By Pro Steel Solutions, plasma cutting in Ash, Kent. Updated
Formats we accept
DXF is the best format for plasma cutting because it holds the exact outline. We also accept DWG, PDF with vector lines, STEP for 3D parts, NC1 files from steel detailing software, and photos or sketches with clear sizes. You can also build common parts from our shape library without a drawing.
Draw at full size in millimetres
Draw every part at 1:1 in millimetres. If the file is in inches or drawn to a scale, the sizes will come out wrong. A quick check is to measure a known dimension after export.
Closed outlines, no duplicates
Each part needs one closed outer outline. Gaps, overlapping lines or a line drawn twice make the machine stop, cut twice or miss a corner. Join lines into polylines where your CAD allows it and delete duplicate entities.
Holes and internal cut-outs
Draw holes as true circles at their finished size. Holes smaller than about the plate thickness, and never under 3 mm, are better drilled; we mark them for drilling rather than cut them tapered. Slots and internal cut-outs need closed outlines too.
Text, dimensions and title blocks
Anything in the file can be cut, so keep dimensions, notes and title blocks on a separate layer or out of the export. Text that should be cut must be converted to outlines (exploded); text that should be engraved or marked should be on its own layer and named that way.
Material, thickness and quantity
Tell us the material, grade, thickness and quantity of each part. Identical parts should carry one part mark with the quantity against it, not a different name for each copy, so they are nested and labelled together.
Check before you send
Our free drawing checker reads a DXF in your browser and flags open outlines, duplicate lines, tiny holes and parts that will not fit our 3,000 × 1,500 mm table. The Nesting Studio then prices the file on the spot.
Questions
Can you work from a hand sketch?
Yes, if the sizes are clear. Send a photo with the overall sizes, hole sizes and positions, material, thickness and quantity.
Do you need a separate file for each part?
No. One DXF with several parts is fine; give each different part its own mark and quantity.
Related tools and guides
- Is my drawing ready? Drop a DXF, SVG, NC or PDF and get a cutting readiness report. Your file never leaves your browser.
- File preparation checklist Tick through the checks that make a drawing cut first time.
- Kerf and smallest hole Kerf width, cut speed, amperage and the smallest clean hole for any material and thickness.
- Plasma vs laser vs waterjet cutting: which to choose
- Plasma cutting tolerances and minimum hole sizes
- How plasma cutting is priced, and how to pay less