TL;DR:
Laser engraving leather is a powerful way to create custom, high-quality accessories. From wallets and belts to pet tags and journals, CO2 and MOPA lasers deliver precision and durability. Choosing the right type of leather and machine ensures professional results, whether you’re a hobbyist or starting a business.
- Laser engravers cut, etch, and personalize leather efficiently
- CO2 lasers offer the best depth and detail for leather engraving
- Vegetable-tanned leather provides superior engraving results
- Project ideas include belts, hats, pet tags, wallets, and more
- AP Lazer machines handle leather of any size or weight
Leather is an incredibly versatile material and has excellent engraving results. Did you know that you can use a laser engraver to engrave, cut, etch, and mark leather? Turn high quality leather goods into premium custom accessories with one machine that does all the work for you.
Laser machines are a cost-and time-effective way to create a wide range of products. The possibilities are endless with leather. The engraving process is simple: leather doesn’t require any special agents, preparations, or solutions. Whether you’re customizing wallets or mass-producing leather keychains, a CO2 laser beam gets the job done.
Keep reading to learn just a few of the possibilities for engraving on leather.
Engraving Designs onto Leather
Leather engraving is durable, long-lasting, and precise. Laser engravers make it incredibly easy to achieve sharp, intricate designs. With the right power and speed settings, you’ll be creating professional accessories in no time.
Our laser cutters can reproduce shapes for assembly, while laser engravers allow design replication or customization. One-of-a-kind items are hot sellers in almost every industry. Be on the lookout for personalization opportunities.
Keep the following in mind when working with leather:
- Vegetable-Tanned Leather
Vegetable-tanned leather comes from animal hide. This leather darkens and engraves beautifully and is our top choice of leather for projects.
- Chrome-Tanned Leather
While vegetable tanning uses plant materials, chrome tanning relies on minerals. Results will vary depending on dye and finish.
- Genuine Leather
Results may be inconsistent, so simple engravings are best.
- Synthetic or Faux Leather
Engravable, but results may be uneven and smell unpleasant.
Suggestions for choosing leather lasers:
- CO2 Lasers:
The most versatile lasers, CO2 laser engravers work especially well on leather. They create clean, deep engravings and precisely detailed designs.
- CW Fiber Lasers:
The fastest lasers, fiber models usually engrave metals. However, they can personalize leather, but without the contrast and depth of CO2 lasers.
- MOPA Fiber Lasers:
If you’re going the fiber laser route for leather engraving, MOPA is the right choice. Rather than CW’s constant, unbroken beam, MOPA lasers have adjustable pulse durations and frequencies. This allows them to precisely engrave with minimal heat on more delicate materials.
- Diode Lasers:
Ideal for beginners, diode lasers are budget- and user-friendly. However, the financial appeal has a cost. Diode lasers lack the power of CO2 and fiber options. They may require multiple passes of a design for strong contrast.
8 Leather Craft Projects
No matter what type of leather you’re working with, leather products have a high perceived value. This means that people recognize the quality and effort inherent in leather. When you add creativity and customization, business magic happens.
- Belts
Belts, suspenders, and purse straps all offer a wide surface area for engraving. Try a beautiful landscape!
- Bracelets/Wristbands
Wrist accessories are like a smaller version of belts and quite simple to personalize with quotes or names.
- Hats
Headgear is a fantastic gift, especially when the design is right. Try making custom animal caps to draw the pet paw-rents in.
- Keychains
Imagine cool retro-style motel keychains of fine quality leather. The customization possibilities are endless!
- Notebooks/Journals
Everyone always needs another blank notebook, and engraved leather is the superior choice. Pick designs and themes that speak to your customer base.
- Patches
Low-key, affordable, and endlessly giftable, leather patches make excellent canvases for engraving.
- Pet Tags
Accessories aren’t just for the humans among us. You can jazz up your customers’ pet collars with custom leather tags.
- Wallets
Even in a mostly cashless society, wallets are crucial. Consider making matching leather wallet and keychain sets.
The Best Laser Engraving Machines for Leather
AP Lazer’s open-architecture machines provide cutting and engraving opportunities for materials of any size or weight. Our CO2 and MOPA fiber laser engravers are ideal for leather working. No matter what projects you’ve got up your sleeves, our professional laser machines are the way to go.
