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CNC Cutting Plywood and MDF: What Designers Should Know

Plywood and MDF are two of the most commonly used materials for CNC routing. They’re relatively affordable, available in a wide range of thicknesses, and can be machined into everything from furniture components and architectural models to displays, signage, cabinetry, prototypes, and custom parts.

But plywood and MDF behave very differently on a CNC router. Understanding those differences before designing your files can help you achieve cleaner edges, tighter tolerances, lower production costs, and fewer surprises during fabrication.

Whether you're preparing a one-off prototype or a full sheet of production parts, here’s what designers should know about CNC plywood cutting and machining MDF.

Why Use CNC Cutting for Plywood?

CNC routers are especially well suited to sheet materials like plywood because they can accurately cut complex shapes, repeated components, pockets, holes, slots, and joinery directly from a digital file.

Unlike a laser cutter, which cuts using a focused beam of heat, a CNC router physically removes material using a rotating cutting tool. This makes CNC routing particularly useful for thicker sheet goods and projects that require more than simple through-cuts.

With CNC plywood cutting, designers can create:

  • Furniture and cabinetry components

  • Architectural elements

  • Retail displays and fixtures

  • Exhibition components

  • Signage

  • Templates and jigs

  • Wall panels

  • Prototypes

  • Slot-together structures

  • Custom fabrication parts

CNC routing can also create recessed areas, pockets, countersinks, and other features that aren't possible with standard 2D laser cutting.

Plywood vs. MDF for CNC Cutting

Although plywood and MDF are both engineered wood products, their construction is very different.

Plywood

Plywood is made from thin layers of wood veneer laminated together with alternating grain directions.

This gives plywood a relatively high strength-to-weight ratio and makes it a popular material for furniture, structures, cabinetry, architectural applications, and finished products.

One of plywood's biggest advantages is appearance. High-quality plywood can have an attractive wood veneer that designers may want to leave exposed.

However, plywood can also be slightly less predictable when routed. Internal voids, inconsistent glue layers, veneer tear-out, and variations between sheets can affect the final edge.

MDF

Medium-density fiberboard, or MDF, is made from compressed wood fibers and resin.

Because the material is extremely uniform, MDF machines very consistently. There are no alternating grain directions or internal veneer layers to account for.

This makes MDF particularly useful for:

  • Prototypes

  • Painted parts

  • Fixtures

  • Patterns

  • Models

  • Displays

  • Interior components

  • Projects requiring detailed routed surfaces

Its primary disadvantage is weight. MDF is typically heavier than plywood and its exposed edges don't have the finished appearance of a plywood veneer.

Which Material Produces Cleaner CNC Cuts?

For purely consistent machining, MDF is often easier to work with.

Because MDF has a uniform internal structure, the cutting tool encounters essentially the same material throughout the sheet. This makes it easier to create smooth edges and predictable details.

Plywood is more complicated because the router is cutting through alternating layers of wood grain and adhesive.

The quality of CNC plywood cutting therefore depends heavily on the quality of the plywood itself.

Higher-quality plywood generally contains fewer internal voids and tends to machine more cleanly than inexpensive construction-grade sheets.

If the edge of the plywood will remain visible in the finished product, material selection becomes especially important.

CNC Cutting Allows More Than Just Outside Profiles

One of the biggest advantages of CNC routing is that designers aren't limited to cutting all the way through the sheet.

A CNC file can include several different machining operations.

Through Cuts

These cut completely through the material and are used to create the outside profile of a part or internal openings.

Pockets

A pocket removes material to a specified depth without cutting completely through the sheet.

Pockets can be used for recessed hardware, joinery, decorative details, or areas where another component needs to sit flush.

Drilling

CNC routers can produce accurately positioned holes for fasteners, dowels, hardware, or assembly.

Engraving and Surface Routing

Shallow toolpaths can also be used to create text, graphics, grooves, or decorative patterns in the surface.

