Design guidelines for laser cutting and bending
Follow these simple rules and your parts come out right the first time.
File checklist
Draw at 1:1 scale in inches or millimetres. Use closed outlines only, with no overlapping or duplicate lines. Remove dimensions, title blocks and notes from the file. Convert text to outlines. One part per file is easiest.
Holes and slots
Make holes at least as wide as the material is thick. Keep holes at least one material thickness away from the edge and from each other. Tiny holes in thick plate may need waterjet or drilling.
Text and cut-outs
Letters with enclosed shapes (A, B, D, O, P, Q, R) lose their centres unless you add small bridges. Use a stencil font or add bridges yourself. Keep strokes at least [X]" wide.
Bending
Keep flanges at least 4 times the material thickness. Keep holes 2.5 times the thickness away from bend lines. Add relief cuts where a bend meets an edge. Inside bend radius is roughly equal to material thickness unless noted.
Powder coating
Coating adds about [X] mm per side. Mark threads and tight-fit holes that need masking.
Galvanizing
Hollow parts need vent and drain holes. Allow extra clearance on bolt holes. Maximum part size is [XX]" × [XX]" × [XX]".
Not sure? Upload anyway. We check every file and flag problems before you pay.
Files
Files we accept
| Format | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DXF | Laser and waterjet cutting | Best choice. Save at 1:1 scale, in inches or mm. |
| DWG | Laser and waterjet cutting | AutoCAD files work the same as DXF. |
| STEP | Bent parts | 3D model shows us your bends exactly. |
| AI, SVG, EPS | Signs and artwork | Convert all text to outlines first. |
| PDF or photo | When you have no CAD file | Include measurements. We draw it for you. |
Accuracy
Sizes and tolerances
Stuck? Send us what you have and we will fix the file for free. Read how to prepare a DXF.
| Item | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Laser cut tolerance | About ±[X]" |
| Bend angle tolerance | About ±[X]° |
| Largest laser sheet | [X]" × [X]" |
| Thickest laser cut | [X]" steel |
| Thickest waterjet cut | [X]" |
Rather talk it through?
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