But if you're new to laser technology, you might not be sure whether a atomstack laser engraver is the right tool for the job. Can you even laser engrave leather?

Yes, you can definitely laser engrave leather! In fact, leather is becoming one of the most popular materials, especially if you own a CO2 laser engraver.

With the right type of leather and router settings (which we discuss below), you can engrave or cut precise designs and intricate patterns for a variety of leather goods and accessories.

Laser Engraving Leather: The Basics

As you may know, laser engraving is a process that uses a laser beam to etch, engrave or cut images or text on the surface of a material. Leather is a suitable material for this process because the laser can burn or vaporize the surface of the leather away from the cutting path to create a permanent (and repeatable) design.

The laser can be set to different power levels (watts) to achieve different levels of engraving depth and darkness, and the final design, pattern or text will be clean and precise.

It is important to note that the laser engraving process generates heat and may cause discolouration or slight charring of the leather. It is also important to choose the type of leather that is suitable for laser engraving, as some leathers may be too thick or soft to produce good results. Laser Engraver for Leather

Note: If you are using "faux" or synthetic leather, be aware that the fumes can be harmful. It is recommended to check with the product manufacturer to ensure that these materials are free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as it can be harmful to both you and your laser engraver.

Which type of leather is best for laser engraving?

Before you start cutting designs into raw or processed leather, it's important to consider which leather you want to use for your laser engraving project.

Not all types of leather are created equal. Depending on the quality, style and composition of the leather itself, some will be inherently thicker and denser than others.

Different types of leather often require different laser intensity and depth settings.

For example, cowhide is a thicker leather that requires higher laser power (wattage) and slower movement speeds for effective engraving.

On the other hand, lambskin is a lighter, thinner leather than thicker leather materials and does not require as high a laser power setting.

There are four main categories of leather (I recommend trying different types depending on the goals of your laser design project):

Full Grain Leather - Full grain leather is the highest quality leather, made from the top layer of animal hide that has not been sanded, buffed, or otherwise altered to remove any imperfections.

Top Grain Leather - Top Grain Leather is also made from the top layer of animal hide, but is sanded and buffed to remove imperfections and create a smooth, even surface. It's also thinner and more flexible than full-grain leather, and generally more uniform in color and grain (making it a good material for laser engraving projects).

Corrected grain (bottom/cut split leather) - also known as "genuine leather", this is a natural material made from animal hides that has been tanned and treated for a variety of products including apparel, accessories and furniture .

Bonded Leather - Also known as recycled leather, this is the lowest quality leather made from leftovers from raw hides.

Another important factor to consider when choosing the ideal type of leather for your laser engraving project is the color of the leather itself. Laser Engraving Ideas

Different colors absorb and react to the laser and emitted light, so require different settings and produce different results.

For example, black leather absorbs a lot of light, which makes it easier to engrave than other colors. Different shades of white reflect more light and are therefore inherently more difficult to engrave effectively.

NOTE: Many manufacturers find that the best type of leather is vegetable tanned leather. This type of leather is tanned using natural tannins found in bark, leaves, or other plants.

I've found it to be more durable and resistant to fading or discoloration, and it's relatively easy to cut and engrave, with minimal fumes. Although the smell might be a bit strong at first. But still better than chemically treated leather.

Best Types of Laser Machines for Leather Cutting and Engraving

Another important factor to consider is the type of laser machine you will be using for your leather engraving project. Frame Laser Engraver

There are many different types of laser machines on the market today. Some will be more efficient or practical for certain applications, and their relative strengths and weaknesses should be considered.

The most common and arguably the best type of laser for leather engraving is the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser.

Leather is much thicker than many other materials typically used for laser engraving, so a machine that can generate enough power to achieve the desired results is required.

CO2 lasers typically have a power output potential of 40 watts or more, which is about the recommended power needed for leather engraving. Depending on whether you wish to achieve surface engraving or deeper leather engraving, you will need to adjust the power setting of the laser accordingly.

Diode lasers are known to be far less powerful than CO2 lasers and generally cannot produce the wattage required to properly engrave or cut leather products. However, you can use a diode laser to etch designs and create marks on leather goods.

