What this is
A square external corner on a panel is fragile. It catches on fittings, wears faster, and is the first thing to crack if the part takes an impact. A square internal corner can't be machined cleanly by a routing bit (the bit's diameter sets a minimum internal radius), so even when you draw it square in CAD, it comes out rounded anyway. Radius corners deal with both: specify the radius you want, get it cut clean.
For external corners, customers usually pick a radius enough to be obviously rounded but not so much that it changes the shape. Marine and outdoor work tends to specify larger radii (less catch on rigging, ropes and weather); signage and retail tends to be smaller. We follow your spec exactly; round to the millimetre is fine.
For internal corners, the rule is: the radius can't be smaller than the cutting tool radius. The minimum is the bit diameter divided by two. We default to using the smallest standard bit that'll do the job efficiently — if you need a tighter internal corner, talk to us about whether the geometry is achievable.
For your file, draw the corners with the radius you want in the DXF. We cut to the file. If you've drawn square corners but want them rounded, list "radius all external corners — Xmm" in your enquiry notes and we'll add fillets to the file at our end. There's a small file-prep fee for that.
Provisional · Confirmed on quoteRadius Corners- Material
- —confirmed on quote
- Thickness range
- —confirmed on quote
- Process
- —confirmed on quote
- Tolerance
- —confirmed on quote
- Edge finish
- —confirmed on quote
- Min / max sheet size
- —confirmed on quote
- Typical lead time
- —confirmed on quote
Exact values confirmed when we quote your job.
FAQ
- What radius should I pick?
- Smaller radii are common for retail signage and small panels; larger radii for marine, outdoor and high-handling parts. For safety-critical hand-held parts, the larger the better. If unsure, tell us the application and we'll suggest a radius to specify.
- Can I have rounded externals but sharp internals?
- Externals are entirely your choice. Internals are limited by the cutting bit — we use the smallest practical bit and your internal radius will be that minimum unless you spec something larger.
- What file types can I send?
- DXF is the cleanest — that's a single-line vector format the cutter reads directly. AI, SVG, PDF, EPS and DWG all work too. If you've only got a JPG or a sketch on paper, send it anyway and we'll tidy it for you (small file-prep charge applies).
- How should I prepare a DXF?
- Outlines only, no fills. One closed path per cut. Different operations (cut, engrave, drill) on different layers so we know what gets which tool. Convert text to outlines before exporting so we don't have to chase the same font. If anything's ambiguous, write it in the file name or add a note in the quote request.
- How quick is a quote?
- Most quote requests come back within 1 business day, Mon-Fri. Simple trade jobs are usually faster during business hours. Complex jobs, supplied-material jobs or anything unusual may take longer — we'll tell you up front if so.