CNC Fabrication Tips

Unbridged center compared with a center attached to the surrounding sheet by two connections.
What Are Bridges in Plasma Cutting, and How Wide Should They Be?
Learn what bridges do in plasma-cut designs, why narrow connections fail, and the practical minimum widths we use when building cut-ready artwork. Read more...
No Offset, Inside Offset, and Outside Offset square toolpaths compared with desired finished edges.
Inside, Outside, or No Offset? Which One Should You Choose?
Inside, outside, or no offset gets simple once you ask one question: which metal are you keeping? Learn how to put the kerf in the waste and verify the toolpath... Read more...
One No Offset square cut creates a smaller piece and larger opening; each dimensional difference equals full kerf.
How to Measure and Verify Your Plasma Kerf
Measure plasma kerf with one 2-inch square, one No Offset cut and a caliper. Check both the cut-out square and the opening left in the sheet, then set a starting... Read more...
A drawn centerline through a wider removed strip illustrating full kerf width.
Plasma Kerf Explained: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Find Yours
What is plasma kerf, and why does it change finished dimensions? Learn how the torch removes metal, what No Offset means, and why inside and outside parts change in opposite... Read more...
Bridged opening showing connected metal to keep and the material removed by cutting.
What Makes a DXF File Cut-Ready for CNC Plasma?
A practical beginner's guide to cut-ready CNC plasma DXF files: connected metal, clean contours, kerf, lead-in room and toolpath checks before you cut. Read more...