Design parts that cut right the first time.
These are the same rules our quote tool checks automatically. Follow them and your parts ship without a back-and-forth.
1. File prep
| File type | What happens |
|---|---|
.dxf | Instant price. We measure size, cut length and holes, show a preview and run design checks. Max 5 MB. |
.dwg .step .stp .svg .ai .eps .pdf | Enter the part size in the quote tool for an estimate; we confirm the price by hand {RESPONSE_TIME}. Or export a DXF for an instant price. |
- Draw at 1:1 scale in inches or millimetres. If your file doesn't say which, we ask you to confirm before pricing.
- One part per file, with closed outlines. Open outlines show up as red dashed lines in the preview.
- Remove title blocks, dimensions, borders and construction lines. Convert text to outlines and keep "islands" (like the middle of an O) bridged or they'll fall out.
- Bent parts: send the flat pattern. A STEP model helps us double-check flange lengths.
2. Part size
- Largest part: 47.5" × 95.5".
- Smallest part: 0.25" on the shortest side. Under 0.75" we may need micro-tabs.
- Smallest part to bend: 1" wide.
3. Holes, slots & thickness
Hole and slot widths should be at least the ratio below times the material thickness. Smaller holes come out tapered, rough or not at all. The quote tool flags any hole that's too small and tells you the minimum.
| Material | Thicknesses | Smallest hole | Bending |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR500 | 0.119" – 0.5" | 1.0× thickness (e.g. 0.375" in 0.375") | Cut only |
| Mild steel A36 / 1008 | 0.03" – 0.5" | 1.0× thickness (e.g. 0.074" in 0.074") | Yes, up to 0.25" |
| 304 stainless | 0.03" – 0.5" | 1.25× thickness (e.g. 0.092" in 0.074") | Yes, up to 0.25" |
| 316 stainless | 0.06" – 0.25" | 1.25× thickness (e.g. 0.312" in 0.25") | Yes, up to 0.25" |
| 5052-H32 aluminum | 0.04" – 0.5" | 1.0× thickness (e.g. 0.09" in 0.09") | Yes, up to 0.25" |
| 6061-T6 aluminum | 0.04" – 0.5" | 1.0× thickness (e.g. 0.1" in 0.1") | Yes, up to 0.25" |
| Brass 260 | 0.04" – 0.25" | 1.25× thickness (e.g. 0.234" in 0.187") | Yes, up to 0.25" |
| Copper 110 | 0.032" – 0.25" | 1.25× thickness (e.g. 0.156" in 0.125") | Yes, up to 0.25" |
| 4130 chromoly | 0.05" – 0.25" | 1.0× thickness (e.g. 0.19" in 0.19") | Yes, up to 0.25" |
| Cast acrylic | 0.063" – 0.5" | 0.5× thickness (e.g. 0.11" in 0.22") | Cut only |
| Delrin (acetal) | 0.125" – 0.25" | 0.5× thickness (e.g. 0.125" in 0.25") | Cut only |
| Baltic birch plywood | 0.125" – 0.472" | 0.5× thickness (e.g. 0.236" in 0.472") | Cut only |
Tapped holes need at least 0.06" material. Keep holes at least one thickness away from edges and bend lines.
4. Bending
- Bendable: steel, stainless, aluminium, brass and copper up to 0.25". AR500, plastics and wood are cut only.
- Flanges at least 4× material thickness. Holes near a bend line can stretch — keep them 2× thickness away.
- Tell us how many bend lines the part has in the quote tool; bending adds about 2 business days.
5. Finishes
| Finish | Size limits | Adds |
|---|---|---|
| As-cut | any size | +0 days |
| Deburr / break edges | min 2"; metals only | +0 days |
| Tumble | min 1"; max 8" longest side; metals only | +1 day |
| Bead blast | max 48" longest side; metals only | +1 day |
| Powder coat | max 60" longest side; metals only | +3 days |
| Zinc plate | max 36" longest side; metals only | +4 days |
| Anodize (aluminum) | max 36" longest side; aluminum only | +4 days |
Frequently asked questions
Which files can I upload?
DXF files get an instant price — 2D, drawn 1:1, in inches or millimetres. DWG, STEP, SVG, AI, EPS and PDF are welcome too: type the part size into the quote tool for an estimate and we'll confirm by hand, or email the file to hello@littlebigcuts.com. Max 5 MB per DXF.
What's the smallest hole you can cut?
As a rule, a hole should be at least as wide as the material is thick (1.25× for stainless, brass and copper; 0.5× for plastic and wood). The quote tool measures every hole in your DXF and warns you before you order.
How big or small can a part be?
Up to 47.5" × 95.5" (our 48" × 96" sheet less a 0.25" margin). The smallest part we can cut is about 0.25"; parts under 0.75" may need tabs and are best ordered in quantity.
How long will my order take?
Most cut-only parts ship in 3 business days. Bending adds about 2 business days and finishing adds 1–4 days. Your quote shows the production days, the ship date and an estimated delivery date for each shipping option before you order.
How is pricing calculated?
Price comes from material, cut length, pierce count, part area, bends, hardware, finish and quantity. Bigger quantities get lower per-part prices — the quote shows the price breaks live as you change the quantity.
Do you bend parts?
Yes. Upload the flat pattern DXF and tell us the number of bend lines. Steel, stainless, aluminium and non-ferrous up to 0.25" can be bent. Keep flanges at least 4× material thickness. AR500, plastics and wood are cut only.
What if my file has a problem?
The quote tool checks for open outlines, stray shapes, holes that are too small, parts that won't fit the sheet and finish size limits, and tells you exactly how to fix each one. If something slips through, we email you before cutting.
Where do you ship?
Fast US delivery: ground, 2nd day and next day air, or free pickup from the shop. You get a tracking number as soon as your parts ship.
How do I track my order?
Open Track order and enter your order number and email. You'll see every step — file check, nesting, cutting, bending, finishing, QC, packing and shipping — with times and a carrier tracking link.
Can I talk to someone about a big or unusual job?
Yes — use the contact form, the chat, or email hello@littlebigcuts.com. We reply within 1 business day.