Turn a metal design into a cut-ready drawing
Decorative metal signs, panels and artwork begin as an idea, but laser cutting needs a drawing that describes the finished shape. Before quoting, decide which areas stay as metal, which areas are cut away, and how the piece will be used or mounted.
Shug cuts mild steel up to 10 mm, stainless steel up to 3 mm and aluminium up to 2 mm in Mooroolbark, Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Our work gallery shows examples, and our laser cutting service page explains the available cutting range.
Design considerations for laser cut projects
Keep internal pieces connected
In a stencil or cut-out sign, enclosed shapes inside letters can become separate loose pieces. Add bridges where those pieces need to remain part of the design. Decide which details must stay connected before preparing the final drawing; do not assume every internal section will stay in place after cutting.
Convert the idea to vector paths
A photograph or screenshot is not a ready-to-cut vector drawing. If you need help converting an image or sketch, ask Shug about file conversion. For a prepared design, convert lettering to outlines, check that the cut contours are closed, and remove duplicate lines or unused objects.
Set the finished size
Supply the vector drawing at 1:1 scale in millimetres. Check the overall dimensions, mounting holes and the details that must fit other parts. If a dimension or fit is critical, explain the requirement and discuss it before ordering.
Discuss the material and finish
Choose the material and thickness for the intended piece and include them with the quote. Tell us about finish or further fabrication requirements, along with any mounting details that affect the design. These requirements should be discussed rather than assumed to be included in the cutting price.
Prepare the file and get a quote
Read our laser cutting design guidelines for illustrated examples of drawing scale, bridges and cut paths. Use one drawing per different part, specify the quantities, and leave repeated parts unnested.
Upload DXF or DWG parts for an instant laser cutting quote. For help with artwork or other project requirements, contact Shug.
