Leather engraves with a rich, darkened look, and lasers can cut detailed shapes that would be hard to do by hand. Shops typically use vegetable-tanned leather, which is best suited to laser work. This material is used for CNC routing and laser cutting and engraving rather than 3D printing, so it isn't included in the Material Suggester.
What Leather is good at
- Rich engraving: Logos, names, and patterns with a classic look.
- Detailed cutting: Intricate shapes for patches and accessories.
Where it falls short
- Smell: Freshly lasered leather has a smoky smell for a while.
- Not all leather is suitable: Faux leather made of vinyl (PVC) releases dangerous gas when lasered, so shops won't cut it.
Is Leather right for my project?
It's usually a good fit if your item:
- is a patch, accessory, or personalized gift
- needs a classic, natural look
For a similar engraved look at lower cost, try wood.
Common questions
Can shops laser my own leather items? Some can engrave items you bring in, if they're genuine leather suited to laser work. Ask first.
Find Leather near you
Ready to get something made? Find shops that offer Leather near you, or upload your file for a quote. Not sure which material to choose? Choose by what you're making or ask a local shop.