Artwork should preferably be supplied as vector artwork at 1:1 scale. Please include a 100 mm measure bar so that we can confirm the file has imported at the correct scale.

Laser-cut profiles should be supplied as a single black vector cut path with no fill, gaps, overlapping or duplicated lines. For multiple quantities, it is usually easier to supply one of each component together with the quantity required, allowing PPD to create the most efficient sheet layout.

Please refer to our Artwork Guide for accepted file formats, laser artwork conventions and general preparation requirements.

For more detailed technical design guidance, including minimum feature sizes, layout recommendations and other laser-specific requirements, existing customers can request a copy of our Customer Artwork Guide, please drop us an email using the Contact Us page.

If you are unsure how to prepare your artwork, please send us your file and we will be happy to advise before manufacture.

Our standard lead time varies depending on current workload, material availability, order quantity and the complexity of the component. As a general guide, please allow around 1–2 weeks for one-off and small quantity laser-cutting orders.

For larger production quantities, please contact us and we will confirm the current lead time for your project.

An express service is also available for urgent requirements, subject to production capacity. Express lead times can range from approximately 24 hours to 3–5 working days, with the additional charge depending on the turnaround required.

Yes. Laser cutting is well suited to prototypes, development work and bespoke one-off components as there is no requirement for dedicated hard tooling.

We can manufacture a single component or small quantity and, if the design is later required in larger numbers, the same digital artwork can be used for repeat production.

For multiple quantities, PPD can arrange the parts on the sheet to make efficient use of the material

Laser cutting prices are calculated based on the material type and thickness, the quantity required and the amount of laser cutting time needed to produce the component.

Because cutting time depends on the length and complexity of the profile, we normally require final vector artwork before we can provide an accurate quotation.

For multiple quantities, PPD can arrange the components on the sheet to achieve an efficient layout and make the best use of the material.

For laser cutting, our maximum sheet size is approximately 1150 mm × 1150 mm. The actual size available will depend on the metal type and thickness required.

Please refer to our Metal Stock & Thicknesses page for the materials, thicknesses and stock sizes we normally hold. If your requirement is not listed, please contact us as we may be able to source material specifically for your project.

Laser cutting allows us to process a wider range of material thicknesses than conventional chemical etching.

As a general guide, PPD can laser cut material from around 0.5 mm up to approximately 6 mm thick, with mild steel up to around 10 mm depending on the grade and design.

The maximum suitable thickness will vary with the material, component geometry and required tolerances, so please contact us if your requirement is close to these limits.

Please also refer to our Metal Stock & Thicknesses page for the materials and thicknesses we normally hold.

Yes. PPD can laser cut customer-supplied silver sheet, we do not hold silver in stock, once priced we will advise on the silver sheet to ordered, this can be delivered directly to us from your supplier to save on additional post costs.

Once we have reviewed your design, material thickness and quantities, we can confirm whether laser cutting is suitable and advise on the sheet size required.

Where fine etched surface detail is also needed, silver components may be suitable for our Chemical Etch + Laser process.

Yes. Although PPD primarily uses chemical etching where permanent surface detail forms part of the component design, we can also laser mark parts where a simple identification mark is required.

Laser marking can be useful for information such as part numbers, reference codes or other identification details that do not require the depth or finish achieved by chemical etching.

For decorative or detailed surface features, chemical etching will generally provide a deeper and higher-quality result.