How to Prepare DXF Files for Laser Cutting (Vernon, BC Guide)

If you're sending a DXF file to a laser cutting shop in Vernon, BC — or anywhere — getting the file right the first time saves everyone time and money. Wrong files mean back-and-forth emails, delayed quotes, and potentially bad parts. Here's what our shop needs.

DXF Format: The Basics

DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) is the most widely supported file format for 2D laser cutting. It's an AutoCAD format that preserves your geometry exactly. Our fiber laser reads DXF files directly.

What Goes in the DXF

• Outline geometry only — just the cutting paths. No dimensions, no notes, no hatching, no text (unless the text itself is part of the cut).
• One layer — put all cut lines on a single layer. Multiple layers can cause confusion in the nesting software.
• 0 thickness — your lines should have zero thickness (polyline or line objects). If you're sending filled shapes, make sure they're outlines, not solid fills.
• Correct scale — 1 unit = 1 millimeter (or 1 inch). Tell us if you're working in inches.
• No duplicates — overlapping or duplicate lines cause the laser to cut the same spot twice, wasting time and energy.

Acceptable File Formats

We accept DXF, STEP, SVG, PDF, DWG, IGES, and STL. But DXF is our favorite because it's simple and reliable. If you have STEP files with 3D geometry and need 2D laser cuts, we can extract the 2D profile — just let us know.

Sketch? Photo? No Problem.

Don't have a CAD file? Bring a sketch, a photo, or even just describe what you need. We've cut parts from napkin drawings before. Our job is to make it work, not judge your drafting skills.

Pro Tips

• Check your geometry — make sure all lines are connected (no gaps) before sending
• Include a scale reference — add a 100mm or 4" line on the drawing so we can verify scale
• Tell us your material — mild steel? Stainless? Aluminum? Thickness?
• Specify quantity — one part or a hundred? We nest differently for each

Got a file that's not quite right? That's fine. Send it anyway. We'll sort it out and send you a quote within an hour.