FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What file formats do you accept?

We accept DXF, SVG, AI (Adobe Illustrator) and PDF files. For laser cutting, DXF and SVG are preferred as they are vector formats that import cleanly into our cutting software. AI and PDF files are also accepted but may require a brief file check before quoting.

File setup rules:

  • Cut lines must be set to RED (RGB 255,0,0)
  • Etch/engrave lines must be set to BLACK or BLUE
  • All text must be converted to outlines/paths
  • Document units should be set to millimetres

Not sure about your file? Upload it via our Cut File Quote tool or email it to design@lasercutpacksend.com.au and we’ll check it for free.

Can you help with design?

Yes — we offer basic file setup assistance at no charge for straightforward jobs. If you have a logo, text or artwork you’d like cut, send it through and we’ll advise on the best approach.

For more complex design work (custom illustrations, layout design, artwork creation from scratch), we charge a small hourly rate. Contact us first to discuss your project and we’ll give you an estimate.

What is prepress checking?

Before we cut your job, we run a prepress check to confirm:

  • All cut paths are closed and correct
  • Minimum feature sizes are achievable on your chosen material
  • Document units and scale are correct
  • No overlapping lines that would cause double-cutting

If we find any issues we’ll contact you before proceeding. We won’t cut a job we know will fail.

Can I get a ballpark price without a file?

Yes. Call us on 02 9451 4557 or email design@lasercutpacksend.com.au with a description of your project — dimensions, material, thickness and quantity — and we can give you a rough estimate.

For acrylic letter orders, our Custom Builder gives you instant live pricing without needing a file. For cut-file work, use our Cut File Quote tool for an instant price from your DXF or SVG.

Cost & Payments

How is my job priced?

Pricing depends on:

  • Material — acrylic, MDF/timber, aluminium etc.
  • Thickness — thicker materials cost more per metre of cut
  • Cut path length — more cutting = more time = higher cost
  • Quantity — volume discounts apply at 10, 20 and 50+ pieces

A $15 setup fee applies to new files to cover prepress and machine setup time. This is a one-off charge — reorders of the same file don’t attract a setup fee.

Indicative pricing:

  • Acrylic 3mm: from $25 for small pieces (up to A4)
  • Acrylic 5–10mm: from $45
  • Timber/MDF 3mm: from $20
  • Aluminium 1.5mm: from $65

What volume discounts do you offer?

We automatically apply the following discounts on qualifying products:

  • 10–19 pieces: 10% off
  • 20–49 pieces: 15% off
  • 50+ pieces: 20% off

Discounts are applied in your cart automatically. For very large runs (100+), contact us directly for a custom quote.

When do I pay?

Payment is required upfront before production begins. We accept credit/debit card, bank transfer and AfterPay (for orders under $2,000). Once payment is confirmed, your job enters the production queue.

For large or repeat orders we may be able to arrange trade terms — contact us to discuss.

What payment methods do you accept?

  • Visa / Mastercard (credit and debit)
  • Bank transfer (EFT)
  • AfterPay — pay in 4 fortnightly instalments

All prices are in AUD and include GST.

Can I pick up my order?

Yes. We are located at Unit 12, 16 Aquatic Drive, Frenchs Forest NSW 2086. Pick-up is available Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. Please contact us when your order is ready to confirm a collection time.

Technical & Materials

What materials can you cut or engrave?

Laser cutting:

  • Cast acrylic — 3mm to 20mm thickness, 20+ colours including mirror finishes
  • MDF and timber — 3mm to 18mm
  • Aluminium — 1mm to 2mm
  • Foam board, card, leather, fabric

Laser engraving:

  • Timber, slate, stone, coated metals
  • Leather, fabric, acrylic
  • Most natural materials engrave well; highly reflective metals (raw stainless, raw brass) do not

What materials can't you cut?

We cannot laser cut:

  • PVC / vinyl (produces toxic chlorine gas)
  • Polycarbonate / Lexan (melts rather than cuts cleanly)
  • Fibreglass or carbon fibre (toxic fumes)
  • Raw stainless steel or raw brass over 1mm (reflective — laser bounce risk)

If you’re unsure about your material, just ask.

What is the maximum cutting area?

Our standard bed size is 1200mm × 900mm. For larger pieces we can cut in sections and supply for self-assembly, or contact us to discuss panelling options.

Minimum recommended feature size is 2mm for 3mm acrylic. Finer detail is possible but contact us first for very intricate work.

Can you paint or finish my order?

Yes. We offer:

  • Standard spray painting — any colour (+$10/letter or quoted per job)
  • Exact PMS/RAL colour matching — for brand-accurate finishes (+$18/letter)
  • UV print to face — full-colour printing directly onto the acrylic surface (+$9/letter)

Painted and printed finishes add 2–3 business days to the standard turnaround.

Turnaround & Delivery

How long will my order take?

Standard turnaround is 2–5 business days from payment and file approval. Complex jobs, painted/printed finishes or large quantities may take longer — we’ll advise at time of order.

Urgent turnaround (same day or next day) may be available for simple jobs — call us on 02 9451 4557 to discuss.

How will my order be sent?

We ship Australia-wide via Australia Post or courier (TNT/StarTrack for larger orders). All orders are carefully packed — acrylic is wrapped in foam and boxed to prevent transit damage.

Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your location and order size. Sydney metro orders typically arrive within 1–2 business days of dispatch.

Is my order insured during transit?

Yes. All orders are sent with transit insurance included. If your order arrives damaged, take photos before unwrapping further and email them to design@lasercutpacksend.com.au and we’ll arrange a replacement or refund promptly.

How does order approval work?

For custom laser-cut orders, we send a digital proof by email before cutting. You must approve the proof before we begin production. This gives you the chance to check text, layout and sizing before any material is cut.

For standard products ordered through the shop with preset options (size, colour, font), approval is still offered for orders over $100.