Sheet Metal, Laser Cutting & DXF Tools
Laser, plasma and waterjet shops run on flat patterns. A part starts as a DXF file, gets nested on a sheet, is cut and then often goes to the press brake. A small error in the flat pattern shows up later as a flange that is too long or a hole in the wrong place.
The sheet metal calculators handle the layout math. The bend calculator works out bend allowance and bend deduction from thickness, inside radius and K-factor. The box layout tool gives the flat pattern for boxes and trays, and the cone tool lays out cones for rolling. The bend relief sizer tells you how big to cut relief notches so corners do not tear.
You do not need full CAD to make a DXF for a simple part. DXF Part Maker builds common parts such as flanges, gaskets, gears and sprockets from a few numbers. The DXF Sketcher lets you draw a part in the browser. Image to DXF traces a logo or picture into vector paths for cutting.
Before you quote or cut, the DXF Cut Cost Estimator measures cut length, pierces and machine time from your file. The sheet cut optimizer nests rectangles on standard sheets, and the linear cut list optimizer does the same for bar and tube.
Read the DXF guide if the cutting shop keeps sending your files back. It covers scale, units, closed outlines and the other small things that cause trouble. Always check the first part before you run a full sheet.
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Calculators
Free, browser-based and no sign-up needed.
Sheet metal layout
Sheet Metal Bend
Calculate Bend Allowance, Bend Deduction, and Flat Pattern Length using standard K-Factors.
Open Calculator: Sheet Metal BendSheet Metal Box
Calculate the 2D flat pattern dimensions required to fold a 5-sided sheet metal box or tray.
Open Calculator: Sheet Metal BoxSheet Metal Cone
Calculate the exact 2D flat pattern required to roll a truncated cone or funnel.
Open Calculator: Sheet Metal ConeBend Relief Sizer
Calculate minimum reliefs for sheet metal flanges to prevent material tearing.
Open Calculator: Bend Relief SizerMake DXF files
DXF Part Maker
Make flat-part DXF and SVG files: plates with hole patterns, flanges, gaskets, spur gears, sprockets and washers.
Open Calculator: DXF Part MakerDXF Sketcher
Draw simple 2D parts online with snaps and exact typed sizes, then export DXF or SVG for laser, plasma or CNC.
Open Calculator: DXF SketcherImage to DXF Converter
Convert hand-drawn sketches or images into vector DXF files for CAD/CAM.
Open Calculator: Image to DXF ConverterNesting and cut cost
DXF Cut Cost Estimator
Quote laser, plasma, waterjet or router parts from a DXF: cut length, pierces, cut time, material and price per part.
Open Calculator: DXF Cut Cost EstimatorSheet Cut Optimizer
2D nesting optimizer for packing rectangular parts into standard sheet materials (plywood/metal).
Open Calculator: Sheet Cut OptimizerLinear Cut List Optimizer
Optimize cutting 1D stock bars (tubing/extrusions) to minimize waste and kerf loss.
Open Calculator: Linear Cut List OptimizerGuides
How to Make DXF Files for Laser & Plasma Cutting
Make clean DXF files for laser, plasma, waterjet and CNC router cutting, with worked examples using three free tools.
Reference charts
Frequently asked questions
- What is K-factor in sheet metal bending?
- K-factor is the position of the neutral axis as a fraction of the material thickness, measured from the inside of the bend. It is usually between about 0.3 and 0.5, and it is used to work out the bend allowance and the flat pattern length.
- What is the difference between bend allowance and bend deduction?
- Bend allowance is the length of the neutral axis through the bend, which you add to the flat lengths. Bend deduction is the amount you subtract from the total of the outside flange lengths. Both give the same flat pattern.
- How do I make a DXF file for laser cutting?
- Draw the part at full size (1:1) in the units the cutter expects, with closed outlines and no duplicate or overlapping lines. DXF Part Maker and the DXF Sketcher export clean DXF files from your browser, and the DXF guide covers the details.
- How is laser cutting cost estimated?
- Most shops price on cut length, number of pierces, material and machine time. The DXF Cut Cost Estimator measures these from your file, so you can estimate a price before you send the job.