Always remember that the best laser engraver is right for your needs. For convenience, we'll call these the 5Ps: program, purpose, price, place, and cadence.

Project

First, think about the project you're working on. You can do a lot with a laser engraver and cutter, but each machine can only handle so much.

If your project consists of smaller items like pens and coasters, you don't need a large and best laser cutter. Wooden materials also don't require an intensive router.

However, if you're working on metal and other hard materials, the engraving process can be more tedious. You need a specific laser engraver to work well on metal.

There's also the matter of engraving, cutting, or both. Some atomstack laser engravers cannot laser cut. A laser cutter requires a more advanced setup than just engraving.

Project type plays a vital role in choosing the right machine. The best listed by others may not be the best for you, and vice versa.

Purpose

Your intentions for purchasing a laser cutting and engraving machine also matter. If you're buying your most expensive device as a hobby and working on personal projects, you don't need to.

Of course, if you have the budget, you can buy a high-end laser engraver. A good laser cutter is great for personalizing gifts or needing a DIY keepsake.

If your intention is to run a business, you will need more powerful laser cutters and engravers that can handle high volume and intensive labor in less time.

I've seen a lot of people buy expensive laser cutters that are too complicated to use. Some of the best laser cutters are advanced, which can be difficult for beginners.

While there's nothing wrong with that, machines are sometimes dropped due to user difficulty. Laser Engraver for Wood

For such a high price, failing to maximize a laser engraver is a waste.

Likewise, some people who need the best laser cutter for their business will save money and opt for a cheaper laser engraver.

Business operations will struggle and become more expensive in the long run. If it's an investment, don't hesitate to splurge. You will see high returns faster!

In all cases, it is crucial to do your research before purchasing a laser cutting and engraving machine. Seek technical and customer support if needed.

Price

The price of the machine is the priority. The best laser engravers and cutters are expensive. Even the "cheapest" bank account can cripple your bank account -- especially a good one.

The good news is there is always a laser cutter and engraver that fits your budget.

What impresses me is that manufacturers are now producing high quality equipment at a lower cost.

Your budget is closely related to your purpose. Don't break the bank with laser cutters and engravers! There are other costs, such as materials, accessories, etc.

To guide you better, you can weigh the usual prices of the best laser cutters and engravers to see if it's worth buying. Laser Engraver for Metal

Place

Where will you be working? In the process of finding the best laser cutter, you might forget to consider your workshop space.

These machines come in different sizes; you must write down the size of the unit before purchasing. Unfortunately, there's nothing worse than having a potentially great machine that doesn't fit your spot.

The space should also be large enough to allow for safety precautions. Can not be too close to the machine, must keep an appropriate distance.

Another important consideration is ventilation. Laser cutting and engraving require burning; expect smoke.

Lack of ventilation can be a hazard to your health and the premises.

Pace

Last but not least, consider your desired pace or speed. In other words, efficiency. This goes back to the first and second considerations for the items and purposes above.

If you are running a business, you may need a faster machine to complete output in less time and translate into more sales.

If you're laser cutting at home, less labor-intensive equipment will suffice. You will enjoy the process with no deadlines!

What is a laser engraver?

The name says it all. Laser engravers use lasers to create permanent, precise engravings on surfaces. A laser vaporizes the area to etch the image.

The same goes for laser cutters. But lasers cut deeper and require more energy. Most affordable machines cannot cut thick, hard materials. Atomstack S10 Pro

Where Can I Safely Use a Laser Engraver?

The best place to use a laser engraver is a well-ventilated place. That means opening windows and even being outdoors. Most machines come with air assist to help with this.

Having a fan or vacuum at the ready can also help remove smoke, smoke, and debris.

How does a laser cutter work?

Laser cutters use a hot and powerful laser beam to vaporize or melt surfaces. When it is malleable enough, the cutting process begins.

The same goes for carving. The difference is that engraving does not require deep cuts because you are only engraving the surface.

I won't confuse you with the technical details here. If interested, you can read more about how the engraving process works.

Different Types of Laser Engravers

Lasers are not as simple as they seem! There are several types to suit various needs. This is also a notable consideration.