This ability to control cutting depth is one of the main reasons CNC routing is often chosen over laser cutting for furniture, cabinetry, and larger-scale fabrication.

Account for the Router Bit

One of the most important things to understand when designing for CNC is that the cutting tool has a physical diameter.

A router bit cannot create an infinitely sharp internal corner.

If you're designing a rectangular pocket, for example, the inside corners will naturally have a radius based on the diameter of the cutting tool.

This becomes particularly important when designing parts that are supposed to fit into one another.

Designers commonly solve this using features such as dog-bone fillets, which extend the toolpath slightly beyond an inside corner and allow a square part to fit into the routed opening.

If you're designing CNC joinery, it's worth thinking about your tooling before finalizing the geometry.

Design Tolerances Matter

If two CNC-cut parts need to fit together, avoid designing them at exactly the same nominal dimension.

For example, a 0.500-inch tab placed into a 0.500-inch slot may not actually fit.

Material thickness can vary slightly, cutting tools have tolerances, and plywood in particular is not always exactly the thickness stated by the manufacturer.

A sheet sold as 3/4-inch plywood may measure somewhat differently in reality.

For assemblies, furniture, or press-fit parts, measuring the actual material before production is usually preferable to designing solely around the advertised thickness.

The amount of clearance required will depend on whether the connection should be loose, snug, or press-fit.

Material Thickness Can Affect Your Design

Plywood and MDF are available in many different thicknesses, and choosing the right one is both a structural and aesthetic decision.

Thicker materials generally provide more rigidity but require longer cutting tools and more machining time.

They also make certain small features more difficult to produce.

For example, a very narrow slot through a thick piece of plywood may require a smaller router bit, which can increase machining time or limit the depth that can be cut efficiently.

When possible, avoid creating details that are unnecessarily small relative to the thickness of the sheet.

Pay Attention to Part Spacing

Parts can't always be placed directly against one another on a CNC sheet.

The router bit removes material between the parts, and adequate space may also be needed for workholding and tool movement.

Efficient nesting can significantly affect how much material a project requires.

For projects with many repeated pieces, good nesting can reduce both material waste and machining time.

This is particularly important for commercial production, furniture components, installations, and other projects using multiple full sheets.

Workholding Can Influence the Final Part

During CNC cutting, the sheet has to remain securely in place.

Depending on the machine and project, this might be accomplished using a vacuum table, clamps, screws, or other workholding methods.

Small parts can become difficult to hold once they are almost completely separated from the sheet.

Fabricators may therefore use tabs or other strategies to temporarily keep parts connected to the surrounding material during machining.

These tabs are removed after cutting and may leave small areas that require sanding or cleanup.

If your design contains dozens of very small components, it's worth considering how those parts will remain secure during production.

Expect Some Edge Finishing

CNC routing can produce very clean results, but freshly routed wood components aren't always completely finished when they come off the machine.

Depending on the material, tooling, and desired appearance, edges may require light sanding.

Plywood can occasionally show small fibers or veneer tear-out. MDF generally machines smoothly but its edges are more porous than its faces and may require additional preparation before painting.

If the final product needs a highly finished appearance, include sanding and finishing in your production plan rather than assuming machining is the final step.

MDF Is Excellent for Painted Projects

If your final part will be painted, MDF can be an excellent material.

Its flat, consistent surface makes it popular for displays, cabinetry, prototypes, signage, and architectural elements.

Keep in mind that cut MDF edges absorb paint differently from the factory surface.

For a smooth painted finish, routed edges are often sealed or primed and sanded before applying the final coating.

For projects where the exposed material itself is part of the aesthetic, plywood is often the better choice.

Plywood Is Better When the Material Will Be Visible

When the finished product is intended to showcase the material, plywood offers much more visual character.

The surface veneer can provide the appearance of birch, maple, walnut, or other woods, while the exposed laminated edge can become a deliberate design detail.

