Laser Cutting Leather Machine

[igoldencnc]

Leather is a versatile material that is employed to fabricate clothes, shoes, and numerous accessories. Traditional methods for cutting leather are inefficient and require skillful artisans to cut out intricate patterns laboriously. However, the advanced laser technology allows you to cut and engrave leather more conveniently.


In this blog post, you’ll explore cutting leather with a laser machine. You’ll also learn about the benefits and types of leather you can cut with a laser.

Laser Cut Leather​
Laser cutting is a revolutionizing technology in the leather crafting industry. The laser-cutting machine generates a fine laser beam that instantly melts and vaporizes the materials. The beam is guided by various lenses and computer numerical control (CNC) technology to achieve precise and accurate cuts.

A laser source emits a laser beam that passes through several lenses that boost its energy. The laser beam also becomes monochromatic before leaving the laser container. According to the TWI, the diameter of a laser beam is 0.32 mm, and its kerf width is 0.10mm at the narrowest point.

Laser Leather Cutting Machine
The size of your project, your budget, and the required precision level significantly impact the choice of laser cutting machine. The desired power of a fabric laser-cutting machine also influences this decision. Of various laser cutting machines, the wavelength and power of the CO2 laser cutting machines make it the most suitable option for laser cutting.


CO2 laser employs a mixture of carbon dioxide and some auxiliary gases in a gas tube to generate the laser beam. Auxillary gases include helium, hydrogen, and nitrogen. Light is emitted when electricity is passed through the gas tube. The light is transformed into a high-intensity laser beam as it passes through mirrors. According to SignMasterSystems, the laser emitted from the leather laser-cutting machine has enough heat to cut hard materials, including leather.

The wavelength of CO2 is around 10.6 micrometers. Organic materials readily absorb this wavelength. It enables you to manufacture multiple products from natural materials.

Leather cutting with laser is a precise technique that benefits leather goods manufacturers. Here are some prominent advantages of employing laser cutting for crafting leather products:

1. Improved Quality
Laser technology offers you precise control over the cutting process. Unlike traditional methods that rely on the skills of crafters, laser cutters are guided by computer software. The software lets you create a design you want to cut or engrave on the leather. The computer-aided laser beam follows the path and curves created in the software. It allows you to cut intricate patterns and detailings without any hassle.

Moreover, leather laser engraving and cutting use the contactless approach. It limits the physical contact of the laser cutter with the material. It minimizes the risks of damage to the material, giving you fine edges and clean cuts.

2. Customized Designing
Creating designs and intricate details over leather is a daunting task. A slight mistake can leave you with an imperfect finish.

However, computer-aided laser cutting can help you diversify your projects. You can create customized designs, patterns, and even logos with a laser beam. You can also engrave names or personalized details on wallets or purses. This customization is a valuable selling point for fashion brands.

3. Efficient Material Usage
Laser cutting significantly minimizes leather wastage during the manufacturing of various products. Unlike traditional techniques, where craftsmen manually cut every piece of leather, laser cutters employ computer software.

The software design cuts the required area, limiting the risks of human errors. You can efficiently utilize the material without any flaws or damage to the final product. It also boosts your productivity and saves your time and effort.

4. Versatility in Material Thickness
Laser cutting allows you to cut various types of leather. You can accurately cut delicate as well as thick leather. This versatility enables you to fabricate multiple products by using a single equipment. Moreover, it allows you to maintain the high quality of the products irrespective of the thickness of the leather you employ for manufacturing.

Types of Leather Suitable for Laser Cutting
You can use various types of leather for laser cutting. However, it doesn’t mean all its types are suitable for laser cutting. A few types of leather emit harmful fumes when in contact with a laser beam. The toxic fumes can deteriorate your health and damage the equipment. The following are some suitable types of leather you can laser cut:

1. Vegetable-Tanned Leather
Vegetable-tanned leather is tanned using plant-based materials like leaves, fruits, or bark. Although the process is quite slow, it doesn’t release toxic fumes or chemicals into the surroundings. It is one of the best choices for laser engraving and cutting. Its even surface allows it to absorb laser energy, leading to accurate cutting.

2. Chrome-Tanned Leather
Chrome-tanned leather is another choice for laser cutting. Chrome-tanned leather undergoes a specific tanning process using chromium salts. This process results in a more durable and flexible leather. However, chrome-tanned leather may not be the best choice when it comes to laser cutting as it contains acidic chromium salt and several chemicals. To get precise results, you need a high-end laser cutting machine.

3. Bonded Leather
This unique type of leather is manufactured by combining natural leather fibers with synthetic materials. This combination adds unique features to leather. Moreover, bonded leather is cheaper than other types of leather. It is also suitable for laser cutting and engraving processes, allowing you to create intricate designs and exclusive products.