Fiber optic laser

These machines use fiber optic cables, ensuring top-notch precision and engraving precision. If you're working with reflective materials, fiber lasers are the best choice for getting the job done.

Most of these are expensive initially, but worth it in the long run. Businesses can treat it as a capital investment and get a return. They are also durable.

It goes without saying that some of the best laser cutters and engravers I've seen are fiber lasers.

Laser engraving opens up a whole new world of possible personalized holiday gift ideas. With personalized engraving, you can turn the simplest gift or idea into something personal, unique and truly special.

Atomstack A10 Pro

Most importantly, you know exactly what you're getting for the guy who has it all or nothing. Laser engraved gifts are not just a gift, they are a work of art and a keepsake that the recipient can keep forever and always remember who they got it from.

If you own a laser cutter for the holidays, you're like an elf in Santa's workshop creating all kinds of personalized gifts for everyone you love, right?

For inspiration this holiday season, here are our 10 laser engraved gift ideas for your special someone:

1. Engraved Gold Pendant

Engraved jewelry is a timeless and emotional gift. Whether it's an inspirational quote or an anniversary, engraveable necklaces, rings and bracelets will always be with you.

Add a personal touch to a special jewelry gift for that special someone. Celebrate life's personal moments and capture messages from the past with a piece of classic yet contemporary jewelry.

Engrave your favorite spell, your favorite name, or the initials of your loved ones on these keepsake jewelry. Carefully crafted custom items lead every modern person through the ever-changing era in a stylish way.

Atomstack S20 Pro

2. Personalized carved wooden cutting board

If someone in your family loves to cook and enjoys spending time in the kitchen, a custom cutting board (or other kitchen gadget) is a great way to add more fun. One of his favorite hobbies. Especially during Christmas time.

Wooden cutting boards can easily be engraved with the recipient's name, special holiday wishes, quotes from a favorite poem or culinary theme, shared recipes, or pictures of the recipient's favorite food. There's no limit to creativity with this project - the wooden cutting board is essentially a blank canvas for laser engraving.

3. Solid wood laser engraved individual coasters

Any of these solid wood coasters would make a great conversation starter or gift for a friend or loved one, or even a great piece of art to put on the table with the family this holiday season.

A beautiful set of wooden coasters carefully engraved with the name, date or text of your choice. This special gift can remind your family and friends of special events in their lives. They're also perfect for weddings, housewarmings, anniversaries, or any special occasion that calls for a personal and creative style sure to delight the recipient!

Atomstack

These coasters are handmade functional home art because these coasters not only save table surface, but also are super holiday decoration.

4. Laser cutting and engraving beverage name tags

Imagine your guests' reactions when they see their names on these personalized wooden beverage place cards! It's the perfect way to wow your guests this holiday season. You have the option to adjust the shape, font, size and style to perfectly fit your wedding.

Your laser cut and engraved wooden beverage place cards will be the highlight of a dazzling show. They are made of solid wood. creative! Use them as add-on cards, place cards or just for sharing messages.

5. Personalized Laser Engraved Tableware

All we want to do this holiday season is go home and see our family, friends and everyone we love again.

However, the wait time on the luggage carousel can be one of the most heartbreaking, sweaty, annoying times of the entire travel experience. Even the most seasoned traveler would be intimidated if he didn't see his luggage slide off the conveyor belt.

As with most aspects of travel, the best planning is planning. Secure and Unique Luggage Tag By personalizing the luggage tag ID card with laser cut and engraved information, it will help you identify it easily as it will stand out from the crowd and of course help you return your lost luggage bring home.

7. Personalized Laser Engraved Wine Glasses/Mugs

These personalized wine glasses are the perfect gift for the upcoming holidays, or even for any occasion. Personalize it with your name and logo!

Personalized wine glasses are ideal if you're looking for the "perfect" gift for a discerning recipient who seems to have it all, or if you're looking for a personal gift for a holiday occasion. Pair them with your loved one's favorite wine and you'll always be known as the best gift giver in town.

Surprise the wine lover in your life and a great way to celebrate a memorable moment.

