Metal Laser Cutting Design Guide

20mm offset from Sheet edge

All cutting should be offset 20mm inside the material edge.

Closed paths

Where possible ensure that objects are formed by closed paths.

Space between objects

As a general rule allow at least twice the material thickness between cut lines. For long parallel cuts in thin material, this distance may need to be greater to prevent excess heat warpage.

Avoid multiples

If a shape needs to be cut multiple times, draw one and indicate how many you require in total

Be aware of and plan for piercing holes.

All cut lines are initiated by a pierce hole. These holes are larger than that of the laser kerf, acting as an entry point to ensure the laser fully penetrates the material for each cut. It is important that you consider where a line starts to avoid pierce holes appearing within cut objects.

Micro-joints

When cutting small parts from light-weight, thin sheets it may be necessary to create tabs (micro-joints made in the laser cutting control software) to prevent the parts from being dislodged by the gas stream. This means that your parts may be returned to you still attached to the sheet and you will be required to twist them off.