File Preparation

Files for metal laser cutting can be prepared in a range of CAD programs. Before creating your file, ensure your program supports .dxf export.

If preparing a document in Rhino or Adobe Illustrator, we recommend downloading the standard metal laser cutting template

Layers

Metal laser files should feature 4 layers.

Layer	Function	Object Type
Cut	Cut	Lines, Polylines, Arcs & Splines
Internal Cut	Internal Cut	Lines, Polylines, Arcs & Splines
Engrave	Engrave	Lines, Polylines, Arcs & Splines
QTY	Indicate number of duplicates Ensure document has been exported correctly	Text Outlines / Text objects & 1200 x 800 mm Rectangle

Ensuring files will cut correctly

The following should NOT be present in any laser cutting file;

Superimposed, double or duplicate paths

Dashed or Dotted Paths

Paths exceeding the bounding 1200 x 800mm rectangle

Groups

Clipping Masks

Exporting

All metal laser files must be exported as files

Rhino

159KB

MLC_dfab.dxf

Initial Export Before exporting your first .dxf from rhino, you will need to import dFab's custom .dxf scheme.

1. Download dFab_MLC_dxfScheme.ini

2. Select All objects you would like to export

3. File>Export Selected......

4. In the Export window, select the AutoCAD Drawing Exchange (*dxf)

5. Name the file and click Save

6. In the dxf Export Options window, select Edit Schemes...

7. Select Import and locate & open dFab_MLC_dxfScheme.ini

8. Close the dialogue. A new Export scheme will now be available on export.

Standard Export

1. Select All objects you would like to export

2. File>Export Selected......

3. In the Export window, select the AutoCAD Drawing Exchange (*dxf)

4. Name the file and click Save

5. In the dxf Export Options window, select dFab_MLC_dxfScheme and click OK

Illustrator

1. File>Export>Export As

2. In the Export window, select the Autodesk RealDWG (*.DXF) file type

3. Name the file and click Export

4. In the DXF/DWG Export window, select the following;

   1. AutoCAD Version: 2018

   2. Scale 1 Millimeters = 1 Unit(s)

   3. Options

      1. ✔ Preserve Appearance

      2. ✔ Outline text

      Leave all other options unchecked.

5. Click OK

AutoCAD

1. File > Save As...

2. In the Save As window, select a DXF format.

3. Name File & Click Save

Fusion 360

1. Right-click on the Sketch in the browser tree (left panel).

2. Select Save As DXF

3. Click Save

Solidworks

1. Select paths to export

2. File > Save As...

3. In the Save As window, select DXF file type

4. Name File & click Save

Depending on the version of SolidWorks being used, additional settings may be required.