Laser cutting file set up instructions
If you would like to create a laser cutting file for your parts using a program such as CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, TurboCAD, AutoCAD, or Open Office Draw, please set up your files as follows:
Cut lines – Draw thin, black lines where you want the laser to cut; the laser will cut down the center of your lines.
In CorelDRAW, the line width should be set to “Hairline”.
In TurboCAD, the line thickness should be 0.
In other programs, be sure the cut lines are 0.003 inches wide or less.
CAD files – If you are drawing your parts in CAD, be sure the file is purely two-dimensional.
Choose a unique name for your file – something like “jim_maverick_bulkhead.dxf” is much better than “bulkhead.dxf”.
Adjust for kerf – You may want to adjust for the kerf (the thickness of the laser beam), which is about 0.02". (The laser centers itself on the lines you draw and takes off about 0.010" of material from either side of the lines.) For example, if you would like the hole in your part to have a diameter of roughly 1.0", you should draw a hole with a diameter of 0.98". If you would like a circular part with a diameter of about 3.0", draw a circle with a 3.02" diameter. (These numbers are approximate and can vary depending on the material and its thickness.)