This is common in contemporary furniture and retail fixtures, where the striped plywood edge is intentionally left visible.

Just remember that not all plywood is manufactured to the same standard.

If appearance matters, selecting a high-quality sheet can be just as important as the CNC machining itself.

Prepare Clean CNC Files

Clean geometry makes CNC production significantly easier.

Before submitting a file for CNC plywood cutting, check for:

  • Duplicate lines

  • Overlapping curves

  • Open contours

  • Unnecessary geometry

  • Extremely small details

  • Incorrect dimensions

  • Features smaller than the intended router bit

  • Unclear pocket depths

  • Missing information about material thickness

It's also helpful to clearly differentiate between geometry that should be cut completely through the sheet and geometry that should only be routed to a specific depth.

The cleaner and more clearly organized the file is, the easier it is to generate reliable toolpaths and accurately quote the project.

CNC Cutting Plywood vs. Laser Cutting Plywood

Both CNC routers and laser cutters can process plywood, but they're suited to different types of projects.

Laser cutting is excellent for thinner materials, intricate details, small components, engraving, and projects where a very narrow kerf is beneficial.

CNC routing is generally better for:

  • Thicker plywood

  • Large components

  • Furniture

  • Cabinetry

  • Pockets and recesses

  • Mechanical joinery

  • Larger production parts

  • Projects requiring variable cutting depths

CNC routing also avoids the darkened edge commonly associated with laser-cut wood.

For some projects, the two processes can even complement one another.

How to Reduce CNC Cutting Costs

CNC pricing is influenced by more than the amount of material used.

Machining time is often a major factor.

You can make a project more economical by:

  • Reducing unnecessary detail

  • Avoiding extremely small router bits when possible

  • Nesting parts efficiently

  • Standardizing repeated components

  • Minimizing tool changes

  • Avoiding unnecessary pocketing

  • Designing around commonly available material thicknesses

  • Preparing clean, production-ready files

For larger projects, small design changes can make a noticeable difference in machining time.

Choosing Between Plywood and MDF

There isn't a single material that's better for every CNC project.

Choose plywood when strength, lighter weight, visible wood grain, or finished appearance are priorities.

Choose MDF when dimensional consistency, smooth machining, detailed routing, painting, or lower material cost are more important.

For prototypes, MDF can be a practical way to test dimensions and assembly before producing the final version in plywood or another material.

CNC Cutting Services for Designers and Fabricators

CNC routing gives designers the ability to move directly from a digital model to accurately machined physical components.

For furniture, installations, displays, prototypes, architectural work, and custom fabrication, understanding the relationship between your geometry, material, router bit, and machining process can make the difference between a file that simply looks correct on screen and one that's actually ready for production.

If you're planning a CNC plywood cutting or MDF project, Fabberz can help review your files, determine an appropriate machining approach, and prepare your project for CNC production.

Request a CNC quote

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The Future of Laser Cutting in Art, Design, and Manufacturing

How Innovation in Laser Technology is Reshaping the Creative Landscape

Laser cutting has evolved from a tool for rapid prototyping into a driving force across art, design, and manufacturing. As digital fabrication continues to push boundaries, innovations in laser technology are enabling unprecedented levels of precision, customization, and efficiency.

At Fabberz, we’ve seen firsthand how laser cutting is transforming creative industries from bespoke furniture and architectural models to branded packaging and wearable art. So, where is it all heading?

Smarter Machines, Cleaner Cuts

The latest generation of CO2 and fiber laser cutters offer greater speed, finer tolerances, and the ability to process a wider range of materials — from recycled paper and plywood to acrylic, leather, and even metal foils. These advancements make custom laser cutting more accessible to artists and small-batch makers, not just large industrial operations.

With AI-assisted calibration and camera-guided positioning systems, modern laser cutters reduce errors and material waste, making precision cutting faster and more sustainable than ever.

