Design Guide

Design your parts for specialized cutting with confidence.

File formats, design rules, compatible thicknesses, and common mistakes to avoid — everything needed to send a cut-ready file.

±0.1 mm Standard tolerance
0.05–6 mm Thickness range
PDF · DXF · AI · EPS Accepted formats
24 h Guaranteed quote turnaround
Files

Accepted
formats.

DXF PDF AI EPS DWG SVG CDR

We work exclusively with vector files. Raster images (JPG, PNG, BMP) cannot be used directly for laser cutting.

Closed contours — All cut paths must form closed loops. An open path results in an incomplete cut.
1:1 scale — Always send your file at actual size. Specify the units used (mm or inches) in your message.
Separate layers — Keep cut lines, engraving, and construction geometry on separate layers.
No stray geometry — Remove construction lines, stray points, and duplicate paths before sending.
Design Rules

Six rules for a successful cut, first time.

Format
Vector
Vector files only

Send your files in PDF, DXF, AI, EPS, or DWG. Raster images (JPG, PNG) cannot be cut directly — all outlines must be vector paths.

Bridges & Ribs
≥ 0.8 mm
Minimum bridge width

Any bridge, rib, or wall between two cuts must measure at least 0.8 mm. Below that value, fragile parts risk warping or breaking during removal.

Holes & Piercings
≥ thickness
Minimum hole diameter

A hole's diameter must be at least equal to the material thickness, with an absolute minimum of 0.5 mm. Holes that are too small cannot be cut cleanly and risk burning.

Margins
≥ 3 mm
Margin from the edges

Keep a margin of at least 3 mm between the edge of your part and the edges of the material sheet. Cuts too close to the edge can produce irregularities or burning.

Text & Engraving
≥ 3 mm
Minimum character height

For legible engraving or marking, use a minimum height of 3 mm per character. Avoid light or very thin fonts whose strokes would be under 0.3 mm.

Scale
1:1
Actual-scale file

Always send your file at 1:1 scale (actual size). Specify the units (mm or inches). An incorrectly scaled file is the most frequent and costly source of error.

Material Compatibility

Available thicknesses by material.

These ranges cover the most common configurations. For a thickness outside the range or a material not listed, contact us — we can often source custom.

Material Min. thickness Max. thickness Typical application
Nomex 410 View datasheet → 0.05 mm 1.5 mm Thin gaskets, high-voltage electrical insulation, arc barriers
Hitex 020 Grey View datasheet → 0.5 mm 3 mm Rigid insulating plates, spacers, precision parts
Neoprene CloseCells View datasheet → 1 mm 6 mm Seals, gaskets, vibration dampers
High-Temperature Silicone View datasheet → 0.5 mm 6 mm Flexible insulators, high-temperature gaskets, flexible parts
Process

From your file to the delivered part.

No minimum order, no hidden tooling costs. Prototypes and short runs alike, we handle both.

01
Prepare Your File

Vector file (PDF, DXF, AI, EPS), 1:1 scale, closed contours. Indicate the desired material, thickness, and quantity.

02
Send Your Order

Via our contact form or by email to petp@bellnet.ca. Prototypes and short runs accepted with no minimum.

03
Receive Your Quote

Response within 24 business hours. Transparent pricing, no hidden fees. We verify your file's cuttability before production.

04
Production & Delivery

Precision laser cutting, quality control, careful packaging. Shipped from Montreal — fast turnaround, reliable delivery across Canada.

Summary

Checklist before sending your file.

Do
  • Vector files — PDF, DXF, AI, EPS, or DWG
  • Closed contours and clean paths, no floating points
  • 1:1 scale with clearly specified units (mm or in)
  • Separate layers for cut lines, engraving, and construction
  • Bridges ≥ 0.8 mm and holes ≥ material thickness
  • Margin ≥ 3 mm from the sheet edges
  • Specify the material, thickness, and desired quantity
Don't
  • Raster images — JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF not accepted as cut paths
  • Double or overlapping lines — they produce duplicate laser passes
  • Construction geometry not removed from the final file
  • Holes smaller than 0.5 mm or than the material thickness
  • Margin under 3 mm from the sheet edges
  • File with no indication of units or scale
  • Open contours — an unclosed path results in an incomplete cut

Is your file ready? Send us your order.

Free quote within 24 h, no minimum order, fast turnaround from Montreal.

Request a Free Quote