Technical resources
Preparing a file for laser cutting, choosing the right format, knowing what information to provide: our advice for a complete quote request and a faster review.
Preparing your files and your request
Which format for which part?
- Flat laser-cut part: a DXF or DWG file of the contour, at 1:1 scale and in millimetres.
- Bent or rolled part: a STEP or IGS 3D model; our engineering office calculates the flat pattern.
- Tube: preferably a STEP or IGS 3D model, otherwise a dimensioned drawing of each face.
- Welded assembly: an assembly drawing with a parts list and, if possible, the 3D model.
- Several files: group them in a ZIP archive.
A dimensioned PDF drawing is a useful companion to every file, and is enough on its own for an initial estimate.
Preparing a DXF or DWG file
- Draw the part at 1:1 scale, in millimetres.
- Make sure every contour is closed, with no duplicate or overlapping segments.
- Keep only the contours to be cut on the cutting layer: remove dimensions, title block and text, or move them to a separate layer.
- Put bend lines and notes on separate layers, and mention them in your request.
- Provide one file per part, named with the part reference and revision.
Information to provide
- Material and grade, for example S235 or 304L, if known.
- Thickness of the sheet or tube wall.
- Quantity per part, and whether the need is one-off or recurring.
- Operations required: cutting, bending, rolling, welding.
- Finish required, if it matters for how the part is used.
- Requested date: it helps us plan the review, but it is not a delivery commitment; the lead time is confirmed in the quote.
No file?
A dimensioned sketch scanned to PDF, or a description of what the part has to do, is enough for an initial review. Our engineering office will then help you define the part before quoting.
Upload and confidentiality
The quote request form accepts DXF, DWG, STEP, STP, IGS, IGES, PDF and ZIP files, plus JPG and PNG for a photo or a sketch, up to 10 files, 25 MB per file and 100 MB in total. Your files are stored in a private space, accessible only to the ADL team handling your request.
Technical guides
More technical guides are on the way. Have a specific question about your files? Our team will answer.
Frequently asked questions
Which format should I use for a flat part?
A DXF or DWG of the contour, at 1:1 scale and in millimetres, with closed contours and no dimensions or title block on the cutting layer.
Can I send a scanned drawing?
Yes, a dimensioned PDF drawing, even scanned, allows an initial review. For production, our engineering office then prepares the necessary files from your drawing.
Should I specify the material grade?
If you know it, yes: the grade affects cutting, bending and welding. Otherwise, describe how the part will be used and our engineering office will advise you.
Are your files ready?
Send them with your quote request: our engineering office checks them before any quotation.