Artists and Designers Lead the Charge

Laser cutting isn’t just for engineers — it’s a creative superpower. Artists now use laser cut elements for sculpture, marquetry, installations, and wearable pieces. In graphic and industrial design, the ability to rapidly iterate through laser cut design prototypes has streamlined workflows and opened new forms of expression.

At Fabberz, we’ve partnered with designers who use our laser cutting services to create intricate layered works, dimensional typography, and modular displays that wouldn’t be feasible using traditional methods.

The Rise of On-Demand Production

The future of manufacturing is local, agile, and digital. Laser cutting allows for on-demand fabrication with no need for costly molds or tooling. Whether you're creating 10 units or 10,000, custom laser cutting enables scalable, small-batch production — perfect for independent brands, startups, and experimental design practices.

As consumers increasingly demand personalization, laser cutters allow makers to respond quickly with tailored, unique products.

Sustainable and Circular Approaches

One of the most exciting developments is how laser cutting is being integrated into sustainable manufacturing practices. Designers are exploring low-waste layout strategies, biodegradable substrates, and modular products that can be easily disassembled and recycled.

Laser technology also complements biomaterials and compostable substrates, allowing creators to test and fabricate using sustainable alternatives to plastics and MDF.

What’s Next for Laser Cutting?

Expect to see more crossovers between laser cutting and other technologies like CNC, 3D printing, and AR/VR visualization tools. Multi-tool platforms and hybrid systems will continue to blur the line between rapid prototyping and final production.

More importantly, laser cutting in art and design will keep growing as creators find new ways to use the process not just for form, but for meaning — pushing boundaries in both physical and conceptual space.

Need Laser Cutting? Fabberz Can Help.
Based in New York City and shipping nationwide, Fabberz offers fast, affordable laser cutting for artists, designers, and manufacturers. Whether you need prototypes, production runs, or just one perfectly cut piece, we’re here to help.

Contact us today or check out our file prep guide to get started.

FAQs
Q: What files are best for laser cutting?
A: Vector files like .AI, .SVG, .DXF, and .PDF are best. We also accept .3DM and .EPS.

Q: What materials can you laser cut?
A: We cut wood, acrylic, paper, leather, fabric, cardboard and more.

Q: Do you offer custom engraving?
A: Yes! We provide laser etching and engraving on most non-metal materials. It’s perfect for branding, signage, and decorative work.

Q: Can you help with design or file prep?
A: Absolutely. Our team can review your files or offer help converting your designs into cut-ready formats.

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The Best Laser Cutting in the San Francisco Bay Area (unranked)

The San Francisco Bay Area is a hotspot for innovation, art, and design—home to startups, architects, engineers, and creatives who need laser cutting they can trust. Whether you're crafting prototypes, custom signage, architectural models, or artwork, finding the right laser cutting shop is key. Below are five standout laser cutting services in the Bay Area (listed without ranking), including one based in New York that ships quickly and reliably to California.

Fabberz

Though Fabberz is headquartered in New York, they offer fast, nationwide shipping—including to the Bay Area—and are known for precision CO₂ laser cutting, custom etching, and excellent customer service. Their per-minute pricing model and average 3–5 business day turnaround (rush options available) make them a smart choice for remote clients. Fabberz gives your project that New York City edge and is especially popular with designers and artists who appreciate their help with file prep and material optimization—ideal for projects that need a polished, professional finish.

Autumn Express Laser

Located in Oakland, Autumn Express Laser specializes in fast-turnaround laser cutting and engraving for both small-scale and bulk projects. They work with wood, acrylic, paper, leather, and more, and offer design consultation services as well. Known for their quick response times and friendly customer service, they’re a go-to for East Bay makers and small businesses looking for fast, local solutions.

Make It NYC SF

The San Francisco outpost of this bi-coastal maker studio offers laser cutting, CNC routing, and fabrication services for creatives across industries. With a sleek and modern workspace in the Dogpatch neighborhood, they cater to interior designers, architects, and artists needing prototyping, signage, or decorative installations. Their team helps optimize your files and materials for the best results and offers full service from cut to install.

