Preparing Text for Laser Cutting

Table of Contents

Laser cutting is a great way to show off your logo, a quote for the wall, or your daughter’s name on a necklace. Before you send us all those beautiful typography pieces, there’s some things you’ll want to keep in mind.

Text must be converted to a vector shape

Before you export your file, be sure to convert all your text to vector. This will be called different things depending on what program you’re using. In Illustrator they call it Create Outlines, In Corel it’s called Convert to Curves, in Inkscape it’s called Object to Path. Same function, different names. The idea is that it’s changing your text from an editable font to a bunch of shapes. With that in mind, you’ll want to do this as one of the last steps before exporting your file. Once your text is converted you will no longer be able to edit it as text.

Once your font has been converted you’ll now need to consider how it’s being used. You can think of this in terms of positive versus negative. Stand alone letters versus letters reversed out of a shape.

Create bridges for reversed text

Stand alone letters (positive) are fine as they are. The outer shape is the shape of the letter itself, which means holes can be cut from that shape.

When you’re reversing your letters (negative), or cutting them from a shape, your letter now becomes the hole. You can’t cut a hole from a hole. Think about that donut you love so much. Once the hole is cut out, there’s nothing more to cut.

Mmmmm, donuts.

Okay, back on point.

To remedy this, you will need to create bridges for all those “holy” letters: R, B, O, D, the list goes on. Basically you will be turning your font into a stencil. We’ve all seen stencil letters. They all have bridges that connect the holes in the letters to the space around them. You can either find a stencil font to use, or you can create your own bridges. Click one of the icons below for software-specific instructions.

Once you have bridges for all your “holy” letters, your file is now ready for the laser-cutter.

Preflight Checklist

Before you upload your design files, be sure to go through our pre-flight checklist:

Get our latest articles in your inbox!

Start your first SendCutSend project today!

Upload your CAD design or use our parts builder and get a free instant quote on your custom laser cut parts, all delivered to your door in a matter of days.
No CAD File? No Problem! Send your sketch or template to our Design Services team. Starting at $49.

We proudly use hardware by PEM

Flush Standoff, 4-40, .250" Zinc plus Clear Chromate

Aluminum: 5052, 6061, 7075 Steel: Mild, G30

SKUSO-440-8
Thread Size4-40 x .250″
Hole size in sheet (+0.003/-.0.000).168″
Minimum sheet thickness0.040″
Maximum sheet thickness.125″
Fastener materialSteel
Minimum distance hole C/L to edge0.230″
When determining the distance between two or more fasteners, you can calculate the distance by the formula, C/L to edge + 1/2 the diameter of the second mounting hole..345″
Recommended panel materialSteel/Aluminum
Coating typeZinc
Length.250″
Aluminum material ranges (5052, 6061, 7075)0.040″-0.125″
Steel material ranges (CRS, HRPO, HR)0.048″-0.119″

We proudly use hardware by PEM

Flush Standoff, 4-40, .250" Passivated

Stainless Steel: 304, 316

SKUSO4-440-8
Thread Size440
Hole size in sheet (+0.003/-.0.000).166″
Minimum sheet thickness0.04″
Maximum sheet thickness.125″
Fastener material400 Stainless Steel
Minimum distance hole C/L to edge0.230″
When determining the distance between two or more fasteners, you can calculate the distance by the formula, C/L to edge + 1/2 the diameter of the second mounting hole. Example shown with x2 of the same hardware..345″
Recommended panel materialStainless Steel
Coating typePassivated
Length.250″
304 Stainless Steel material ranges0.048″-0.125″
316 Stainless Steel material ranges0.060″-0.125″