READY FOR CUTTING

CNC Cutting from
Supplied CAD Files

Already have the parts drawn in CAD? Send the files with the material, thickness, quantities and machining details for CNC cutting from our Williamstown North workshop.

We review the geometry, clarify anything required, prepare the CAM and toolpaths, and quote the work before production.

SEND FILES FOR A QUOTE

Files not ready yet? See Designers & Custom Projects.

DREAM IT
I have an idea or rough concept.

Outline of a light bulb with rays of light around it.
Line drawing of a pencil with two rulers crossing behind it.
Laser cutting machine with a laser beam cutting through a metal sheet.
Outline drawing of a hammer and a C-clamp.
An illuminated arrow pointing to the right in a dark background.

DREAM IT

DRAW IT

CUT IT

BUILD IT

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CUT IT
I have production-ready files.

DRAW IT
I have drawings, plans or a model.

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BUILD IT
I need parts plus workshop work.

This pathway is for projects where the finished part shapes, main dimensions, material and quantities have already been decided. The files do not need to contain CNC toolpaths, but they should clearly show the parts to be produced and identify any pockets, rebates, holes or different machining depths.

Every file is checked before production. Clean geometry makes quoting and setup faster, but no file is loaded straight onto the machine without review.

What makes a project ready for CNC cutting

Technical drawing of a mechanical part with mounting holes, in black and brown lines on a white background.

Parts drawn

The required parts have been drawn at the correct size with their finished shapes and main dimensions decided.

An illustration of four layered square sheets, resembling a layered document or graphic design element.

Material decided

The material, nominal thickness and any important face or grain direction are known.

A simple illustration of a calculator with buttons and a display screen.

Quantities known

The number required of each different part is known, along with whether future production batches are likely.

Illustration of a checklist with three checked boxes and a mechanical part at the bottom.

Machining identified

The through-cuts, pockets, rebates, holes, engraving or other machining operations can be identified.

What to send with your CAD files for a quote

Send the best available production files together with the information needed to understand and quote the CNC work. A marked-up PDF can also be useful for showing machining depths, orientation, quantities or other instructions.

  1. CAD files - Supply the geometry that defines the finished parts.

  2. Material and thickness - Include the material type, grade and nominal thickness where known.

  3. Part quantities - List the quantity required of each different component.

  4. Machining details - Identify through-cuts, pockets, rebates, holes, engraving and different machining depths.

  5. Orientation requirements - Mark any grain direction, face orientation or matching parts that matter.

  6. Timing and repeat potential - Include the required date and whether the parts may be reordered later.

Technical schematic drawing of various metal parts and components laid out on a grid with measurements.

CNC cutting file types

Accepted file types for CNC cutting;

2D files accepted - DXF preferred, plus DWG, AI, SVG and EPS

3D files accepted - STEP or STP preferred, plus 3DM

Not accepted as production files - STL, OBJ, JPG, PNG and TIFF

Icon of a digital design file labeled 'DXF' with a geometric shape and measurement lines.
Drawing of a DWG file icon with a blueprint and technical drawing elements.
A digital graphic of a document icon with a folded corner, featuring a network diagram of connected nodes and the text 'SVG' in the center.
An EPS file icon with a white paper and a brown folded corner, featuring a vector graphic pen tool over the file and the text 'EPS'.
Icon of a document with an upward arrow indicating uploading or sharing.
Icon of a document with a folded corner, labeled 'AI', featuring a pen nib and a vector graphic tool underneath.
Icon of a document with a brown paper corner and a 3D cube graphic above the word "STEP" in brown letters.
Icon of a 3D model with a cube and a grid background on a document page labeled '3DM'.

DXF is usually the best starting point for flat CNC-cut parts. We can also review DWG, AI, SVG and EPS files where they contain clean vector geometry at full size.

For 3D CAD work, STEP or STP is preferred, with 3DM also suitable in some cases.

STL and OBJ are not accepted as production files. JPG, PNG and TIFF images may be used as references only and require separately quoted CAD work before CNC cutting. A marked-up PDF can also be supplied to explain dimensions, quantities or machining details.