Because We Can

This design-build studio in West Oakland combines architecture, CNC fabrication, and laser cutting to create highly detailed, imaginative projects. While not a walk-in laser shop, they’re a great choice if you’re working on something complex that needs both design and fabrication expertise—think custom furniture, architectural details, or branded environments.

OakLabs

Based in Berkeley, OakLabs is a community-focused fabrication studio offering laser cutting, 3D printing, CNC, and small-scale manufacturing services. They’re popular with artists, product designers, and makers looking for local support and hands-on access to tools. With a growing reputation for collaborative projects and sustainable practices, OakLabs brings a personal touch and creative flexibility to custom fabrication in the East Bay.

Let us know if you want to get a quote or get help prepping your files—Fabberz is here to support your Bay Area projects with expert advice and fast delivery.

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Laser Cutting vs CNC: Which is Right for Your Project?

When it comes to precision fabrication, laser cutting and CNC routing are two of the most popular technologies available. At Fabberz, we offer expert laser cutting services in Brooklyn and beyond — and we often get asked: “What’s the difference between laser cutting and CNC routing?” This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and ideal uses of each to help you choose the right process for your next project.

What Is Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting uses a high-powered laser beam to cut or engrave materials with extreme accuracy. It’s ideal for intricate designs, tight tolerances, and fine details.

Benefits of Laser Cutting:

  • Precision: Perfect for detailed cuts and delicate designs.

  • Speed: Cuts thin materials quickly and cleanly.

  • Finish: Produces smooth edges with minimal post-processing.

  • Material Efficiency: Minimal kerf (cut width) reduces material waste.

  • Great for: Acrylic, wood, paper, leather, fabrics, and certain metals.

Limitations:

  • Material Thickness: Not ideal for cutting thick or dense materials.

  • Burn Marks: Heat can cause slight discoloration or charring on some surfaces.

What Is CNC Routing?

CNC routing uses a spinning bit (like a drill) to mechanically cut material along a programmed path. It’s well-suited for larger, thicker, or more rigid materials.

Benefits of CNC Routing:

  • Thick Material Capability: Cuts deeper and through thicker stock than laser cutting.

  • 3D Contouring: Can mill complex, multi-depth shapes.

  • No Heat Affected Zones: No burn marks or discoloration.

  • Great for: Wood, MDF, plywood, plastics, aluminum, foam, and composites.

Limitations:

  • Less Detail: Not ideal for highly intricate or delicate designs.

  • Slower on Small Cuts: Takes longer on fine work compared to lasers.

  • Higher Cost: CNC is typically a more expensive fabrication.

  • Tool Marks: May require sanding or finishing.

Which Should You Choose?

  • Choose laser cutting if: Your design involves intricate shapes, engraving, or you’re working with thin materials like acrylic, wood veneer, or paper.

  • Choose CNC routing if: You’re cutting thicker stock, need 3D contours, or want to work with solid wood or composites.

Still Not Sure?

The best way to choose is to talk to an expert. At Fabberz, we’re here to help you make the right call for your project — whether it’s a custom sign, prototype part, or retail display. Contact us today and we’ll guide you toward the best fabrication method to bring your vision to life.

Need help deciding between laser cutting and CNC?
Visit Fabberz.com or email us at info@fabberz.com for a quote or free consultation.

FAQs: Laser Cutting vs CNC Routing

Q: What’s the main difference between laser cutting and CNC routing?
A: Laser cutting uses a focused beam of light to cut or engrave materials, while CNC routing uses a spinning bit to physically remove material.

Q: Is laser cutting more precise than CNC routing?
A: Yes, laser cutting offers higher precision, tighter tolerances, and finer detail — especially for intricate patterns or delicate materials.

