

Saying "DXF file" is sort of like saying "XML file" - there is little standardization outside of some key "elements" and conventional use of command codes. I'm not sure how best to optimize the DXF file, or how practical it would be to do so. Largely this has not been an issue for me, aside from adding a little to the cut time, as I have the privilege of having access to a very nice laser cutter (but I do not own one myself) with high accuracy and repeatability so I don't get any start/stop artifacts of note - but I can see how for large cuts it would be helpful to keep cut times down and for cutters with less positional repeatability there could be some un-wanted start-stop artifacts as well. I'm sure each laser cutting software handles things a bit differently but I've also noticed the generation of rather silly cut sequences (using VisiCut) from time to time myself. For those cases where you are dealing with a non-manifold shape or simply require more control over the path generation the manufacturing workspace can be used to generate either a multilayer DXF or gcode toolpaths directly.

This tool is not the best tool for the job, however, it is often the easiest. Get all of this without modifying your geometry or tediously offsetting and deleting scores of lines and curves - let DXF for Laser do the hard work for you!

This add-in also supports the creation of multi-layered DXF files, splitting your perimeter and cutouts into their own layers.

Then there is the middle ground where parts can be easily dry-fit and disassembled multiple times prior to gluing. By using an aggressive value (say 0.20 mm - or a value larger than your calculated/measured actual kerf) you can make parts that need to be gently pounded together for no-glue assembly. By using this add-in with a small (or even negative) value for your kerf you can make loose fitting parts for a child's puzzle perhaps. By adjusting your geometry for the width of the laser cut you have full control over how tightly your parts fit together. Precisely dimensioned laser cut parts are wonderful to work with.
