Laser Engraved Keychains: Wood, Leather and Aluminium

Keychains are small, fast and perfect for personalization. They make good add-on items in a shop and are popular as party favours and corporate gifts.

Option 1: Cut plywood keychains

1. Design the outline, the ring hole and the text on two layers: engrave first, cut last.
2. Lay out a full sheet of 3 mm plywood.
3. Engrave and cut in one job with air assist.
4. Sand, finish and add split rings.

Settings: your machine’s plywood rows in the settings charts.

Option 2: Leather keychains

1. Cut strips or shapes from veg-tan leather, or buy pre-cut leather fobs.
2. Engrave at low power and high speed.
3. Wipe soot off with a damp cloth.
4. Add rivets and a ring.

Never laser PVC faux leather. See can you laser engrave leather.

Option 3: Anodized aluminium tags

1. Buy anodized aluminium keychain blanks in bulk.
2. Make a simple jig: cut the blank’s shape out of a sheet of cardboard or plywood and tape it to the bed, so every blank sits in the same spot.
3. Engrave at moderate power. The laser removes the coloured layer and leaves a bright mark.

Settings: anodized aluminium.

Batch production tips

• Build a template where only the name changes.
• Use a jig so you never re-frame between items.
• Engrave many blanks in one job with a different name on each.

Ideas

• Names and initials
• Wedding favours with the date
• Pet name tags for keys
• Coordinates of a special place
• Business logos for client gifts (only with the business’s permission)

Related: laser engraved dog tags.