3 Things To Consider Before Using Laser Cutting For Your Project

Laser cutting is a great processing and manufacturing technique because it can create really precise and repeatable cuts in a cost-effective manner. However, laser cutting is not for every design or project. 

#1 You Need To Create Vector Files For Laser Cutting Projects

If you have a project that you want to be laser-cut out, you need to make sure that you have the right files and information ready. If you have an item that you want manufactured using the laser cutting process, you have to have more than a simple picture or non-vectorized drawing. A simple picture does not contain enough information for a laser cutting machine to use.

You need to have a vector file for any project you want to manufacture using the laser cutting process. A vector file will provide detailed three-dimensional information about your product that is crucial to the laser cutting process.

#2 You Need To Make Your Design Laser Cut Friendly

Second, you need to make sure that your design is friendly to the laser cutting process. Before you send in a design to be laser cut, you need to check the design. You need to make sure that there are no really narrow pieces on the design. Narrow pieces can be difficult to cut accurately with the laser cutting process.

Next, make sure that your design doesn't have superfluous details. These will just add to the cost of your overall project and unnecessarily add complications to the laser cutting process. That includes extra engraving details. Engraving details may look nice, but will only increase the overall cost of your project.

Finally, make sure that you don't have any double lines in your project. The laser cutting machine is not going to be able to decipher what you mean with a double line.

#3 You Need To Find The Right Materials

Finally, think carefully about the type of material you want to use for your laser cutting project. A laser cutter can be used on a variety of different materials, from cardboard to plastics and acrylic boards. Research how different material types react to laser cutting and consider the overall purpose of your project when choosing a material. If you are not sure what material to use, you can have a few prototypes cut out on different material types to help you choose the right material for your project.

When creating a laser cutting project, you need to create a vector file, make the pattern laser cutting friendly and think carefully about the material you want to use for your project. Contact a company like J&E Metal Fabricators Inc for more information and assistance.