CO₂ lasers, with a wavelength of 10.6μm, belong to the far-infrared spectrum. In leather engraving, they demonstrate significant advantages and are widely recognized as the preferred choice in the industry. Below is a detailed analysis of the reasons behind their dominance:

Excellent Absorption Characteristics of Leather for 10.6μm Wavelength

Leather is primarily composed of organic materials, with proteins being a major component. The molecular structure of proteins contains a large number of polar groups such as -OH, -NH₂, and -COOH, which have high absorption rates for infrared light in the 10.6μm wavelength range. When CO₂ laser light strikes the leather surface, these polar groups absorb the laser energy, converting it into heat energy. This causes the leather surface to rapidly heat up and vaporize or carbonize, thereby achieving engraving effects. Compared to other wavelengths, the 10.6μm wavelength of CO₂ lasers is better absorbed by leather, enabling more efficient energy transfer and utilization, which results in higher engraving efficiency and quality. For instance, when engraving patterns on vegetable-tanned leather, the 10.6μm wavelength of CO₂ lasers can produce clear, rich, and well-defined engraving marks, while other wavelengths may struggle to achieve the same level of engraving depth and clarity.

High Precision and Strong Controllability

CO₂ lasers have high beam quality, with the 10.6μm wavelength allowing for effective focusing into a tiny spot. This enables high-energy density and precise control over the engraving process. During leather engraving, the laser beam can accurately vaporize or carbonize the surface layer of the leather, creating intricate designs and patterns with fine details, such as floral patterns, geometric shapes, and text. The precision of CO₂ laser engraving machines can reach ±0.1mm, meeting the demands for precision in leather engraving. Additionally, by adjusting parameters such as laser power, frequency, and speed, the engraving depth and effects can be finely controlled to achieve the desired results. For example, lower power and higher speed can produce lighter and shallower engraving marks, while higher power and lower speed can result in deeper and darker marks.

Non-Contact Processing Reduces Damage to Leather

CO₂ laser engraving is a non-contact processing method. Unlike traditional engraving tools, it does not exert mechanical pressure on the leather surface, eliminating the risk of mechanical deformation or damage to the leather. This ensures the integrity of the leather material and prevents issues such as tearing or creasing during the engraving process. For delicate and thin leather materials, the advantages of non-contact processing are even more pronounced. Furthermore, the laser engraving process does not produce physical stress, making it less likely to cause material damage and ensuring the stability of the engraving quality. This makes it particularly suitable for high-value leather products such as leather goods and footwear.

Good Compatibility with Leather Materials

CO₂ lasers are highly compatible with various types of leather materials, including full-grain leather, corrected-grain leather, suede, and artificial leather. Whether it is smooth or textured leather, thick or thin leather, CO₂ lasers can achieve satisfactory engraving effects. For different leather materials, appropriate adjustments to engraving parameters can yield high-quality results. For example, full-grain leather can produce clear and elegant engraving marks with a natural texture, while suede can achieve delicate and soft engraving effects. Additionally, CO₂ lasers can handle leather materials of varying thicknesses. For thin leather, precise control of laser power and speed can create intricate patterns; for thick leather, higher laser power can be used to achieve deeper engraving marks.

Cost-Effectiveness

CO₂ laser engraving machines have relatively low equipment costs and operating expenses. Compared to other types of laser engraving machines, such as fiber laser engravers, CO₂ laser engravers are priced more affordably and require lower maintenance costs. CO₂ laser tubes have a longer lifespan, typically lasting several thousand hours, which reduces replacement frequency and associated costs. Additionally, during the leather engraving process, CO₂ lasers do not require the use of expensive auxiliary materials like inks, further lowering processing costs. This makes CO₂ laser engraving a cost-effective solution for businesses, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises and individual entrepreneurs engaged in leather engraving businesses.

Ability to Produce Unique Engraving Effects

CO₂ lasers can create diverse engraving effects on leather, such as carbonization, bleaching, and relief engraving. By adjusting laser parameters, different engraving styles and visual effects can be achieved. For example, carbonization can produce dark-colored engraving marks with a vintage and elegant appearance, while bleaching can create light-colored marks with a fresh and delicate look. Relief engraving can add a three-dimensional effect to the leather surface, enhancing its artistic appeal. These unique engraving effects can meet the customized needs of different customers, providing leather products with greater added value and market competitiveness.

Technological Maturity and Stable Performance

CO₂ laser engraving technology has been developed and refined over many years, achieving a high level of technological maturity and stable performance. CO₂ laser engraving machines generally offer reliable operation, strong durability, and minimal malfunctions. They can maintain stable engraving quality over long periods of use, ensuring efficient and smooth production for businesses. Additionally, CO₂ laser engraving machines have extensive market applications, with a well-established after-sales service system. Users can easily obtain technical support and maintenance services, reducing equipment downtime and production losses.

Environmental Friendliness

CO₂ laser engraving is an environmentally friendly processing method. During the engraving process, it does not produce harmful substances such as chemical waste or pollutants, aligning with modern environmental requirements. Compared to traditional engraving methods that often involve chemical reagents and inks, CO₂ laser engraving significantly reduces environmental pollution and protects the health of operators. It also avoids the need to handle and dispose of chemical waste, reducing environmental costs for businesses.

Wide Range of Applications

CO₂ lasers are widely used in various fields of leather processing, such as leather goods manufacturing, footwear production, garment customization, and leather art creation. They can be applied to numerous leather products, including leather handbags, wallets, belts, jackets, footwear, and leather artwork. With the continuous development of laser engraving technology, the application scope of CO₂ lasers in the leather industry is expanding. For instance, in the leather fashion sector, CO₂ laser engraving can be used to create personalized patterns and designs on garments, meeting consumers' demand for customized fashion. In leather art creation, artists can utilize CO₂ laser engraving to produce intricate and exquisite leather artworks, showcasing the charm of leather artistry.