Longer Ray5 20W Leather Engraving: Settings and Techniques
Leather is one of the most rewarding materials for laser engraving — results are permanent, professional, and impossible to replicate with other methods. The Ray5 20W handles leather well across styles and thicknesses.
Types of Leather
Vegetable-tanned leather: Best for laser work. Burns cleanly to a brown/dark mark with good contrast. Common in belts, wallets, keychains.
Chrome-tanned leather: Most commercial leather. Engraves acceptably but releases more fumes — ventilate thoroughly.
Faux leather / PU leather: Works well for engraving. Cutting may release unhealthy fumes from plastic backing.
Patent leather / coated: Avoid — coatings interfere and release toxic fumes.
Recommended Settings (LightBurn)
Engraving
| Effect | Power | Speed | DPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light mark | 20–30% | 300 mm/min | 254 |
| Medium depth | 40–60% | 250 mm/min | 254 |
| Deep branded | 60–80% | 200 mm/min | 300 |
Cutting (thin leather)
| Thickness | Power | Speed | Passes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mm | 70% | 6 mm/s | 1 |
| 2 mm | 100% | 4 mm/s | 2 |
| 3 mm veg-tan | 100% | 2 mm/s | 3 |
Surface Prep
- Wipe with damp cloth and let dry — removes oils that cause uneven burning
- Secure flat with tape or clamps — wrinkles cause defocus
- Dampen back surface slightly to reduce curl on thin pieces
Post-Processing
Wipe with damp cloth immediately after to remove residue. Apply neatsfoot oil or leather conditioner for a darker finished look. Use Renaissance Wax to preserve heavily-used engraved items.