Your file is ready if...
- LANDSCAPE sheet, max 1000×700 mm
- One single work rectangle per file
- Cut on Layer 0, marking on one other layer (no other layers)
- No blocks: text exploded, no duplicates
- Everything flat on Z=0
- At least 0.4 mm between two nearby cuts
- Exported as DXF AutoCAD 2000/LT2000
Minimum distance between elements
Keep at least 0.4mm distance between two adjacent cut lines.
Materials thinner than 0.4mm are extremely fragile and will break easily when handled.
For example: if you want to create slots or grids, make sure the material "bridges" between cuts are at least 0.4mm wide.
Draw the work area rectangle
In model space, draw a 1000x700 graphic units rectangle. This rectangle represents the laser work area.
The laser software interprets graphic units as millimeters. Without this rectangle, the drawing will be placed in the bottom-left corner of the work area.
Bringing a custom panel?
If the panel is smaller than 1000×700, leave at least 5 mm between the design and the panel edge, on every side.
Layer for cutting
All elements to be cut must be on layer "0". This is the default layer for cutting operations.
Layer for marking (optional)
If you want to add markings (surface lines without cutting), create a second layer with a name of your choice (e.g., "MARKING"). Elements on this layer will be marked instead of cut.
You can use only one additional layer for marking. Any other layers will also be marked.
Fonts and Text
Use only .shx fonts with TEXT command (not MTEXT). Text must be exploded.
Explode blocks
All blocks must be exploded into primitive entities (lines, arcs, circles).
Remove duplicates
Remove duplicate or overlapping lines that would cause multiple cuts.
Straight lines drawn as SPLINE (Rhino export)
Common with DXF export from Rhino: a straight line saved as a SPLINE is not cut. Convert it to a LINE. Curved splines are fine.
Flatten the drawing
Bring all entities to Z=0 plane. This step requires the FLATIT plugin.
FLATIT is not a native AutoCAD command. You need to download and install the free plugin.
Download FLATIT PluginImportant: before using FLATIT, make sure you have exploded the entire drawing (Step 4).
Remove unused elements
Remove unused layers, blocks, styles and other elements.
Export as DXF
Save file in DXF AutoCAD 2000/LT2000 format for maximum compatibility.
Calculate cutting length (ADDLEN)
To know the cutting cost in advance, you can calculate the total length of your drawing directly in AutoCAD using the ADDLEN command. This free plugin sums the length of all selected entities and returns the total directly in meters (provided the drawing was created at real scale, i.e. in millimeters).
How to use ADDLEN
- Download the add-len.zip file and extract it.
- In AutoCAD, type APPLOAD and load the .lsp file from the zip.
- Type ADDLEN in the command line.
- Select the entities you want to measure and press Enter. The total is displayed directly in meters.
Example: if ADDLEN returns 12.5 → total length is 12.5 meters → cutting cost: € 12.50 (minimum € 10.00).
Quick Summary
- ONLY ONE work rectangle (max 1000x700) per file
- Minimum distance between cuts: 0.4mm
- Layer 0 for cutting, second layer for marking (optional)
- .shx fonts with TEXT command
- Explode all blocks (EXPLODE)
- Remove duplicates (OVERKILL)
- Flatten (FLATIT plugin)
- Purge (PURGE)
- Export DXF AutoCAD 2000
- Calculate total length with ADDLEN to estimate cost