What File Does Laser Cutter Use?

When using a laser cutter, you can't just use any design file. The design needs to be in a format that the laser cutter’s control system can understand. This blog will show you the key types of files used in laser cutting.

What File Does a Laser Cutter Use?

Raster Files (Image-Based):

• Raster files are made up of individual pixels, like a photo, and are used for designs that need to be etched onto materials.
• They’re great for creating detailed images, but their quality can decrease if you resize them.
• Common raster file formats include BMP (bitmap) or other image-based formats such as PNG, JPG, JPEG, etc.

CAD or 3D Design Files:

• These files are made using mathematical algorithms to create shapes and models. They’re often used for more complex laser engraving projects.

Vector Files (Precise Line-Based):

• Vector files are most commonly used for laser cutting because they allow for precise control over the cutting path. These files are created using mathematical formulas that define shapes based on points, making them very clear and easy to scale up or down without losing quality.
• Since vector files don’t use pixels, you can resize them without any loss of detail, which is important for accurate laser engraving and cutting.

Common Vector File Formats

1. SVG (.svg): This is one of the most popular vector formats because it’s easy to scale and doesn’t lose quality. It’s widely used for laser cutting.
2. CDR (CorelDRAW): This file format is used by CorelDraw software and other related programs.
3. AI (Adobe Illustrator): Commonly used for logos and patterns that are laser printed or engraved.

Pros and Cons of Vector Files

Now that you know what file formats laser cutters use, let's look at the pros and cons of using vector files:

Pros of Vector Files:

1. Scalable: Vector images are easy to resize. You can make them smaller or larger without losing quality, which is great for laser cutting. Whether you need a tiny design or a large one, the quality stays sharp.
2. Easy to Edit: You can easily adjust vector files. Instead of dealing with pixels like in raster files, you can click on and edit specific shapes or lines directly. This makes editing much simpler.
3. Precise for Laser Cutting: Since vector files use mathematical formulas, they’re perfect for creating precise lines and shapes needed for accurate laser cutting.

Cons of Vector Files:

1. More Complex to Create: Compared to simple raster (bitmap) files, creating vector files can be more complicated. They require specific software and knowledge of how to create and work with these types of files.
2. Learning Curve: Since vector files are more complex, there’s a small learning curve for beginners. It may take some time to get used to using the software that creates these files.

Software for Precise Laser Cutting

Laser cutting can be tricky, especially when precision is important. The Ortur LM3 Laser Engraving & Cutting Machine makes it easier with its advanced features:

• 20W Laser: Provides powerful cutting and engraving.
• Built-in Air Pump: Reduces burn marks by 50%.
• Ultra-Speed: Cuts materials like 15-mm pine in a single pass with speeds of up to 20,000 mm/min.

The Ortur LM3 is compatible with popular file formats used in laser cutting, such as:

• JPG, JPEG, PNG, BMP, SVG (and more)
• It also supports vector, raster, CAD, and 3D files, so you have a lot of flexibility in your designs.

For easier use, Inspiraesth is a mobile app developed by Ortur that allows you to sync your photography and engraving. You can simply take a picture with your phone and upload it to start engraving, bypassing the need for complicated design steps.

Conclusion

The question "What file does the laser cutter use?" is a common query for those involved in laser cutting. To wrap up, vector files like .svg, .bmp, .dxf are widely used because they offer great accuracy and maintain image quality during cutting and engraving.

For the best results and file compatibility, the Ortur LM3 Laser Engraving & Cutting Machine is highly recommended, offering easy support for various file extensions and reliable performance.