Sending the wrong file format — or a poorly prepared drawing — is one of the most common causes of delays in precision laser cutting projects. Getting it right the first time means faster turnaround, more accurate parts, and lower costs. At Laser Wizard in Sydney, we work with customers every day to ensure their files are cut-ready before production begins.
Accepted File Formats
DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) is the industry standard for CNC laser cutting machines and is our preferred format at Laser Wizard. We also accept DWG, PDF vector, Adobe Illustrator (AI), and SVG files. JPEG, PNG, and other raster formats cannot be used directly for laser cutting.
Setting Up Your DXF File Correctly
- Draw at 1:1 scale (full size in millimetres)
- Use closed vectors and polylines — open paths cause the laser to stop mid-cut
- Remove all construction lines, dimensions, and annotation layers
- Set all cut lines to a hairline weight (0.001mm)
- Delete any duplicate overlapping lines
- Convert all text to curves/outlines before saving
Material Thickness and Kerf Allowance
The “kerf” is the narrow width of material removed by the laser as it cuts — typically 0.1mm to 0.3mm depending on the material and thickness. Laser Wizard can cut your parts to any dimensions you specify — the machine simply follows your drawing. Kerf is not something you need to add or subtract to your finished part size; it’s a design-stage consideration that matters in one specific situation: when you’re designing mating or interlocking parts (such as slot-and-tab assemblies, press-fit components, or parts that nest together). In those cases, you need to account for kerf in the clearance between the two mating features so the finished parts fit together correctly. For standalone parts, cut-outs, brackets, and most general fabrication, you can ignore kerf entirely. If you’re unsure whether your design needs a kerf allowance, send us your drawing — our team will review it and advise before cutting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Open paths (the most common error — always check with your CAD software)
- Text not converted to curves
- Drawing not at 1:1 scale
- Raster or bitmap images instead of vector paths
- Hidden layers containing unwanted geometry
- Very thin features that will burn away during cutting
Not Sure? Laser Wizard Has a Drafting Service
If you’re not a CAD user, that’s not a problem. Laser Wizard offers a professional drafting service where we can convert your sketches, PDFs, or technical drawings into cut-ready DXF files. Our experienced team has been preparing and optimising files for precision laser cutting in Sydney since 1999. Send your files to [email protected], call us on (02) 9623 2335, or visit laserwizard.com.au to request a quote.