Laser engraving chrome tanned leather

[BenjaminEstberg]

HI,

I am new to laser engraving leather.  We do not offer veg tanned leather products, only chrome tanned leather.  I was interested in obtaining any knowledge in this process.  I seem to be having a problem with some of the dyed leather as I cant put down a tape/mask to catch the soot with out marking the surface of the leather when I remove the tape/mask. 

Any info would be appreciated!

 

Thanks,

 

Ben

[SolarLeatherMachines]

Very difficult to do. We tried all manner of masking films, but none worked really well.  Our best results came from using a very long focal length (150mm) and directing high pressure air at the burn site with NO protective film.  The idea is that you want to move the soot away before it has a chance to adhere to the leather. 

[Studio-N]

The soot can be cleaned off. Lemon Pledge works well (except perhaps on white).

 

[BenjaminEstberg]

Thank you for this advice. I have sprayed some pledge on a paper towel and wiped on 3 different types/ colors of our leather.  The soot does come off nicely but ( maybe I'm being too anal )  I can see a slight difference in the color on the lighter tan leather.  On the job I am working on now I am using a black Capri leather and the customer wants a gold inlay in their logo. Blue painters tape seems to work if... ( I have modified a tape gun into a roller) I roll the tape real good, am careful when applying the inlay and let it dry for an ample amount of time.

 

I will look into another air source to provide more pressure at the burn site. The pump that came with the unit is kinda chincy, or maybe it isn't and I just don't know the difference. I'll have to go to a engraving place to feel their pressure to tell a difference.

 

As far as the focal point, the laser came with a 2" lens and a 2" gauge. When I test it I do have a fine burn circle.  We are using a 2" lens which I believe is only 20mm. We have a 4" on the way.

Again, thanks for the advice.