Laser cutting of leather: Make a leather bracelet in 5 easy steps

"Has anyone ever cut leather with a laser?"

In this guide, we'll delve into the world of laser cutting leather, covering every aspect from start to finish! We'll also include a case study of a laser-cut leather bracelet. Let's embark on this exciting journey together!

Part 1: Overview of laser cutting leather

1.1 What is laser cutting of leather?

Laser cutting of leather , also known as laser cutting of leather, is a precise method for cutting leather into various designs, letters, or shapes. With laser cutting of leather, creative ideas can be effortlessly transformed into impressive works of art.

1.2 How does the laser cut leather?

Can leather be cut with a laser? Yes! Laser cutting leather involves focusing a high-energy laser beam onto the leather's surface. The intense heat generated by the laser beam melts and vaporizes the leather along its path, resulting in a clean and precise cut.

Because the laser beam is controlled by computer software, even intricate and complex designs can be cut with high precision. Compared to other leather cutting methods, this process produces smooth edges and a minimal kerf, making it ideal for fine patterns and shapes.

1.3 Leather Laser Cutting Machine

To cut leather with a laser, you need a laser cutter, which is crucial for optimizing the cutting process and achieving precise results. With the wide variety of laser cutting machines available (e.g., diode laser cutters, CO₂ laser cutters, and fiber laser cutters), many people ask: "Which laser is best suited for laser cutting leather?" or "What tool do I need to cut leather?"

The answer depends on your engraving and cutting requirements. For home use or small leather laser cutting projects, diode laser cutters like the LP5 , LP4, or LP2 are the best choice because they are easy to use and cost-effective compared to other leather cutting machines .

1.4 What is the minimum laser power required to cut leather?

When cutting leather with a laser, questions often arise such as: "Can a 20W diode laser cut leather?" or "Is a 10W laser sufficient to cut leather?" However, the necessary laser power depends on factors such as leather thickness, desired cutting speed and laser type.

A minimum power of 10W is recommended for a diode laser cutter. If thicker leather causes difficulties, performing several cutting passes can help solve the problem.

Case study: Make a laser-cut leather bracelet in 5 steps 💡

Checklist for preparing for laser cutting of leather:

1. Cutting material: Leather plate
2. Cutting machine: Diode laser cutter
3. Cutting design: patterns, letters, shapes, etc.

Can you cut leather with a laser? Yes! The process is straightforward. And how long does it take to cut leather? Don't worry, just follow these 5 easy steps and you'll have your laser-cut leatherwork finished in just a few minutes!

Step 1: Choose your material – leather sheet

Selecting the right material is crucial for laser cutting leather. Different materials require specific laser settings to ensure precise cuts.

Furthermore, it is important to use laser-compatible raw leather to avoid potential safety risks. In this guide, we will use a case study on cutting a leather bracelet!

Step 2: Choose the right laser cutting machine for leather

Ensure your laser cutting machine is compatible with leather. Evaluate different application scenarios and select the most suitable machine for each.

Thanks to precise control of power and depth, lasers can cut leather without scorching the edges. So if someone asks, "How do you cut leather with a laser without burning it?", you have the answer!

Here we recommend the LaserPecker 4 (LP4) that excels in leather laser cutting projects.

In addition to the LP4, you can also choose the LP5 , which is equipped with a 20W 450nm diode laser and a speed of up to 10,000 mm/s – excellent performance for cutting leather. For beginners on a budget, the LaserPecker LP2 is another reliable option. While less powerful than the LP5, it still delivers good results for initial leather projects.

Or you can opt for the LaserPecker LX2 . With powerful 20W/40W/60W diode lasers, it effortlessly cuts through larger materials – the ideal choice for large-area leather cutting.

Step 3: Prepare your cutting design

Use the LaserPecker graphic design app/software or external design tools like Photoshop to create or import the desired shape or design for the cardboard surface. Pay attention to size, shape, and other details.

Step 4: Set up the leather laser cutting machine

1. First, make sure your laser cutter is switched on and connect it to your computer or mobile device via the appropriate interface (Wi-Fi, USB cable, Bluetooth, etc.).

2. Open the LaserPecker Design Space and upload your design (formats such as JPG/PNG/G-code/SVG are acceptable).

3. Place the objects in the designated work area, activate preview mode, and ensure the laser is properly focused.

4. Check if your design fits correctly on the leather surface. If not, adjust the size and position to the material dimensions.

5. Access the laser settings in the software to adjust parameters such as power, speed, and resolution to suit the leather's properties and the design's complexity. You might be wondering, "How much laser power is needed to cut leather?" – Don't worry, I have the answer!

For best results, the following values ​​are recommended for the LaserPecker LP4 material settings for leather: 10 W 450 nm, power: 75%, depth: 85%, passes: 2

Further recommended engraving and cutting parameters for the Laserpecker can be found in the settings table , which applies to all Laserpecker machines, including LP1, LP2, LP3, LP4 and LP5.

Step 5: Start laser cutting leather now

Double-check everything to avoid mistakes. Then press "Start" and watch your design come to life. Keep an eye on the process – and you're done!

After cutting, you can add patterns or designs to the leather bracelet. In such cases, laser engraving the leather is a good addition.

When operating a laser engraving machine, always wear safety glasses or use a protective cover to protect your eyes and body from the blue laser.

Remember that engraving can produce smoke or toxic gases. Therefore, wear a mask or use an air purifier to ensure your safety.

Projects: Two leather laser cutting projects for beginners

Here are two ideas for laser cutting leather:

1. Leather bracelet

2. Leather pendant

Conclusion

In summary, laser cutting of leather offers versatility and precision. Leather is transformed into intricate designs and functional products with clean edges and detailed patterns. It opens up unlimited possibilities for artistic expression, industrial manufacturing, and personal projects.