In this tutorial, we show you how to laser cut and engrave natural and faux leather. We have prepared different design templates and suitable laser parameters for you below to allow you to create these custom bracelets.
Preparation
Required material:
Masking tape
Faux leather
Leather
Snap fastener
Snap fastener pliers
Waxed cord
Trotec Laser Used:
Speedy 300
80 watts
1.5 inch lens
Tip:
Use a honeycomb cutting table
Step by Step
Design "Tree" - Photo-engraving on Imitation Leather - Step 1:
The design file provided below is already prepared for the laser process. You can also use your own photo if you like. To achieve the desired effect, the image must be converted into a line-art graphic. In CorelDraw®, you can convert your graphic to line art by selecting the following: Bitmap -> Mode -> Black and White. A dialog box will appear. Select the conversion "Method Line" and click OK. Get further information on photo engraving.
Step 2: Laser operation
To achieve the best result, use a honeycomb cutting table. Take a piece of faux leather, put it in the laser and smooth it down. The material may shift or distort easily during laser processing, so you should fix it to the cutting table with masking tape.
Used laser parameters
Engraving: Power: 23% - Speed: 30% - Frequency: 500 ppi - Air Assist: ON - High Quality: ON Cutting: Power: 20% - Speed: 2% - Frequency: 1000Hz - Air Assist: ON
Tip:
In the download section at the bottom of this page, you can get the parameters file and import them directly to JobControl. We also have a how-to guide for importing parameters.
Step 3: Finishing the faux leather
Once you have laser-processed the imitation leather, clean it with water. There are little marks on the ends of the strap which will help you position the snap fasteners.
Design the "Arrow" on genuine leather - Step 4: Graphics
Open our template or your own design in CorelDraw or another vector program. Let yourself be inspired by geometric patterns or floral decoration.
Step 5: Laser operation:
Take a piece of genuine leather and place it into the laser cutting table. As with the faux leather, you should fix the genuine leather with masking tape and use a honeycomb cutting table.
Laser Parameters used
We used with a Speedy 300 (80 watts) and a 1.5 inch lens with used the following parameters.
Engraving: Power: 25% - Speed: 28% - Frequency: 500 ppi - Air Assist: ON - Advanced: High Quality Cutting (arrowheads): Power: 7.5% - Speed: 0.5% - Frequency: 1000 Hz - Air Assist: ON Cutting (outline): Power: 8.5% - Speed: 0.8% - Frequency: 1000 Hz - Air Assist: ON
Step 6: Finishing the genuine leather
Remove any residue with a soft dry cloth. Since it is a natural material, we do not recommend any cleaning fluid. Aggressive cleaning agents may dry out the area or form spots on the leather. If you want to use a cleaning solution, please use test strip.
Thread the waxed cord through the ends of the strap and close the bracelet with a knot.
Further information You will find many tips and tricks for laser engraving and cutting leather in the link below.
