A laser can create fine shapes, but not every digital detail remains equally strong or visible in every material. Material, thickness, heat, kerf width, and the distance between lines collectively determine the result.
A line has a width in the material
The laser removes a narrow strip of material along the vector line. As a result, a cut outer shape may be slightly smaller and a hole slightly larger than the digital dimension alone suggests. The value varies per material, thickness, and production setting. Therefore, do not use universal compensation for all your designs.
Small holes and narrow bridges
The smaller a hole or the narrower the material between two cutting lines, the greater the influence of heat and kerf width. A shape can deform, become fragile, or emerge less clearly from the sheet. Do not make details smaller than functionally necessary and test critical shapes in the actual material.
Thicker plates require different details
With a thicker plate, the laser travels a longer path through the material. The cutting edge may therefore look different and be slightly tapered. Inner corners and fine openings can also turn out differently than in a thin plate.
The cutting edge is part of the material choice
Plywood, MDF, acrylic, rubber, foam, and cardboard do not all have the same edge. Woody materials become darker at the edge; acrylic can give a smoother and shinier edge appearance. Photos give an impression, but a material sample or test part provides more certainty.
Only test what is critical
For a fit or small detail, create a compact test strip with several size variations. Use the same material and thickness as for the final product. This way, you don't have to produce the entire design immediately to evaluate a single connection, opening, or text size.