From supplied CAD files to CNC-machined parts

Every job still requires file review, programming and production setup. We do not simply open the file and press start.

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Clock with an arrow pointing to the right

File review

We check scale, geometry, quantities, material and machining instructions.

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Clarification and quote

We identify anything unclear, including file work, tooling, material, workholding or test-cut requirements.

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Clock with a right arrow in the center

CAM, nesting and setup

Once approved, we prepare the nesting, toolpaths, cutters and workholding needed for the job.

Number four written in white on a brown circular background.

CNC cutting and checking

The parts are machined, checked and prepared for collection or agreed delivery.

Ready for cutting or likely to need file assistance?

Generally ready for CNC cutting

  • Finished part shapes have been decided.

  • Geometry is drawn at the correct size.

  • Material, thickness and quantities are known.

  • Pockets, rebates and machining depths are identified.

  • Important grain or face directions are marked.

  • The file can be understood without redesigning the product.

Likely to need CAD or file assistance

  • The project only exists as a photograph or sketch.

  • Shapes need to be traced from an image.

  • Geometry is open, duplicated or unclear.

  • Dimensions or finished forms are still undecided.

  • Joint details, fits or tolerances still need development.

  • Parts require substantial redrawing or production development.

If a file needs repair, conversion, redrawing or production development, the project can still be reviewed. That work is quoted separately rather than being absorbed into the CNC cutting price.

Stacks of wooden parts with holes and cutouts arranged on a white background.

Typical CNC work produced from supplied CAD files

Plywood, MDF and plastic components

Panels, profiles and production components cut from plywood, MDF, HDPE, acrylic and other suitable sheet materials.

Collection of various black, white, and blue industrial plastic parts and components laid out on a white background.

Small batches and repeat parts

Stable production files used to produce consistent components in small batches and future reorders.

Unassembled wooden mechanical model kit with various pieces, gears, and connectors on a white background.

Prototypes and one-off parts

Finished designs reviewed and machined for testing, assembly, final use or later production.

Stack of wooden or MDF parts with various drilled holes and cutouts, likely for assembling a piece of furniture or equipment.

Profiles, pockets and detailed machining

Profiles, pockets, rebates, slots, drilling and engraving produced from clearly marked geometry and machining instructions.

Material thickness, cutting quality and fitted parts

Material type, grade and actual thickness can affect tooling, fit, cutting time and edge finish.

Materials can often be supplied as part of the quote. Customer-supplied material may also be considered by prior arrangement, provided it is suitable for machining and handling.

For fitted joints, slots or tabs, measured material thickness and test cuts may be required. Nominal sheet thickness is not always the same as the thickness of the material delivered.

View Materials

Machine Capabilities

Tolerances & Fits

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Questions about CNC cutting from supplied files

  • We review every file before production. A drawing may show the correct shape but still require clarification, geometry cleanup, machining notes, CAM preparation or a test cut.

  • For 2D CNC cutting, DXF is preferred. For 3D CAD work, STEP or STP is preferred. See the file-type guide above for other accepted formats and files requiring CAD conversion.

  • A marked-up PDF or image can help explain the project, but it does not replace the production CAD file. JPG, PNG and TIFF images require separately quoted CAD work before they can be used for CNC cutting.

  • A fully prepared file will normally have the parts nested onto the correct sheet size. Include the required quantities and any grain or face-orientation requirements.

    We can also prepare or adjust the nesting as part of the CAM setup, although additional setup time may be charged. All supplied nests are checked before machining.

  • Yes, where the project is suitable. File repair, conversion, redrawing and production development are quoted separately from the cutting.

  • Material can often be included in the quote. Customer-supplied stock may also be accepted by prior arrangement.

  • Suitable one-offs and prototypes are welcome, but setup, programming and minimum job charges still apply.

  • Material thickness, cutter radius and the required fit all affect the result. Fitted joints may require measured material and a test cut before production.

Send your CAD files for a CNC cutting quote

Upload your CAD files and include the material, thickness, part quantities, machining details and required date.

If anything needs explanation, include a marked-up PDF or describe it in the project notes. We will review the information and come back with any questions or a quote.