File Preparation Guide
A production-ready file means an accurate quote, fast production and an error-free part. Review these rules and the pre-flight checklist before sending your design.
The guide below helps you prepare your file correctly for cutting: accepted formats, scale and units, geometry rules and common errors. The values given are general guidelines; the exact limits depend on the chosen method, material and thickness.
Accepted File Formats
A production-ready file means an accurate quote and fast production. We accept the formats below; if you only have a photo or sketch, upload it anyway and we will handle the rest.
Vector / CAD (recommended)
For 2D cutting, DXF is the most reliable format; for solid/3D parts, STEP or STL is ideal. Vector files can be sent straight to the machine, giving the fastest, most accurate result.
Image / reference
PDF, JPG, PNG and similar images are accepted as references. A dimensioned technical drawing (PDF), if available, helps us interpret the design correctly.
All supported extensions
Accepted extensions: DXF, DWG, STEP, STP, IGES, IGS, STL, PDF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, SVG, AI. The per-file size limit and total upload limit are shown on the quote form.
Scale and Units (1:1, mm)
1:1 real scale
Always prepare the drawing at 1:1 (real size). Scaled or 'fit-to-page' drawings lead to parts cut at the wrong size. Noting one known dimension on an edge lets us confirm the scale.
Units: millimetres (mm)
Save your file in millimetres. If you use inches or centimetres, state it clearly; otherwise a unit mismatch can cause a size error.
Geometry Rules
The rules below are general guidelines (not fixed numbers). The actual limits depend on the chosen cutting method, material and thickness. If unsure, upload your file and our engineers will advise based on your part.
Minimum hole diameter ≈ material thickness
As a rule of thumb the smallest hole diameter should be close to the material thickness; holes much smaller than the thickness may not be cut reliably. Very small holes can be processed as marking.
Minimum bridge / thin-web width
Thin bridges and narrow webs between two cut lines should be kept proportional to the material thickness. Excessively thin bridges may deform or break during cutting.
Leave a radius on inner corners
Because the cutting stream has a finite diameter, perfectly sharp inner corners cannot be produced. Add a small radius (fillet) to inner corners; this improves cut quality and reduces stress concentration.
Closed, non-overlapping contours
All cutting paths should form closed contours; there should be no open ends, overlapping lines or duplicate (double) lines. Open or overlapping contours cause the cut path to be misinterpreted.
Convert text to outlines (vectors)
Convert any text in the drawing to outlines (curves) before cutting. Text left as a font shifts or disappears if we do not have the same font installed; outlined text looks identical on every system.
DXF / Layer Tips
Confirm unit and scale
Save the DXF in mm and at 1:1 scale. Where possible keep cutting contours on a single layer; put different operations such as marking/engraving on separate, clearly named layers.
Clean up unnecessary objects
Remove drawing frames, dimension lines, title blocks and helper geometry that will not be cut from the cutting layer. Keeping only the contours to be cut ensures the file is interpreted correctly.
Common File Errors
Wrong scale or unit
The most common error is a drawing that is not 1:1 or an inch/mm mismatch. Add a reference dimension to eliminate this risk.
Open or duplicate contours
Open-ended, overlapping or duplicate lines corrupt the cut path. Check that contours are closed and unique before sending.
Text left as a font
Text not converted to outlines may shift on other systems. Convert all text to curves.
Pre-flight Checklist
Verify each item one by one before sending your file. This list covers the points most often missed for a production-ready file.
- Drawing is 1:1 (real scale) and in millimetres
- A reference/known dimension is noted on an edge
- All contours closed; no open ends, duplicate or overlapping lines
- Suitable radius left on inner corners
- Holes and bridges scaled to suit material thickness
- Text converted to outlines (vectors)
- Cutting layer is clean; frame/dimensions/title block removed
- Material, thickness and quantity details ready
- File saved in an accepted format
Is your file ready? Upload it and we will send a detailed quote within 24 hours. If unsure, send it anyway; our engineers will advise based on your part.
Ready for your project
Upload your technical file and get your price quote within 24 hours. No drawing yet? Upload a photo and we'll handle the rest.