Ordering metal cutting — from file to finished part

What is the minimum order for metal cutting?

The minimum order is 1 piece — you don't need to buy 10, 50 or 100 units to get a single part cut. That differs from industrial workshops, where minimum runs often start in the tens because of machine setup cost. One metal nameplate, one ornamental panel or a single test sample are all accepted equally, on every material and thickness. The more pieces you order at once, the lower the per-piece cost, because setup time is spread across the whole batch — the exact formula for that is on the pricing page.

Which files are accepted for an order?

Cutting requires a vector file with closed contours — DXF, DWG, AI, SVG or vector PDF. A raster image (JPG, PNG) cannot be cut directly, because the machine reads a contour rather than pixels; such a file needs vectorization first, which we perform when required. If you have no file at all, a hand-drawn sketch with dimensions is enough — we produce the drawing. Technical file requirements — units, minimum hole diameter, kerf allowance — are set out in a separate guide.

• DXF, DWG — 2D vector drawing, the preferred format
• AI, SVG, vector PDF — vector graphics, suitable for signage and ornament
• JPG, PNG — reference only; needs vectorization before cutting
• Hand sketch with dimensions — accepted, we draw it up

How fast do I get a quote and a finished part?

After you send a file, a quote arrives within 24 hours — the figure depends on material, thickness, total cut length and quantity. Once confirmed, standard production takes 2-5 working days, depending on workshop load and part complexity. Simple, small parts typically land at the lower end of that range; multi-contour ornaments at the upper end. If timing is critical, say so when you place the order — moving up the queue is possible when the production schedule allows.

How do bulk and serial orders work?

Orders above 50 pieces are treated as bulk and move to separate terms: material is sourced as one batch, pricing shifts from a per-piece rate to total cutting time, and production extends to 5-10 working days depending on batch size and part complexity. For repeat production, the approved drawing and parameters from the first batch are kept on file, so second and third orders need no re-specification — just state the quantity. Producing one control sample before releasing a large batch is recommended.

What is included in an order, and what we do not do

An order covers sheet cutting on the fiber-laser CNC machine, dimensional checking and cut-edge finishing. Engraving can be done on the same machine alongside cutting. We do not have press-brake bending, CNC milling, lathe work, plasma or waterjet cutting in-house — if a part needs bending, or steel thicker than 10mm, we say so in the quote itself and route the job to a vetted partner workshop. In that case we cut the part and the partner performs the remaining operation, with the lead time extended accordingly.

Where do I collect the part — Tbilisi pickup or delivery?

Finished orders can be collected directly at the Tbilisi production workshop. Courier delivery is available within Tbilisi, and for the rest of Georgia — Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi and other cities — parts ship via a courier company, typically in 2-4 working days depending on destination and seasonal load. Delivery cost is not included in the part price and is calculated separately by weight and destination. The exact timeline and rate are confirmed when the order is placed, by phone at +995 557 771 979 or email at info@craftbox.ge.