Laser Cutting Optimization Guide

Account for the laser kerf

A laser kerf is small — often around 0.1–0.5 mm depending on material and thickness — but it still removes material along every cut line. For tight-tolerance parts, the optimizer should offset for half the kerf on each side so finished dimensions are exact.

Nest parts tightly

• Rotate parts to fill the sheet where the material has no grain.
• Use true-shape nesting so irregular parts interlock.
• Place small parts in the gaps left by larger ones.
• Combine multiple jobs onto one sheet to raise yield.

Common-line cutting

When two straight part edges align, a single cut can serve both, a technique called common-line cutting. It removes a whole cut line between parts, saving both material (one kerf instead of two) and cutting time. It works best on rectangular parts laid edge to edge.

Order cuts to protect parts

Cut interior features before outer profiles so parts stay anchored to the sheet while detail work happens. Plan lead-ins and the cut sequence to reduce heat distortion on thin material and to keep small parts from tipping into the cut path.