Mechanical processing of leather products requires a delicate approach and jewelry precision. Special laser equipment allows not to spoil the workpiece and perform engraving in accordance with the intended pattern. It is characterized by balanced power, sensitive control mechanisms and regulation of equipment, as well as a whole range of auxiliary devices. At the same time, engraving on the skin is available not only to experienced lovers and professional craftsmen, but also to ordinary beginners who want to produce souvenirs for themselves and their friends at home.
Leather Engraving Technology
Most often, operations are performed automatically and in several stages. However, manual labor is also not canceled, allowing in some cases to make the necessary copyright adjustments. Before laser engraving begins on the skin, the mechanisms of the machine make the layout of raw materials and patterns. Further, depending on the requirements for the final result, photographing of the material can be carried out with fixing possible defects and marked areas. After that, marking is applied, in accordance with which mechanical procedures will be carried out directly.
Using a laser, various operations can be performed, including creating a picture or inscription, correcting a specific area or embossing. Depending on the selected mode, this or that nozzle with clearly defined operating parameters comes into operation. Typical skin engraving is realized by means of a laser head positioned by software. But manual processing is also common, in the implementation of which the operator still plays the main role.
Features of laser cutting
Traditional means of mechanical and thermal effects on the skin cannot provide the same level of accuracy as laser devices. In this case, non-contact cutting is provided, which practically does not affect neighboring areas. Along with this, the whole process is implemented in short time intervals - the equipment can work without delays, even if we are talking about in-line serial production. Simple single operations are performed in just a few minutes. From the point of view of decorative art, engraving on the skin is beneficial in its detail. The technology makes it possible to reproduce complex drawings and patterns with a high degree of accuracy even in small areas, while maintaining the required detail.
Applied Equipment
As a rule, these are medium-sized machines that can be used both in self-manufacturing mode and as part of a multi-stage conveyor production line. The machine is equipped with an electric motor, a laser system, physical positioning mechanisms and additional devices that implement the supply and movement of material. In the latest models, various sensors and stabilizers are widely used, with the help of which the accuracy and efficiency of handling workpieces is increased. However, there is no definite answer to the question of how beneficial automated engraving on the skin is. Equipment that has completely switched over to automation is inevitably used in large factories, since it is also the most productive. However, machine tools involving manual intervention also remain in demand among private craftsmen and lovers of decorative crafts.
Features of CNC models
Models of numerically controlled laser machines are characterized by close interaction with computer equipment. Such modifications enable the operator to make more accurate data on the processing technique using virtual graphic models. In fact, computer programs can act as the starting point for generating, for example, a pattern, which is then transferred to the machine input processing module. To make an engraving on the skin based on the finished model, the operator needs to place the workpiece in the work area and use the control panel. As a rule, the full cycle of the operation is performed by pressing several buttons on the panel, resulting in highly accurate processing.
Laser Engraving Reviews
It has already been said that laser processing in several respects does not have competing alternative methods. Masters point out the accuracy of engraving, high speed and ergonomics when handling equipment. But there are weaknesses in this technique. In particular, the equipment is very sensitive to the quality of the workpieces, and if a material with an inhomogeneous density is used, the result may not meet expectations. In such cases, manual engraving on the skin is used. With their own hands, the masters vary the intensity of the impact on the canvas, taking into account the differences in depth. The same applies to work with products that require complex cutting along a thick edge with pores. The fact is that oxygen in the pores becomes an obstacle to the operation of some laser systems, which limits their scope.
How to choose the right equipment?
First of all, the volume and nature of the work is determined. If we are talking about mass-production in-line production of products with the same patterns, it makes sense to purchase a fully automated powerful installation with CNC. Conversely, for the author's manual production of single copies, inexpensive small-sized devices in which automation implements only secondary functions are recommended. It should also provide additional optional equipment. For example, not all laser machines in the basic configuration perform bursting or embossing. The engraving on the skin is completely realized by a single laser head, but for other operations, hydraulic equipment, a press, or stabilizing fittings may be required.
Conclusion
Manufacturers of processing machines for leather, metal and wood are increasingly focusing on contactless technology. The laser machine optimally reveals the advantages of this processing technique, but at the same time it has its drawbacks. In terms of the quality of the result, engraving on the skin with this method suits many users. But at the same time, some operations remain not covered by this technology. Laser machines require careful organization of the processing process, taking into account the smallest details. This aspect complicates the use of such equipment, and in some cases makes it unreasonably expensive.