How to Specify Your Parts for Laser Cutting

Laser cutting offers unmatched precision, repeatability, and speed for sheet metal fabrication.

Whether you’re producing a single prototype or scaling to series parts, the outcome depends on how clearly you specify your design and technical requirements.

At MakerVerse, we simplify this process — you upload your files, define materials, and we handle the rest.

Here’s exactly what you need to prepare before submitting your laser cutting project.

1. Use the Correct File Type

Laser cutting requires 2D vector files that describe flat geometry.

Our system uses these files to drive the cutting path directly.

✅ Preferred format:

• DXF (.dxf)

✅ Other acceptable formats:

• DWG (.dwg)
• STEP (.step, .stp) (for projects combining cutting with bending or forming)

Tips:

• Keep only the part’s outlines and cut paths — remove hidden layers or annotations.
• Avoid splines or complex polylines; convert to arcs or straight segments.
• Save files at a 1:1 scale (usually in millimeters).

2. Specify Material and Thickness

Laser cutting performance depends heavily on material and thickness.

Common materials available through MakerVerse:

• Mild steel (0.5–25 mm)
• Stainless steel (0.5–20 mm)
• Aluminum (0.5–10 mm)
• Copper and brass (up to 6 mm)

How to specify thickness:

• Indicate exact thickness in your drawing name or notes (e.g. Bracket_Stainless_2mm.dxf).
• For multiple parts, ensure consistent material type and gauge.

Need guidance? Use our Tech & Material Advisor or contact your MakerVerse account manager for help choosing the best material for strength, weight, and appearance.

3. Add Bends or Forming Instructions (If Applicable)

If your design includes bends or forming:

• Provide a STEP file showing the final 3D shape.
• Include a flat pattern DXF with bend lines indicated as dashed lines or in a separate layer.
• Mark bend directions clearly (up or down).

Our team will automatically flatten 3D models for quoting — but providing both ensures accuracy and faster processing.

4. Define Tolerances and Cut Quality

Laser cutting produces tight tolerances — typically ±0.1 mm for steel up to 6 mm thick.

Still, it’s important to specify requirements for functional fits.

Recommendations:

• Use general tolerance ISO 2768-mK unless otherwise stated.
• Holes smaller than material thickness may not cut cleanly; use ≥1× thickness as a rule of thumb.
• For press-fit or sliding components, define the clearance explicitly on your drawing.

Surface quality varies slightly by material — stainless and aluminum generally yield the smoothest edges, while thicker carbon steel may show light oxide coloration.