CNC Machining Guidelines

For laser cutting, we accept 2D vector files in the following formats: DXF (Preferred), AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS, and DWG.

We also accept 3D files in the STEP and STP formats. If there’s trouble uploading your file, please see our STEP/STP file guide.

If you design your parts in non-CAD software (Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, CorelDraw) please send us the original (native) .ai or .eps file. We’ll take care of the conversion on our end.

Please note that we cannot accept or process STL (mesh) files or raster-type (JPEG, TIFF, PNG, BMP) files.

File Requirements

We’re here to help you every step of the way in designing your laser-cut parts. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Artwork should be correctly scaled, 1:1
• Files should only contain your parts/cut-paths
• Convert all text to shapes/outlines.
• Shapes and fonts/type should be stencilized or connected with “bridges”
• Shapes, holes or cutouts are at least 50% material thickness
• Avoid intersecting or common lines
• Your file should not contain empty objects or open contours
   

Files should only contain your parts/cut-paths

To save time (and possibly money), be sure to remove any instructions, dimensions, notes, borders and unused objects from your file. You should only be sending us the actual cut-path that the laser should follow for cutting. Notes, quantities, etc. can be noted on your order. We’ll contact you right away if we have more questions.

Please note: “Student Version” lettering is automatically ignored by our systems. No need to worry if you are a student using SolidWorks.