Engineering guide
Practical dimensional guidance for fibre laser, CO₂ laser, CNC router and digital knife cutting. Use the ranges below to prepare drawings, then identify every critical fit so our team can confirm what is realistic for your material, thickness, geometry and quantity before production.
Production guidance—not a blanket inspection certificate. Part-specific requirements are reviewed before cutting.
These ranges consolidate guidance already published on our current process pages. They are useful for early design decisions, but the achievable result still depends on the complete job.
| Process | Typical dimensional guidance | Important variables | Best starting page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fibre laser | Typically ±0.1–0.4 mm | Metal grade, thickness, part size, heat input and feature geometry | Fibre laser cutting |
| CO₂ laser | Typically ±0.1–0.3 mm | Material type, thickness, heat response, part size and edge requirement | CO₂ laser cutting |
| CNC router | Typically ±0.2–0.5 mm | Tool diameter, internal radii, material movement, hold-down and part size | CNC router cutting |
| Digital knife | Typically ±0.2–0.4 mm | Substrate compression, stretch, thickness, blade choice and hold-down | Digital knife cutting |
A range describes normal production guidance, not a guarantee for every dimension on every part. Tell us which dimensions control fit, alignment or assembly so they can be reviewed separately.
The machine is only one part of the result. The material, drawing and way the component is supported during cutting all affect the finished measurement.
Thin sheet, thick plate, acrylic, timber, foam and rubber respond differently to heat, cutting force and handling.
Long profiles, narrow webs, fine slots and features close to an edge can behave differently from a compact part.
Laser kerf is compensated in programming. Routers add a tool radius, while flexible sheets can move or compress under a knife.
Files must be 1:1 with closed outlines, consistent units and no duplicate lines. Critical dimensions need to be identified explicitly.
A general tolerance is appropriate for ordinary profile dimensions where the part still performs within a practical production range. A critical tolerance controls a fit, bearing location, alignment, seal, fastener pattern or another functional requirement.
Tighter is not automatically better. Unnecessarily tight values can restrict the process, add inspection and programming time, or require machining after profile cutting. The useful question is not “What is the tightest number?” but “Which dimensions must do what?”
Send the drawing before ordering. We will confirm whether the chosen cutting process is suitable or whether the feature needs a different production step.
Send the requirementUpload a cut-ready file for pricing, or send the marked drawing when fit and tolerance need review before production.
Compare published machine envelopes, stock formats and production-nesting responsibilities before fixing a full-sheet layout.
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