This page describes a laser engraving setting published for Cuir tannage végétal at 2 mm, tested on a Monport Onyx 55W fitted with a CO2 55W source (10,600 nm CO2, 55 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 engraving setting that works on Cuir tannage végétal at 2 mm does not transfer to another thickness, nor to another source. A 10,600 nm CO2 rated 55 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 tannage végétal, 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.
Monport offers enclosed CO2 machines (often 40 to 100 W, water-cooled) and fibre markers, priced below the long-established builders. CO2 tubes age: at the same displayed power, a two-year-old machine cuts slower than on day one, which explains many gaps between published settings.
Veg-tan leather engraves beautifully: the laser darkens the grain without gouging it, giving a crisp, durable mark prized in leatherwork. Provided you pick the right hide.
Vegetable tanning is the only one that reacts consistently and safely. Chrome tanning can release chromium compounds when heated and should be avoided. Synthetic leather (faux leather, leatherette) very often contains PVC: it must never go into a laser.
Two pieces of the same leather can react differently depending on thickness and moisture: always test on an offcut from the same batch, not from a previous one.
Leather needs little energy. Engrave at low power and high speed to darken the surface without carving it: the aim is a brown mark, not a groove. As soon as the grain lifts or the path edges whiten, you have already gone too far.
For cutting, one pass is enough on 2 mm with a CO2; on a diode prefer two light passes — one heavy pass hardens the edge and leaves a sticky black burr.
Air assist is very useful here: it stops smoke settling back onto the grain, where it stains for good.