DESIGN FILE PREPARATION & MATERIAL POLICY
To ensure high-precision cutting, fast quote turnarounds, and safe workshop operations, Ashford Lasers requires all client-supplied artwork, design files and materials to meet the technical standards below.
1. DESIGN FILE PREPARATION GUIDELINES
We process all jobs through CorelDRAW. While you can design in whichever software package your business prefers, all artwork must be submitted in a vector format that is natively compatible with CorelDRAW.
We do not manually adjust or rescale design files prior to cutting unless requested in writing.
Compatible File Extensions (By Software Type)
Whatever software you use, please export your artwork to one of the following vector formats:
Native CorelDRAW (Preferred): .CDR (Saved up to version 2024 / current version)
Graphic Vector Tools (Illustrator, Inkscape, Affinity): .AI, .SVG, .EPS, .PDF (Vectors must be preserved)
Engineering & CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Rhino): .DXF (AutoCAD 2018 format or older), .DWG
Note on Bitmaps/Pixel Images: .JPG, .PNG, .BMP, .TIFF, or scanned files are non-vector pixel images. They cannot be directly laser-cut. If you send pixel images, file vectorisation/tracing charges will apply before production can begin.
Multi-Software Export Checklist
Before emailing or uploading your file, please apply the following settings in your design software:
Scale & Units: Export your geometry 1:1 at full size in millimetres (mm). Please double-check your export/page settings before sending.
One Part Per File: Save each distinct part in its own individual file. Label the file clearly with the part name, material and thickness (e.g., Bracket_A_3mm_Stainless.dxf).
Convert Text/Fonts:
In CAD/SolidWorks/Fusion: Explode or convert all sketch text into drawing entities.
In Illustrator/Inkscape/Graphic Tools: Convert all text to Outlines/Curves (Ctrl + Shift + O or Path > Object to Path) so missing fonts do not cause layout shifts when opened.
Outlines & Line Widths:
Set cut paths to Hairline (or 0.001 mm/0.01 pt).
If using thick stroke widths in graphic software, convert strokes to paths (Expand/Outline Stroke) if you intend to cut around the inner and outer boundaries of a line.
Clean Paths & Overlaps:
Remove all title blocks, dimension lines, hatch patterns, hidden geometry, border frames, and text notes from the cutting file.
Run an "Overkill" or path-join cleanup command to remove overlapping lines, duplicate nodes, or unclosed paths which cause duplicate laser passes and edge burning.
Colour/Layer Mapping:
Cut Lines: Set to solid RGB Red (#FF0000).
Vector Engraving/Scoring Lines: Set to solid RGB Blue (#0000FF).
Raster Engraving/Fills: Set to solid RGB Black (#000000).
2. ACCEPTABLE MATERIALS
We stock and process a wide range of engineering and decorative materials.
Approved Stock Materials
Metals: Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminium, Brass, Copper, coated metals.
Plastics & Synthetics: Cast Acrylic (Plexiglas/Perspex), Polypropylene (PP), PETG.
Wood & Natural Materials: Laser-grade Birch Plywood, MDF (Laser-safe grades), Hardwoods, Natural Leather (Vegetable-tanned).
Paper & Cardboard: Corrugated cardboard, grey board, heavy card stock.
3. STRICTLY PROHIBITED MATERIALS (WORKSHOP SAFETY)
For safety, health, and equipment protection under UK COSHH regulations, we strictly refuse to laser cut or engrave the following materials under any circumstances:
PVC/Vinyl/Polyvinyl Chloride - Releases toxic, corrosive Chlorine Gas/Hydrochloric Acid that destroys laser optics and poses severe health risks.
Artificial Leather/Pleather - Almost always contains PVC.
Polycarbonate/Lexan - Catches fire easily, discolours heavily, and produces thick toxic smoke.
ABS Plastic - Emits dangerous Hydrogen Cyanide gas and tends to melt/catch fire.
HDPE/Polystyrene/Foamcore - Melts, catches fire, or releases dangerous fumes.
Materials with Unknown Chemical Composition - We do not process mystery plastics or unbranded sheets without a verified Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
4. CUSTOMER-SUPPLIED FREE-ISSUE MATERIAL POLICY
If you wish to supply your own material for cutting, engraving or marking, the following terms apply:
SAFETY VERIFICATION: You must supply a manufacturer Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Material Data Sheet verifying that the material is 100% free of PVC, chlorine, and toxic compounds prior to delivery.
CONDITION: Materials must arrive flat, clean, dry, and free from oil, heavy rust, or sticky residues. Warped or dirty materials will be rejected.
SCRAP ALLOWANCE: Laser processing requires initial setup, focal adjustments, and test passes. Please supply 10–15% additional test stock for setup purposes on custom or customer-supplied materials.
SPOILAGE DISCLAIMER: While every care is taken during setup, Ashford Lasers accepts no liability or financial responsibility for material damage or spoilage incurred on customer-supplied materials during trial passes or production runs.
Created: 29 July 2029