Q: What materials work best for laser cutting?
A: Acrylic, wood, paper, leather, textiles, and thin plastics. Some thin metals can also be laser cut depending on the wattage.

Q: What materials are best suited for CNC routing?
A: MDF, plywood, hardwoods, plastics, aluminum, foam, and thicker stock materials.

Q: What files are best for laser cutting?
A: .AI, .SVG, .DXF, or .3DM — vector-based formats are ideal for clean, scalable cuts.

Q: Can I laser cut thick materials?
A: Laser cutters are best for thin to medium materials. For thickness over 1/4" (depending on the material), CNC routing is usually more effective.

Q: Which process is faster — laser cutting or CNC routing?
A: Laser cutting is faster for thin materials and detailed work. CNC routing takes longer but is necessary for deeper cuts or 3D shapes.

Q: Will laser cutting burn or discolor my material?
A: It can, especially on wood or cardboard. Using protective masking or adjusting power/speed settings helps reduce marks.

Q: Can CNC routers engrave designs like a laser?
A: Yes, but the detail level is lower. Laser engraving is better for logos, text, or fine textures.

Q: Is laser cutting cheaper than CNC routing?
A: For small, detailed jobs and thin materials — usually yes. For large, thick, or structural projects, CNC may be more cost-effective.

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The Best Laser Cutting in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is full of creatives, makers, and entrepreneurs who rely on precise, high-quality laser cutting. Whether you're prototyping a product, fabricating custom decor, or producing art pieces, having the right laser cutting partner can make all the difference. Here are five standout laser cutting in LA (listed without ranking), each offering something unique:

Fabberz

While Fabberz is based in New York, they ship nationwide—including LA—and are known for precision CO₂ laser cutting and etching, plus helpful file‑prep services. Their per‑minute pricing model and lead times of 3–5 business days (with faster options) make them a reliable remote partner.

LA Laser Cutting Services

Located in the Brewery Art Complex in Downtown LA, this studio offers laser cutting and engraving, graphic design, custom finishing, even painting and fabrication. With a creative‑studio ethos and a willingness to work nights and weekends, it's perfect for artists, designers, and event planners seeking a collaborative, hands‑on experience.

American Laser Cutter

Claiming to be LA’s oldest and largest laser hub, American Laser Cutter offers both DIY laser rental and professional services using CO₂ systems with beds between 3'×4' and 4'×5'. They also provide expert support for cutter repairs and fast turnarounds—ideal if you need flexibility and hands‑on access.

Lasers Over Los Angeles

This Downtown studio focuses on cutting, scoring, and engraving acrylic, wood, fabric, stencils, and more. With strong Yelp praise—“Excellent laser cutting and customer service”—it’s a solid choice if you're local and need quick, reliable turnaround.

SendCutSend (Online-Service)

While not LA‑based, SendCutSend delivers fast and precise online-tipped metal & plastic laser cutting to Los Angeles. Offering a wide material range (metals, acrylic, carbon fiber, wood, etc.) and metal–grade tolerances of ±0.005″, they're a cost‑effective choice for precision prototype runs and parts design.

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7 Steps to Prepare Your Laser Cutting Files

It all begins with an idea.

Laser cutting is an incredible tool for precision manufacturing, prototyping, and creative design, but preparing your laser cutting files correctly is key to getting the best results. Whether you're working with wood, acrylic, or fabric, a properly formatted file ensures clean cuts, smooth engraving, and a hassle-free experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to get your laser cutting files ready.

We're Fabberz, your go-to laser-cutting service in NYC and beyond. From our experience helping multiple clients, we've learned the easiest steps to prep your laser cutting files and wanted to share them.

7 Steps to Prep Your Laser Cutting Files

1. Use the Right File Format

Most laser cutting machines work with vector-based files, as vectors define precise paths for the laser to follow. The most common file formats for laser cutting files include:

  • .AI (Adobe Illustrator) – Ideal for complex designs and industry-standard for vector graphics.

