How to prepare a file for laser cutting and bending
We prepare cutting and bending quotes based on a drawing or 3D model. Below we explain which files the form accepts, what to include in your enquiry and how to prepare a DXF.
How should you prepare a file for laser cutting or bending so the quote does not get held up by questions about contours, thickness and quantity? Three things help: a file format we can open, a few details about the order and clean contours. You do not need a perfect drawing. If anything is missing, we will ask.
Files we accept
The drawing quote form accepts PDF, DXF, DWG, STEP (STP) and IGES (IGS) files, as well as JPG, PNG and TIFF images. You can also pack your documentation into a ZIP or 7Z archive. You can send up to 10 files per submission, up to 100 MB in total.
| What you have | Best file | What to add |
|---|---|---|
| Flat part to be cut | 1:1 scale DXF or DWG; a dimensioned PDF for reference | material and grade, thickness, quantity |
| Bent part | 3D model (STEP or IGES) or a drawing with dimensions, bend angles and bend radii | same as for a flat part |
| Physical part only, no drawing | dimensioned sketch or photos; we can also scan the part, recreate its model and manufacture it | material, if known, and quantity |
The form will reject a ZIP archive containing executable files (for example .exe) or another archive inside.
What to include in your enquiry
Only your full name and e-mail or phone number are required. If possible, include four things in your message.
- Material and grade, for example S235 steel or 1.4301 stainless steel.
- Thickness of the sheet metal.
- Quantity: a single piece, a batch or several options, for example 20, 100 and 500.
- Lead time, if it matters. If not, write “no rush”.
Add any other details too: tolerances, deburring, notes on the drawing. If you require a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), mention it in your message.
We do not have a price list. We quote based on a model or documentation, and the price depends on the material, thickness, cutting length, number of bends, quantity, additional operations and lead time. We explain the details on the page what determines the price of cutting and bending.
How to prepare a file for laser cutting: rules for DXF
We cut sheet metal on a 12 kW HSG G3015H V2 fibre laser from 3000 × 1500 mm sheets, and we prepare the cutting programme in SigmaNEST. More about this machine: sheet metal laser cutting. Prepare your DXF file for laser cutting so that the contour can be placed on the sheet without guesswork. The rules below are standard practice for laser files rather than a formal requirement: you can still send a file that does not meet them.
- 1:1 scale, millimetres. A part drawn at a different scale or in inches requires conversion, which easily leads to errors.
- Closed contours. The outer perimeter and every hole must be a closed line without gaps. An open contour does not show where the part ends.
- One line per edge. Duplicate lines may cause the same edge to be cut twice.
- Dimensions outside the cutting layer. Leave only what is to be cut on the contour layer. Move dimensions, centrelines, notes and the title block to separate layers or delete them.
- One flat view of each part. In a DXF file, a 2D contour view is sufficient, without side views or 3D projections. When a file contains several parts, state the quantity for each.
It is worth attaching a dimensioned PDF: it shows what the finished part should look like.
Sheet metal flat pattern and 3D model for bending
For bending, a contour alone is not enough. Ideally, send a 3D model in STEP or IGES format. If you do not have one, prepare a drawing with dimensions, bend angles and bend radii. If you send a sheet metal flat pattern, mark the bend lines on it and attach a dimensioned view of the bent part. The flat pattern length depends on the material, thickness and bend radius, so the finished part dimensions help us verify it.
We cut blanks for bending in-house on our laser, so you can order cutting and bending in a single job. We perform sheet metal bending on a Trumpf TruBend 7050 press brake, and we prepare the bending programme in SigmaBEND. We confirm the bending tools and tonnage for a specific part when quoting.
What happens after sending
After submitting the form, you will see a reference number. If you provide an e-mail, we will also send a confirmation with the number and size of the files. Next, we check the documentation: material, dimensions, quantity and required operations. Finally, we reply with a quote or ask for any missing details.
