Fiber Laser vs Wood Router: How the Design Changes

Clients often ask if one design file works on every machine. The pattern can be the same, but the file is drawn differently for a fiber laser and for a wood router.

Fiber laser: thin cuts and strong bridges

A laser beam cuts a very narrow line, so it can follow fine detail and sharp corners. The challenge is strength. Every hole removes metal, so the bridges between holes must stay wide enough for the sheet to hold its shape. We also avoid tiny parts that could fall and tip during cutting.

Wood router: bit size sets the limits

A router uses a spinning bit with a real diameter, often 3 mm or 6 mm. Inside corners can never be sharper than the bit radius, and gaps smaller than the bit cannot be cut. We draw router files with the bit size in mind so the result matches the preview.

Depth matters for wood

Laser files are flat. Router files can pocket to a set depth, V carve with angled bits or cut fully through for a jali. We separate these operations into layers so your operator can assign the right toolpath to each.

Choosing for your project

• Gates, grills and railings: fiber laser or plasma on steel.
• Doors, wardrobes and wall panels: wood router on teak, oak or MDF.
• Decorative carvings with depth: 3D relief on a router.

Tell us your machine when you order and we will prepare the file for it.