File Requirements
We are dedicated to assisting you at every stage of designing your laser-cut parts. To ensure a smooth process, please follow these guidelines:
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SUMMARY:
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Scale Artwork to 1:1: Your design should be at the actual size you want it cut.
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Include Only Parts/Cut-Paths: Your file should contain only the necessary parts and cut-paths.
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Convert Text to Shapes/Outlines: Ensure all text is converted to outlines or shapes.
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Stencilise Shapes and Fonts: Use bridges or connections for all text and shapes to avoid loose pieces.
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Size Shapes and Cutouts Correctly: All holes or cutouts should be at least 50% of the material thickness.
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Avoid Intersecting/Common Lines: Ensure no lines overlap or intersect.
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Remove Empty Objects or Open Contours: Your file should not contain any empty objects or open contours.
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Ensure Parts Are Smaller Than 900 mm x 900 mm: Each part should comply with the maximum size limit.
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Detailed Guidelines:
Scale Artwork to 1:1
Send your artwork at the exact size you want it to be cut, in a 1:1 scale. Our system ignores written dimensions in the drawings. We prefer using metric units in millimetres (mm). We do not support centimetres or metres.
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Tip: If you’ve converted your file from a raster image, verify the dimensions by printing your design at 100% scale to confirm accuracy.
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Include Only Parts/Cut-Paths
To streamline the process and possibly reduce costs, ensure your file includes only the cut-paths the laser will follow. Remove any instructions, dimensions, notes, borders, and unused objects. Notes and quantities can be included in your order. We’ll reach out if we have any questions.
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Convert Text to Shapes/Outlines
Active text boxes must be converted to shapes or outlines for proper processing by our CNC laser cutters. This is straightforward in most design software.
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How to Check: Hover over the text with your cursor. If it’s editable as text, convert it to a shape. In Illustrator, this is “converting to outlines.” In some CAD software, it may be “explode” or “expand.”
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Stencilise Shapes and Fonts
To prevent parts from becoming loose, especially in designs involving text or intricate shapes, create bridges or stencil-like connections. This ensures all pieces remain intact and eases installation.
View the example for guidance on avoiding loose cutouts by adding bridges.
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Size Shapes and Cutouts Correctly
Holes or cutouts smaller than 50% of the material thickness may not be cut accurately. The laser needs a certain diameter to pierce the material. As a rule of thumb, keep internal geometry larger than half the material thickness and no smaller than 0.4 mm.
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Example: For material 3 mm thick, the smallest hole should be at least 1.5 mm in diameter.
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Avoid Intersecting/Common Lines
Ensure no parts share or touch the same line. Lines should not overlap or intersect. Viewing your design in wireframe or outline mode can help identify these issues.
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Remove Empty Objects or Open Contours
An open contour means your shape is not fully connected, causing the laser to stop prematurely. Check for and correct any open contours by viewing your design in Outline or Wireframe mode.
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Ensure Parts Are Smaller Than 900 mm x 900 mm
All parts must fit within the maximum size limit of 900 mm x 900 mm. Designs exceeding these dimensions may not be processed due to machine constraints. Please ensure that each part in your file adheres to this size requirement to avoid delays or redesigns.
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By following these guidelines, you’ll help us produce your laser-cut parts accurately and efficiently. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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We look forward to working with you at Cut It Out Laser Cutting!