cut out different panels from leather and join them together with glue or stitching. You can also engrave your own designs or logos on the leather surface to decorate your bag.

Best Practices to Laser Cut Leather

There are a few best practices to keep in mind to ensure successful laser cutting leather results. 

First and foremost, it's important to choose the right leather laser cutting machine. You'll want to find a machine with adjustable power settings, allowing you to adjust the power of the laser depending on the type of leather you're working with.

Additionally, it's important to use a leather laser cutter equipped with a cooling system to prevent the leather from burning or charring.

It's also important to use the right leather for laser cutting. You'll want to choose the leather that's thick enough to withstand the laser's heat but thin enough to cut easily. 

Additionally, you'll want to use leather that's treated to be laser-safe, as untreated leather may contain materials that could potentially be flammable or emit toxic gas when exposed to the laser's heat.

Finally, practicing proper safety protocols when laser cutting leather is important. These include wearing the appropriate laser safety gear, such as safety glasses, long sleeves and pants, and a face shield. Additionally, you'll want to ensure the area is well-ventilated and that you're working in a dust-free environment.

Tips on Preventing Burn Marks When Laser Cutting Leather

When it comes to laser cutting leather, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that you do not leave any unwanted burn marks on the leather. The laser cutting process requires precise settings to achieve a clean cut without any blemishes, and the wrong settings can result in a botched job.

To help you prevent burn marks when laser cutting leather, here are a few tips to consider.

1. Adjust Power Settings

When using a laser cutter to cut leather, it is important to adjust the power settings accordingly. It ensures that the heat is not too high, which can cause it to burn. If you need help with the correct power setting, consult the instruction manual of your laser cutting machine, as it will provide the most accurate settings for the best results.

2. Adjust Speed Settings

The speed setting also takes an important role in laser cutting leather without burning.

Firstly, you need to consider the thickness of the leather. Thicker leather requires a higher speed setting than thinner leather. This is because thicker leather takes longer to cut and requires more energy from the laser. If the speed is set too low, the laser won’t be able to penetrate the material enough to achieve an accurate cut.

Secondly, different machines have different power levels, so it’s important to adjust the speed settings accordingly. If you’re using a lower power machine, you’ll need to use a lower speed setting to ensure a clean, precise cut. On the other hand, if you’re using a higher power machine, you can use a higher speed setting without risking burn marks.

3. Use Appropriate Laser Focal Length

The laser focal length of your laser cutting machine is crucial when cutting leather. It determines the distance between the laser head and the leather and can affect the cutting precision.

If the focal length is longer, the laser head will be too far from the leather, resulting in a low cut. Conversely, if the focal length is too short, the laser will cut too deeply into the leather, potentially leaving burn marks.

4. Use Proper Air Assist Nozzle Size

The air assist nozzle size of the laser is also an important factor when laser cutting leather. The too-small nozzle can cause the laser to overheat, leading to burning marks on the leather. On the other hand, a nozzle that is too large can cause the laser to underperform, resulting in a poor cut. It is important to use the appropriate air assist nozzle size for your laser cutter.

Laser Cutting Leather FAQs

Q1: What is the Best Laser for Leather Work?

For laser cutting leather, a CO2 laser cutting machine is the best option.

Q2: What is the Minimum Laser Power to Cut Leather?

The minimum laser power to cut leather depends on the thickness and type of leather. Generally, a higher wattage laser will be required to cut through thicker leather in one pass.

Q3: How to Remove Burn Marks from Laser Cut Leather?

Test cuts on scrap leather are essential to find the right settings for clean cuts with minimal burning.

For slight burning, you can try lightly sanding the edges with fine-grit sandpaper to buff away the marks. Be careful not to sand too aggressively, as this can remove material and alter the shape of your cut.

Q4: How Do You Get the Smell Out of Laser Cut Leather? 

Leather that has been laser cut will often have a slight burnt smell. You can allow the leather to air out in a well-ventilated area for 24-48 hours.

Conclusion

In conclusion, laser cutting leather is a great way to make intricate designs easily. With the right techniques and materials, you can create beautiful pieces that will wow your friends and family. Whether you're looking to make leather jewelry, wallets, or something else, laser cutting can help you create the perfect piece. This ultimate guide gives you all the information you need to get started with laser cutting leather.