This page describes a laser cutting setting published for Cuir synthétique (PU) at 2 mm, tested on a Universal Laser Systems ULTRA R5000 fitted with a CO2 150W source (10,600 nm CO2, 150 W). It states the exact machine, source, material, thickness and operation of the test; power, speed and number of passes are shown with a Premium pass.
Why those four facts matter: a cutting setting that works on Cuir synthétique (PU) at 2 mm does not transfer to another thickness, nor to another source. A 10,600 nm CO2 rated 150 W does not deposit the same energy as a stronger module, and the speed has to be adjusted accordingly. Copying a number without checking those four points is the first cause of a ruined part.
Published by LaserSettings (estimation). No other workshop has confirmed it yet: treat it as a starting point, and confirm it from your account if you reproduce it.
No photo comes with this setting yet. If you reproduce it, publish yours from your account: a picture of the result is worth more than a line of numbers.
Recommended routine before running the part: clean the lens, redo the focus, engrave a small test grid on an offcut of the same Cuir synthétique (PU), then adjust the speed rather than the power. Work with fume extraction and air assist, wear glasses rated for 10,600 nm CO2, and never leave the machine unattended.
Universal Laser Systems builds modular CO2 and fibre platforms where source, lens and table change with the job. Settings are inseparable from the configuration: same machine, different lens, different result.
Synthetic leather cuts with a laser provided it is polyurethane (PU). If it is PVC — which is very common — it must never be lasered. That is the thing to check before any setting.
Names like "faux leather", "leatherette" or "vegan leather" say nothing about the actual material. Only the supplier's data sheet settles it: look for "PU", "polyurethane" or "PVC-free".
When in doubt, a density test on an offcut (PVC sinks, many PUs float) gives a hint, but the maker's statement is the only proof. Without it, abstain: a single PVC cut is enough to corrode a machine.
PU cuts at low power and high speed, with a slightly heat-sealed edge that does not fray — its great advantage over real leather.
When engraving, PU melts rather than darkens: the result is a discreet satin pattern. At very low power you can get a nice matt effect without piercing the surface layer.
The smoke is that of molten plastic, dense and smelly: keep extraction on. The textile backing can ignite faster than the PU layer itself.
Air the pieces before sewing: the smell soaks in. A dry cloth is enough to clean; alcohol dulls the surface.