A tab is a small interruption in a cutting line. This means that after laser cutting, a part remains attached to the surrounding plate by a narrow bridge. The customer can later press out or detach the part themselves.
When are tabs useful?
- For small or light parts that you want to receive as a complete sheet.
- For kits where the parts need to remain together during transport.
- For numbered sets where loose parts are easily lost.
- When the plate serves as a temporary carrier for storage or further processing.
Tabs are not necessary for every design. Large or directly usable parts can usually be cut out completely.
Place tabs in a logical location
Preferably choose a straight, easily accessible edge where a small remnant point is not disturbing. Avoid fragile details, visible edges, and places where the fit needs to remain precise. For larger parts, use multiple tabs to distribute the load.
The correct size depends on the material
A tab must remain strong enough during production and transport, but also be able to be detached without damage. Wood, acrylic, cardboard, and plastic do not break in the same way. Thickness, part size, and shape also have an influence. Therefore, do not use a universal tab size for every design.
With brittle materials, breaking out can cause damage. If in doubt, first make a small test piece in the same material and thickness as the final product.
Consider post-processing
After detachment, a small remnant point may remain visible. Depending on the material and desired finish, you can carefully cut, file, or sand this. Determine in advance whether this post-processing is acceptable for your product.
Check the file
A tab is simply a deliberate interruption in the cutting contour. After uploading, check whether the line indeed remains open at these points and whether the rest of the contour is fully recognized.