8.UV printing jewelry

3D printed jewelry is on the rise right now, and there's nothing stopping you from taking full advantage of 3D technology. Traditional jewelry making is a meticulous and time-consuming process.

It’s important to note that when we talk about 3D jewelry printing, we’re not talking about printing jewelry directly from precious metals. While it's definitely possible, and the technology is advancing rapidly, most jewelers won't use a 3D printer in this way, as the technology isn't exactly affordable.

Interestingly, 3D printed jewelry is really cheap in the market. Get inspired by 3D printed bracelets and other decorative elements and see what you can achieve with them.

Best of all, these UV printed jewelry can be a one-of-a-kind gift this holiday season as they keep coming up with new and truly inspiring results.

Atomstack A5 Pro

9.UV printing picture wall

There's nothing like hanging a beautiful piece of light art in your beautiful home, especially during this Christmas season when everyone comes together to celebrate.

Just when you thought art could only have so much to offer to those of us who love art but don't have extraordinary talent, you discover something new. This doesn't just apply to one medium or genre, but many.

No assembly required, just hang it on the wall to change the vibe of your home. "Printing is performance", then UV seems to have opened up a series of new play scenarios for photography. All that remains is to determine how long the execution will last.

Atomstack AC1 Camera

10. Laser Engraved Dog Tags

Unfortunately, your pet will probably run away at least once in his life.

This happens to everyone. No matter how careful we are or how secure our garden fence is, at some point our dogs will try to escape. Sooner or later they will. We don't want that.

Save the heartache by adding a custom and fitting pet tag for your pet. Your mind will thank you later. Laser engraved pet tags are also a perfect gift for our loved ones who also love their pets.

Advantages of laser engraving equipment

The main benefit of using a laser engraver is that it is much faster than traditional engraving methods. This translates into the ability to get the job done quickly and accurately. Additionally, laser engravers have a much shorter learning curve compared to other technologies. With some basic training, anyone can easily use a laser engraver. Last but not least, laser engravers are incredibly adaptable, producing excellent results when used on a wide variety of materials.

Disadvantages of laser engraving machine

The main disadvantage of using a laser engraver is expense; depending on the size and power you need; these devices can be quite expensive. There are also certain limitations on the types of materials that lasers can act on. For example, certain metals may not be suitable for such a machine because they absorb too much heat or reflect too much light. Finally, because the laser beam is very powerful, it can seriously injure the material being engraved as well as the operator if used incorrectly. Because of this risk factor, laser machines of any kind should be operated with the utmost caution.

Atomstack s40 pro

Short life

The relatively short service life of laser engraving equipment is one of its main disadvantages. This is because laser engraving equipment uses a powerful laser to cut and engrave objects, which can wear out the machine over time. Additionally, laser engraving equipment requires frequent maintenance and repairs, which can be expensive.

Material Compatibility Restrictions

Laser engraving equipment can only be used with certain materials, which is another disadvantage. For example, metal or glass cannot be engraved with laser engraving equipment. Also, some lasers can only be used to engrave certain materials, such as plastics. Therefore, it is crucial to know what materials a laser engraver can be used with before making a purchase.

High starting price

Laser engravers are usually quite expensive, which is another disadvantage. Laser engraving equipment can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on style and features. In order to adapt to the needs of various materials for engraving, many organizations also need to purchase multiple laser engraving machines. Therefore, starting a laser engraving business can be quite expensive.

Atomstack A10 Pro

Specific expertise required

Laser engraving machine operators require special education and training. To avoid damaging the machine or the material being engraved, operators of laser engraving machines must understand how to use them properly. Therefore, before using the laser engraving machine, the company must invest in training employees how to use the laser engraving machine.

Health hazard

Another disadvantage of laser engravers is that using them can be a health hazard for the operator. Prolonged inhalation of toxic gases produced by laser engraving machines can be dangerous. Additionally, the powerful laser light used by this device can damage your eyes if the operator does not follow the necessary safety procedures.

Iin conclusion

Without compromising precision or quality, Atomstack and other laser engravers offer businesses an efficient option for adding a unique design and personal touch to their products or artwork. While these machines have some drawbacks, including cost and safety concerns, their speed and versatility make them an attractive option for many companies looking for a reliable way to get tasks done quickly and correctly, every time. If you're considering buying one of these machines for your company or project needs, make sure you understand its pros and cons.

