A file does not have to be perfect for a quote; cut, crease and reference lines separated legibly are a sufficient start. Whatever format is sent, the cutting die workshop looks for the same three things: 1:1 scale, which line is which, and at least one control dimension. Once those three are in place the file type becomes secondary.

Acceptable file types

A quote can be requested with a PDF, AI, DXF, technical drawing, dimensioned image or a simple sketch. A vector file (AI, DXF, vector PDF) is prepared for the laser directly and gives the fastest result; an image file or sketch is first turned into a drawing, and that drawing waits for approval. With no drawing at all, a first assessment is made from the product’s width, length and depth and the material to be cut.

Each format has its own needs: a PDF or AI can carry the print layout as well, a DXF reads the cut line cleanly, a sketch must not lack the dimension and material note. When a quote is requested from a photo, a sharp image taken next to a ruler or an existing product shortens the time taken to derive dimensions.

  • Vector PDF, AI or DXF gives the fastest result; the print layout travels in PDF/AI.
  • DXF reads the cut line cleanly; text is converted to outlines.
  • A sketch or photo carries the dimension, unit and material note.

Separating cut, crease and perforation lines

When every line in the drawing is the same colour the chance of error rises: a fold line is taken for a cut and the lid separates from the body. Cut, crease, perforation, kiss-cut and reference lines are given in separate colours or layers; layer names are kept simple and a three-line colour legend is added in the corner of the drawing.

Reference text, dimension arrows and print bleed must not turn into production lines; a flattened single-layer PDF keeps the colours but loses the selectable role information. The layer structure is preserved on export; a line that is in doubt gets a plain note beside it instead of leaving the interpretation to the workshop.

  • The cut line is given unambiguously as a closed contour.
  • Crease and perforation are separated from the cut by colour or layer; a legend is added.
  • Reference text and dimension arrows do not mix with production lines.

Dimension check and the scale risk

If the scale has drifted when the file is opened, the right die cannot be made: a “fit to page” setting on export, a unit left in inches or a scaled PDF distorts the dimension silently. The drawing therefore carries at least one real dimension note; the outer width, outer length or a critical lid dimension is written as text and the workshop verifies the file against it first.

The unit is stated in millimetres and the drawing is saved at 1:1. Where there is a revision the old and new files are not mixed: the file name carries a date or revision code and the old version is marked as cancelled. Two active files at the same time are the most common cause of the wrong die being made.

  • At least one control dimension is added as text.
  • The unit is millimetres and the scale is saved at 1:1.
  • A revised file is named with a date or code; the old version is cancelled.

What is settled together in the WhatsApp message

When the end use is shared alongside the file the assessment speeds up: the same drawing wants different rule and rubbering for a box, a label, a gasket or another surface. The fastest flow is five items: file, material, quantity, machine or end use, delivery expectation; these five are enough for a first quote on most jobs.

The message states that the file is the final version, gives the material and quantity, and settles the delivery expectation as a date and time at the end. Every missing item comes back as a question from the other side and the quote waits for that answer; a pack completed in one message usually settles the quote the same day.

  • The message states that the file is the final version.
  • Material, quantity and end use are written down.
  • The delivery expectation is settled as a date and time at the end of the message.

Quote details we clarify together

When the file, material, quantity and deadline are clear, the quote conversation moves faster and with less back-and-forth.

  • Current revision file
  • Material and quantity details
  • Critical dimensions or production notes
  • Deadline expectation and delivery preference