Laser File Formatting for
AutoCAD

• AutoCAD Versions 2000 and earlier are supported.
  
  
• All drawings should be at 1:1 scale expressed in inches.
  
  
• Draw in 2D only; using World Coordinate System, in Model Space.
  
  
• For setup purposes, draw a rectangle on the ‘0’ layer that is 32" x 18". All parts to be cut or scored must be _" within the edges of this area to avoid bleed problems.
  
  
• Erase all stray lines.
  
  
• Remove all overlapping and duplicate lines. The laser will re-cut overlapping lines with very negative results.
  
  
• Parts to be cut must be placed on different layers from parts to be scored. Name layers ‘cut’ and ‘score’ respectively.
  
  
• For smoother cuts, all continuous line segments should be joined using the PEDIT/JOIN command.
  
  
• All line widths should be set at zero thickness. If you want scored lines to be thicker, do multiple .004" offsets.
  
  Note: If this is unacceptable, the laser system is capable of scoring any thickness line. However, this involves raster cutting rather than vector cutting and requires more laser time.
  
  
• The laser kerf is approximately .006" centered on the line. This will cause the cut parts to be slightly smaller than drawn. This is normally insignificant. However, if it is critical to your work, please make a note of it.
  
  
• Group parts to be cut from the same material by layer.
  
  Note: Rule of thumb for spacing between parts is to allow half the thickness of the material or more between relatively parallel cuts, particularly on acrylics.
  
  
• It is best to draw everything in AutoCAD. Files from other programs imported or pasted into AutoCAD can cause problems, which have to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
  
  
• Nested shapes should be placed on different layers, and the innermost shapes cut first. Name layers accordingly: innercut01, innercut02…
  
  
• Use only the standard seven AutoCAD colors: red, yellow, green, cyan, blue, magenta, and white.