Previously, when manufacturers had to mark patterns such as barcodes, images or text on surfaces, they had to choose between traditional engraving or screen printing. However, these procedures are costly, impermanent and often damage parts.

However, with the implementation of laser marking, engineers are able to create characters, numbers or images without damaging the part. Instead of using physical tools to etch the surface or transfer ink, the process uses a focused laser to produce damage-free, easy-to-read marks.

Atomstack P9 M40

Laser marking has become an essential part of manufacturing - helping businesses track their products, improve quality, minimize counterfeiting and more. To help understand the potential behind this technology, we have listed the advantages of laser marking in manufacturing.

The process is clean and environmentally friendly.

Other marking processes, such as inkjet or chemical etching, use ink and chemicals in the marking, which are not only expensive consumables for businesses, but also have a negative impact on the environment. Laser marking, on the other hand, does not use any consumables – the manufacturing process is clean, economical and energy-efficient.

It also eliminates the cost and downtime associated with cleaning, repairing or powering the printer. While labels may peel or become damaged over time, laser marking can provide a permanent identification of a part and eliminate the need to perform it multiple times.

Since the process is contactless, laser marking ensures clean processing and minimizes contamination. The damage-free process involves minimal or no material penetration as the printing system burns through the material through marking.

Atomstack offers the A5 Pro, an affordable entry-level model that is easy to set up, can be finished in under 30 minutes, and engraves a large area with high precision.

The Atomstack A5 Pro ships in a brown cardboard box with no recognizable label or logo on the outside. If you open the package, you will find that each part is carefully packed in black foam. Additionally, in addition to the machine itself and the tool kit used to screw it together, three boards, a user manual, and accessories to operate the machine are included. Last but not least, it is worth mentioning the safety goggles that come with the machine for laser protection.

Assembly is accomplished in just a few easy steps. The entire assembly process takes approximately 30 minutes. However, this is due to the cumbersomeness of the tools provided. In total, you have to connect five axles to each other. To do this, screw three screws to the frame. With the frame in place, screw the rod of the laser head on top. Finally, the four feet must be screwed together, three screws per foot. Now the frame is ready, just plug in the cables to control the axes.

Overall, we were particularly blown away by the quality of the frame during assembly. Not only does this one look powerful, but it's also very sturdy and visually striking. Plus, the frame is easy to assemble, and the A5 Pro's individual components are of high quality.

Is Atomstack's A5 Pro a good model for beginners? We can confirm this question with a clear conscience. The machine itself is solid and stable, easy to set up and can be controlled via an app in just a few simple steps. Especially when it comes to woodcarving, the A5 Pro does a good job at a reasonable price. Operations through the app are solid and goal-oriented, but some additional functionality can be implemented in the app.

Other materials can of course be engraved, but this requires more preparation and setup testing. Especially as a beginner, you'll have to fiddle with the material a little to create results that are worth seeing. All in all, the Atomstack A5 Pro is a smart and good investment if you're looking to get into the DIY world of sculpting.

How to laser engrave wood?

Laser engraving and laser cutting of wood.

Efficient way to work wood.

Laser engraving wood is a great way to get creative and achieve unique effects. Whether it's toys, jewelry, decorations, arts and crafts, furniture, model making, prototyping, photo engraving, school supplies, gifts, shop improvement, knife handles, picture frames or lettering - laser cutters can be used to create countless wood products.

Laser woodworking is characterized by the immediate evaporation of material in the cut area, resulting in fine, burr-free gaps. This non-contact process means that no fixed objects are required, making handling easier, faster and more flexible.

In addition, laser engraving of wood neither wears out the laser itself nor requires the purchase of additional tools. Cut quality is consistently high and the results are impressive.

If you want to get the most out of your laser cutter, you should be processing multiple workpieces at once with practical color assignments.

With these tips, woodworking with a laser cutter is sure to be successful, and you can take full advantage of the many benefits that laser engraving wood has to offer!