Exporting Vector Files from 3D Shapes for Laser Cutting

Exporting Vector Files from 3D Shapes for Laser Cutting

Table of Contents

If you’ve ever designed parts for 3D printing, but want to explore what possible with 2D laser cutting and CNC machining, you’re in the right place. Most popular design programs have a 2D export option, but each one is a little unique and may require a few steps to get us the best possible file.

With a little attention to detail, your 3D designs can become perfect 2D files to use in laser cutting and 2D CNC machining.

Start with the Correct Software

Using the right software is the most important part of the DFM (Design for Manufacturing) process. Using software that is designed for 3D printers or 3D animation may not be optimized for 2D laser cutting or CNC machining.

Here’s a few of our favorite programs to use for 2D laser cutting and CNC machining:

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Fusion360

Free for personal use – Very powerful design software that can output perfect DXF files for us, if you know a couple of steps to take.
Exporting to DXF From Fusion360

QCAD

It’s Free! – We love QCAD for its simplicity, cost (free for personal use), and it’s well documented. (tutorial soon)

SolidWorks

This is the industry standard. If you are good at SolidWorks, you’ll never be unemployed. Expensive, but a reduced cost option is available with an EAA membership or if you are a student.

Exporting to DXF from SolidWorks

Some 3D-centric programs offer an option for 2D exporting, but they do not define 2D shapes accurately or efficiently. If you’re working in the following programs, your 2D vector files will likely not be optimized for laser cutting, and are not supported by our process:

  • TinkerCad
  • Rhino
  • SketchUp
  • VCarve

Send Us the Correct File Type

The software you use will determine the file type that you send to us. The file types we accept are:

DXF – Exported from a sketch in SolidWorks or Fusion360. Save-as from QCAD or other popular 2D CAD programs
DWG – Save-as from AutoCad, Revit, ArchiCAD
AI – Save-as from Adobe Illustrator only. If your program has an option to export as an Illustrator file, but it’s not Illustrator, try an .eps option instead.
EPS – Save-as from Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw

Don’t Use Conversion Apps

If your software doesn’t save-as or export the common file types we accept, that’s a sign that there will be problems with the file you send us. If you attempt to convert a file from one form to another using an online converter, app or plugin, weird things can happen. In most cases, the file will not be useable.

Similar to human language, the more you process a file through a digital translator, the less legible it will get (Google translate from English to Spanish then back to English to see what I mean!).

Fusion360 and SolidWorks: Focus on the Sketch

In Fusion360 or SolidWorks, the first thing you do to create your part is make a sketch. For modeling purposes, you’ll go on to extrude, revolve or loft that sketch to make a fully formed shape. When you’re designing for laser cutting though, the initial sketch might be all you need!

Learn more about how to create a DXF from a sketch in Fusion360.

Adobe Illustrator – Just Click save!

Although Adobe Illustrator doesn’t support 3D design, it’s still a great tool for creating 2D parts. If you designed your file in Illustrator, send us the original .AI file. Please do not export as a DXF, we have a special conversion process that we use to retain the arcs and curves in your design accurately.

Here’s a couple things to look out for to make the process easier:

  • Remove guides
  • Remove hidden layers
  • Unlock all objects
  • Remove stray points
  • Use a single artboard

Designing for Laser Cutting in Illustrator

Check Your Export

If you view your DXF file in software like QCAD and it looks like there are more nodes than necessary, that’s a sign that your software didn’t export the DXF correctly. We might be able to cut the parts for you, but the cut quality will be reduced.

The laser reads simple lines and shapes (we call the shapes “geometry”) to determine the cutting path. All the geometry is defined by “nodes.” Nodes are like a connect-the-dots game, and the laser will happily go from one node to the next. Each node contains a set of directions, and can instruct the laser to go straight to another node or arc to another node.

If you’re cutting a circle or hole in your design, there will be four nodes that define 4 small arcs that make up the circle. The laser can read those instructions effortlessly, and the hole will cut nice and smooth. If your design isn’t exported correctly, instead of smooth arcs, you’ll get hundreds (or thousands) of tiny, straight-line segments and a ton of nodes. These extra nodes will result in rough or jagged edges on your part.

You’re All Set!

Getting the hang of it? For tips on getting perfect exports every time in our supported software, we’ve got some handy tutorials here. Still not convinced why we’re so picky? Here’s why we require vector files for laser cutting.

Preflight Checklist

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

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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″