  • .3DM (Rhinoceros 3D) – Frequently used in industrial and architectural design, ideal for complex 2D and 3D projects.

  • .SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) – A versatile format compatible with many design programs.

  • .DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) – Common in CAD programs like AutoCAD.

If you’re unsure about your laser cutting files format, send us an email at labnyc@fabberz.com to confirm compatibility.

2. Set Up Your Design with Correct Line Types

To ensure your design is cut or engraved as intended, you need to differentiate between:

  • Cut lines – Should be set to a stroke of 0.001 inches in RGB red (255, 0, 0) to indicate vector cutting.

  • Scoring lines (engraved lines that don’t cut all the way through) – Should be set to a stroke of 0.001 inches in RGB blue (0, 0, 255) to denote vector etching.

  • Raster engraving (field engraving) – Used for surface engraving of images or text. These areas should be filled with black or grayscale to define engraving depth.

3. Convert Text to Outlines

If your design includes text, always convert it to outlines (also called curves or paths) before sending it for laser cutting. This prevents font compatibility issues, ensuring your typography appears exactly as intended.

In Adobe Illustrator, select your text and go to Type → Create Outlines (Shift + Cmd/Ctrl + O).

4. Avoid Overlapping or Duplicate Lines

One common mistake in laser cutting files is overlapping lines, which can cause excessive burning or unnecessary cutting passes. Before finalizing your file:

  • Use the "Join" tool in Illustrator to merge overlapping paths.

  • In Rhino 3D type SelDup and then delete duplicate paths.

  • Utilize the "Overkill" command in AutoCAD to delete duplicate lines.

  • Run a "Pathfinder → Merge" operation to clean up your design.

5. Ensure Correct File Size and Border

The size of a laser bed can vary greatly. Our current laser bed size is 18” x 32”, meaning that unless it’s a special case, we can cut material and projects up to 18” x 32”. Prepare your artboard or workspace accordingly.

Don’t place your artwork right along the edge of the artboard or workspace. We require a 0.25” border around the artwork as a general bleed area, much like printing.

6. Arrange Your Design for Efficient Cutting

To minimize material waste and reduce cutting time:

  • Nest parts closely to optimize material usage. The distance can vary depending on the material thickness, but a safe general distance is 0.125” between all objects.

  • Align cuts in the same direction to minimize unnecessary laser head movement.

  • Group similar cuts together to ensure a smooth workflow.

7. Save Your File Correctly and Double-Check Everything

Before submitting your laser cutting files:

  • Remove any hidden layers, clipping masks, or unnecessary elements.

  • Save in the correct format (.AI, .SVG, .DXF, or .3DM).

  • Ensure the document size matches your material dimensions.

  • Make sure the file is set to inches and RGB.

Final Thoughts

Properly preparing your laser cutting files saves time, reduces errors, ensures the best results, and saves you money. By following these laser cutting files preparation tips, you'll achieve cleaner cuts, precise engravings, and a more efficient workflow.

About Fabberz

Looking for expert laser cutting file preparation and cutting services? Fabberz specializes in high-quality custom cutting and engraving. Our expertise ensures that your laser cutting files are optimized for the best possible results. Contact us today to bring your project to life!

Visit us at Fabberz.com to learn more about our services and how we can help with your next laser cutting project!

Laser Cutting Files FAQs

Q: What files are best for laser cutting?

A: .AI, .SVG, .DXF, or .3DM

Q: Are SVG files used for laser cutting?

A: SVG is a great alternative to .AI files

Q: What format is needed for laser cutting?

A: Use our file prep page on our website to help create your own laser cutting file or use our file prep service if you don’t have the ability.

Q: Can an STL file be used for laser cutting?

A: Yes we are able to convert STL files to be used for laser cutting

Q: What software do you need for laser cutting?

A: In order to create laser cutting files you will need software like Adobe Illustrator, Rhinoceros 3D, AutoCad, or other specialized drawing software.

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