The intense laser beam immediately raises the temperature of the material. The temperature rises to the vaporization temperature, which is the temperature at which the material begins to turn into steam. Having said that, molecules or particles from the surface start to evaporate.
In laser engraving, a sublimation process occurs, i.e. a direct change from a solid state to a gaseous state. So you will only see smoke or gas when carving any material.
Likewise, the leather is also laser engraved. A powerful laser beam hits the surface and shoots out temperature rapidly. After sculpting, you will see a clearly visible bump effect on the surface, which looks like 3D. Also, you can feel the chiseling of the material by touch as the particles have been removed from the surface.
After laser engraving, you will see a natural contrast between the engraved and non-engraved areas. Engraved areas are darkened due to burning or high temperature.Therefore, the engraving is clearly visible in the light leather.
The best leather for laser engraving
Laser engraving leather is not as easy as it seems; it is a material with a high degree of uncertainty because you cannot expect results. Even if you use leather from the same source, the same results are not guaranteed. It is an organic material; therefore, the density varies widely.
Having said that, even if you know the type of each leather, you can't apply the same power and speed settings to every leather. You'll need to run a speed and power test to determine the best settings.
The best carved leather is natural leather obtained from animals. Most of these leathers are very suitable for laser engraving. You can use leather made from cowhide, lambskin, deerskin, sheepskin, etc.
You may have heard of types of leather such as full grain leather and top grain leather. Full grain leather is the highest quality leather you can find. It contains natural grains present on the skin. But remember, it's thick.
The next option is the second best quality top grain leather. It's also leather, but the top layer is sanded to remove blemishes.
Then there is the corrected grain leather, the reformation, and finally the bonded leather made from leftovers.
All these types of leather can be used for laser engraving. But again, you need to run a power and speed test before you start.
Synthetic leathers like faux and suede can also be laser engraved. There is one limitation though; you cannot laser engrave any leather containing PVC or vinyl. PVC produces harmful hydrochloric acid fumes that are very dangerous to your health and the health of others in the area. In addition, eel skin should be avoided as it produces a strong, long-lasting smell.
