Real vector geometry
For cutting, the file must contain machine-readable vector paths. A picture inside a PDF is not enough.
Process guide
Fiber Laser vs CO2 Laser Cutting
When to use fiber laser for metals, when CO2 laser is better for acrylic and timber, and why the material decides the process. Written for trade customers who need better files, clearer material choices and fewer quoting delays.
Best filesDXF, DWG or vector PDF with real cut lines
Instant quoteSuitable cutting-only files
Review firstComplex, supplied or finish-critical work
AudienceTrade and production buyers across Australia
Guide summary
What this helps you decide.
When to use fiber laser for metals, when CO2 laser is better for acrylic and timber, and why the material decides the process.
The aim is practical: better quoting files, fewer production surprises and clearer decisions about when to use instant pricing versus reviewed quoting.
Quote fasterClean DXF, DWG or vector PDF files with real cut lines reduce back-and-forth before production.
Choose process firstMaterial, thickness, finish and tolerance decide whether fiber laser, CO2 laser, CNC router or digital knife is the right workflow.
Review complex workIf the job includes finishing, fabrication, supplied material, photos, unclear scale or mixed services, send it for reviewed quoting.
Practical checks
Before you send the job.
1:1 size
Set drawings at real-world scale and remove duplicate lines, open paths and hidden construction geometry.
Thickness and finish
Confirm material, thickness, side finish, coating and whether you are supplying sheets or need material included.
Review if unsure
Engraving, folds, paint, welding, 3D printing, assembly or unclear files should go through reviewed quoting.
Buyer notes
The simple split: fiber for metals, CO2 for acrylic-led work.
The fastest way to choose between fiber and CO2 is to start with the material. Fiber laser handles suitable sheet metals. CO2 laser handles acrylic-led work and selected non-metal materials. The quote path should follow that split before discussing thickness, edge, finish or detail.
Use fiber laser for metals
Mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium belong in the fiber laser quote path when the file is clean and the job is cutting-only.
Use CO2 laser for acrylic
Acrylic and Perspex belong in the CO2 laser path when the material is laser-suitable and the edge expectation is understood.
Review reflective metals
Brass, copper, polished stainless, coated metals and supplied sheets need review before assuming a standard quote path.
Review unknown plastics
Unknown plastics, PVC, vinyl and mystery supplied sheets should not be treated as automatic CO2 laser work.
Consider CNC router
Large acrylic panels, thick sheet, holes, pockets and mechanical plastic features may be better routed than laser cut.
Consider digital knife
Foam, gasket sheet, rubber, vinyl, card and flexible materials often belong in knife cutting rather than laser cutting.
Avoid these mistakes
Small setup mistakes create quote delays.
Check 1
Do not upload acrylic work into a metal-only expectation.
Check 2
Do not assume the same thickness means the same difficulty across materials.
Check 3
Do not choose process by price before confirming material fit.
Check 4
Do not skip review when the material is supplied, coated, unknown or finish-sensitive.
What to send
Good quoting starts before the file upload.
The best quote request combines a clean file with the commercial details that production needs: material, thickness, quantity, finish expectation, deadline and whether the part is a sample, one-off, repeat batch or component in a larger job.
If any of those details are unknown, reviewed quoting is the better path. It gives the team a chance to check the file, ask the right questions and prevent a fast estimate from being mistaken for a production-ready decision.
Quote readiness
Use the guide as a pre-flight check, not a replacement for production review.
Good guidance reduces wasted quoting time, but it does not remove the need to check files, materials and finish expectations. If the work has supplied material, mixed processes, visible presentation faces, tight fit-up, customer-specified hardware or unclear scale, the safest quote path is still a reviewed quote before production acceptance.
More guides
Related quoting and material advice.
Buying guide
Laser Cutting Costs in Australia: Pricing Guide
A practical guide to the factors that affect laser cutting prices, including material, thickness, cut length, setup and quantity.
File preparation
How to Prepare DXF Files for Laser Cutting
The file setup mistakes that slow down quoting and production, plus a clean checklist for cut-ready drawings.
Material guide
Acrylic Laser Cutting: Thickness, Finishes and Design Rules
How acrylic behaves when laser cut, which finishes work best, and how to design parts for clean edges and reliable fit.
Common questions
Answers before production starts.
Can I upload a PDF for cutting?
Yes, but only if it is a vector PDF with real cut lines at the correct scale. A JPG, screenshot or photo saved as a PDF is still an image.
Which files are best for instant pricing?
DXF and DWG files are preferred. Vector PDF can work when it contains real vector cut paths.
When should I ask for review instead of instant pricing?
Ask for review when the job has unclear geometry, supplied material, finishing, fabrication, engraving, folds, assembly or tight production requirements.
Use the guide
Then quote from real cutting files.
Upload DXF, DWG or vector PDF files with actual cut paths, or send unclear jobs through reviewed quoting.