PU faux leather
Frequently asked questions
Can PU faux leather be laser cut?
Yes: PU faux leather can be laser cut. Adequate extraction/ventilation is required.
Can PU faux leather be CNC machined?
No: PU faux leather is not suitable for CNC milling.
Is PU faux leather food safe?
No, PU faux leather is not considered food safe.
Physical properties
| Moisture absorption | Low |
|---|
Laser processing
Burned polyurethane coating produces isocyanates and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) irritating to the respiratory tract. The fumes are not classified as acutely toxic but require adequate extraction with an activated carbon filter. Do not confuse with PVC faux leather, whose fumes contain toxic HCl.
CO₂: Good CO2 laser cutting: the PU coating reacts well to the laser, producing clean cuts and finished edges. Use high speeds and moderate power to avoid excessive melting of the coating. Engraving removes the surface coating, revealing the textile backing in an interesting two-tone effect.
Diode: Acceptable results on dark colours. The diode laser requires higher power than CO2 to penetrate the PU coating.
Fiber: Not applicable.
CNC / milling processing
Not CNC-machinable with rotary bits: the composite structure (PU coating + textile backing) frays and delaminates under the tool's stress.
Plotter and thermoforming
Excellent processability with blade plotter. The textile backing keeps the material stable during cutting. Use sharp blades to obtain clean edges without lifting the coating.
Post-processing
Sanding: Not significantly sandable: sanding damages the PU surface coating, creating dull, uneven-looking areas.
Gluing: Bondable with contact adhesives or double-sided tapes. The PU coating can be difficult to bond permanently: lightly sand the surface to improve adhesion.
Over time: The PU coating tends to crack and peel over time, especially with continuous exposure to moisture, sweat, or direct light. Does not develop the natural patina of genuine leather.
Common defects
- Cracking and peeling of the PU coating after prolonged use or exposure to chemical agents
- Delamination of the coating from the textile backing under repeated mechanical stress
- Confusion with PVC vinyl leather which is visually almost identical but toxic in the laser
Safety
Always verify the material composition before laser processing: PU faux leather and PVC faux leather are visually almost identical, but the latter is toxic due to HCl released. Perform a flame test on a sample: PVC burns with dense black smoke and a pungent odour; PU burns differently, with lighter smoke.
Availability and formats
Commercial formats: fabric by the metre, pre-cut panels, rolls
Related materials
Sources
- Manuali operativi FabLab su materiali compositi sintetici
- Schede tecniche fornitori di materiali per pelletteria sintetica
Information on compatibility, processing parameters and safety is purely indicative. MakerSpecs accepts no liability for damage to persons or property arising from the use of this data. Always check the safety rules and the manufacturer's official manuals before carrying out any processing.