Why do I need to submit a CAD file?

In order to produce your part, we’ll need a file in one of the formats we accept.

For 2D files, we need a vector-based file of the design to be cut (DWG, DXF, or Adobe Illustrator format) showing just the flat cut pattern for the part at 1:1 scaling, and no additional information like text, borders, crosshairs, or dimensions. If you need a CAD file, we offer design services where our in-house team will take your sketch or template and create a CAD file. We also have a great list of trusted design partners who can help create and prepare artwork for laser cutting unless you will be providing the vector file.

For 3D files, we need a STEP or STP format file. Learn about the criteria for STEP/STP files here.

If you’d like to create your design file, you can check out our blog, which has many tutorials for different design programs including Inkscape, which is free and available for download if needed! We also highly recommend QCAD since it’s a well-documented open source program. If you’re an Adobe Illustrator user, we have several excellent Illustrator guides.

Please reference our design file guidelines and our critical geometry minimums on each individual material spec page. You can also reference our overall part size minimums and maximums.

Once you have the file prepared, you should be able to upload it to our instant quote tool to compare pricing in each of our materials before checking our through our website. When you create a free account, you can save designs, create saved carts and share them, and re-order instant-quoted parts with one click. 

Our typical lead time for parts without additional services like bending, tapping, or anodizing is 2-4 business days before shipping, once the order is approved for production. Shipping speeds will vary based on the size and weight of your order.

In Summary

Why do I need to submit a CAD file?

In order to produce your part, we’ll need a 2D vector-based file of the design to be cut (DWG, DXF, EPS, or Adobe Illustrator format) showing just the flat cut pattern for the part at 1:1 scaling, and no additional information like text, borders, crosshairs, or dimensions.

We also accept 3D files in the STEP and STP formats. Your STEP/STP file must include only one solid body of uniform thickness to upload successfully.

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.

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..313″
Recommended panel materialStainless Steel
Coating typePassivated
Length.250″
304 Stainless Steel material ranges0.048″-0.125″
316 Stainless Steel material ranges0.060″-0.125″