SERIES 01Laser cutting
In productionLaser cutting
Understand the cut. Learn how geometry, assist gas, and edge quality affect the finished part.
8 planned lessonsExplore series
← All Academy seriesXEON NC ACADEMY / SERIES 04
Series 04 / In production
CAD & file preparation.
Give your design a clean handoff. Prepare cutting profiles, export files, and plan for hardware.
09 Planned lessonsSoon Videos in productionFree No account required
09 lessons / CAD & file preparation
Inside this series.
A closer look at every step. Explore the lessons. Videos coming soon.
LESSON 01 / beginnerDXF File Setup Basics
Coming soonExplore lesson
CAD & file preparation / LESSON 01
Preview image / Video coming soonbeginner / In production
DXF File Setup Basics
The right way to set up a DXF file for laser cutting — units, layers, line types, and what to avoid.
LESSON 02 / beginnerCommon DXF Errors That Cause Rejections
Coming soonExplore lesson
CAD & file preparation / LESSON 02
Preview image / Video coming soonbeginner / In production
Common DXF Errors That Cause Rejections
Open contours, duplicate lines, small gaps — the exact issues that flag your file and delay your order.
LESSON 03 / intermediateExporting from SolidWorks for Laser Cutting
Coming soonExplore lesson
CAD & file preparation / LESSON 03
Preview image / Video coming soonintermediate / In production
Exporting from SolidWorks for Laser Cutting
Step-by-step: how to export a flat DXF from SolidWorks sheetmetal with correct scale and layer setup.
LESSON 04 / intermediateDesigning Rack Panels (EIA-310)
Coming soonExplore lesson
CAD & file preparation / LESSON 04
Preview image / Video coming soonintermediate / In production
Designing Rack Panels (EIA-310)
How to design 1U–8U 19″ rack panels to spec — hole patterns, tolerances, and connector cutouts.
LESSON 05 / beginnerDesigning for Countersinks
Coming soonExplore lesson
CAD & file preparation / LESSON 05
Preview image / Video coming soonbeginner / In production
Designing for Countersinks
82° vs 90° countersinks, design rules, and how to call out countersinks correctly in your file.
LESSON 06 / intermediateTapped Holes in Sheet Metal
Coming soonExplore lesson
CAD & file preparation / LESSON 06
Preview image / Video coming soonintermediate / In production
Tapped Holes in Sheet Metal
When tapping is viable, thread engagement minimums by gauge, and how to indicate tapped holes in a DXF.
LESSON 07 / intermediateHardware Insertion: PEM Nuts & Studs
Coming soonExplore lesson
CAD & file preparation / LESSON 07
Preview image / Video coming soonintermediate / In production
Hardware Insertion: PEM Nuts & Studs
How press-fit hardware works, what standoffs are available, and how to prepare your DXF for them.
LESSON 08 / advancedDesigning for Anodizing
Coming soonExplore lesson
CAD & file preparation / LESSON 08
Preview image / Video coming soonadvanced / In production
Designing for Anodizing
Design considerations for anodized aluminum — masking, racking holes, and avoiding finish inconsistencies.
LESSON 09 / advancedGD&T Basics for Sheet Metal
Coming soonExplore lesson
CAD & file preparation / LESSON 09
Preview image / Video coming soonadvanced / In production
GD&T Basics for Sheet Metal
Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing applied to laser-cut sheet metal. What actually matters on a 2D flat part.
Preview images / Videos in productionCAD file preparation guide
Continue exploring
More from the Academy.
In productionSERIES 02Bending
In productionCNC bending
Design around the bend. Explore tooling, flange length, springback, and flat patterns.
7 planned lessonsExplore series
SERIES 03Materials
In productionMaterials
Choose the right starting point. Compare alloys, thicknesses, and material properties.
6 planned lessonsExplore series
From your file to finished parts