Setup for tapping depends on whether you plan to order sheet parts or machined billet parts. For sheet and plate parts, we accept both vector and 3D file formats and we’ll resize holes up to 4.00″ to fit the tap size you choose. For machined billet parts, we accept STEP/STP files. Don’t model threads in your file – design them as simple holes.
The biggest thing to keep in mind if you want to powder coat your parts is the added thickness of the powder. Powder coating can add anywhere from .007”-.010” to the surface of your part, so design all clearances with the added width in mind. The best materials for powder coating are Aluminum 5052
Here is our quick file setup checklist for Fusion:
File is exported as a DXF;
All holes and cutouts are at least 50% material thickness;
File is built at a 1:1 scale, preferably in inch units;
All objects are on the same layer;
All stray points, duplicate lines, empty objects and text areas have been removed;
No shapes have open contours;
All shapes have been united, combined or merged;
All text has been converted to outlines or paths;
Cut-out text (reversed text) has bridges or has been stencilized.
We have an easy file setup checklist for SolidWorks:
File is exported as a DXF;
All holes and cutouts are at least 50% material thickness;
File is built at a 1:1 scale, preferably in inch units;
All objects are on the same layer;
All stray points, duplicate lines, empty objects and text areas have been removed;
No shapes have open contours;
All shapes have been united, combined or merged;
All text has been converted to outlines or paths;
Cut-out text (reversed text) has bridges or has been stencilized.
Check out the full FAQ to use our file setup checklist before exporting your file from AutoCAD!
Take a look at the full FAQ to see our design checklist and tips for setting up part files in Adobe Illustrator.
Here is a file set up checklist for Inkscape:
File is exported as an .eps;
All holes and cutouts are at least 50% material thickness;
File is built at a 1:1 scale, preferably in inch units;
All objects are on the same layer;
All stray points, duplicate lines, empty objects and text areas have been removed;
No shapes have open contours;
All shapes have been united, combined or merged;
All text has been converted to outlines or paths;
Cut-out text (reversed text) has bridges or has been stencilized;
Material specifications are the limits and design requirements for each material thickness we offer, including tolerances, minimum cut sizes, flange lengths, bend limits, and more. You can find them on each material page in our Material Catalog.
We do not offer laser engraving or solid etching at this time. We recommend contacting a specialty engraving or trophy shop for those services.
Check out our Guidelines page for more information on setting up your files for laser cutting, CNC routing, bending and tapping.
To receive an instant pricing, we accept two-dimensional vector based Adobe Illustrator (.ai), .eps, .dwg, and .dxf format files. For 3D files, we accept .step and .stp format files. We do not accept .STL mesh-based files, raster files, or photographs. Adobe Illustrator .ai CorelDraw .eps SolidWorks .dxf, .step, .stp Fusion .dxf, .step, .stp Inkscape
Everything you need to know to design for laser-cutting, CNC routing, bending, and tapping.
Everything from software-specific tutorials to material selection tips.
We have sheet metals, plastics, composites, and wood/boards for every project.
Min and Max part sizes for all our materials
We accept .ai, .dxf, .dwg, .eps, .stp, and .step
Customize one of our simple parts templates
