Acceptable File Types
DXF is the preferred format for CNC plasma cutting. It is the most direct path from design to machine, no conversion layer, no ambiguity about what is a cut line versus a reference entity.
- DXF, preferred format. Use for all new file submissions when possible.
- DWG, accepted, but version compatibility must be confirmed. Save as AutoCAD 2010 or earlier if possible.
- AI (Adobe Illustrator), accepted if exported as outlines with no fills, no effects, and no live text.
- PDF (vector), accepted case by case. Must be a true vector PDF, not a scanned or rasterized document.
- JPEG, PNG, or any raster image, not accepted for cutting. These cannot be processed by CNC machinery and must be redrawn at additional cost before production can begin.
Layer and Entity Setup
How a file is organized internally determines how quickly it can move to production. Poorly organized files require manual cleanup before cutting, which adds time and cost.
- All cut lines should be on a single, clearly labeled layer (e.g., "CUT" or "CUTLINES")
- Do not mix cut lines with dimension lines, reference geometry, title blocks, or hatching on the same layer
- All lines must be closed paths, no open endpoints anywhere in the cut geometry
- Text must be converted to outlines or curves, fonts cannot be used directly in fabrication files
- All entities should be in model space, not paper space
- Remove all construction geometry, guidelines, and non-cut reference lines before submitting
Tolerances and Material Consideration
Plasma cutting is a thermal process. Understanding its tolerances upfront prevents part rejections and design revisions after production begins.
- Standard plasma cut tolerance: +/- 0.03" to 0.05" depending on material thickness and cut speed
- Tight-tolerance parts (±0.010" or better) require a different process, flag these upfront before production is scheduled
- Features smaller than the material thickness in width are not suitable for plasma cutting
- Minimum hole diameter for plasma cut: approximately 1.5x material thickness (e.g., 3/16" minimum hole in 1/8" material)
- Sharp interior corners will have a small radius, this is inherent to the process and cannot be eliminated without secondary operations
Drawing Scale and Units
Scale and units errors are the most common cause of wrong-size parts. A part drawn at 1:10 scale and assumed to be 1:1 produces a part ten times too small. A file submitted in millimeters and assumed to be inches produces a part 25.4 times too large.
- All files must be drawn full scale (1:1)
- Confirm whether units are inches or millimeters, specify this in the file properties or in the submission notes
- If the file was scaled for printing or presentation, restore it to 1:1 before submitting
- When in doubt, include a known dimension callout in the file so Fine Edge can verify scale on receipt
Common Mistakes That Delay Production
The following issues are found regularly in submitted files. Each one requires manual correction before cutting can begin.
- Duplicate overlapping lines in the cut path, the machine cuts the same line twice, causing overburn and scrap
- Open paths that appear closed visually but are not, produces incomplete cuts
- Incorrect scale, parts are cut at the wrong size
- Mixed units with no declaration, scale ambiguity
- Text not converted to outlines, fonts are not usable in fabrication files
- Reference geometry on the same layer as cut geometry, requires manual layer cleanup
- Bitmap images embedded in the file, must be redrawn as vector geometry
A file review before submission catches most of these. Use the form below to submit file information for a pre-production review.
How to Submit Files for Review
Upload files via the Upload Plans page or attach them to the quote form. For files larger than 25MB, contact Fine Edge for a direct upload link.
When submitting, include a note specifying:
- Material type and thickness
- Quantity of each part
- Units (inches or millimeters)
- Any tolerance requirements tighter than standard plasma
- Finish requirements, if any
Have a File Ready?
Submit your DXF or DWG for a file review before placing the order. Fine Edge will confirm usability and flag any issues before cutting begins.