How to Prepare Files for CNC Routing (Or Skip Files Entirely)

One of the most common questions we get: “What files do I need to send you?” The honest answer is — you might not need any. But if you do have files, here’s how to make the process smooth.

You Don’t Need Files

About 75% of our customers don’t come to us with design files. They come with:

• A sketch on paper (or a napkin — we’ve worked from napkins)
• A photo of something similar they found online
• A description of what they need
• Just an idea in their head

All of those work. We offer full design services — we’ll draw it up in Fusion 360, send you images for review, and make revisions until you’re happy. Nothing gets cut until you approve the design.

If You Do Have Files

Great — that speeds things up. Here’s what we accept:

For 2D Work (flat cuts, signage, profiles)

• DXF — the most common format we receive. Works perfectly.
• SVG — vector format, scales infinitely without losing quality.
• AI (Adobe Illustrator) — we can convert these easily.
• DWG (AutoCAD) — common in architectural and engineering work.

For 3D Work (carved surfaces, forms, dimensional pieces)

• STL — standard for 3D printing and CNC, widely supported.
• STEP / STP — engineering format, preserves exact geometry.
• OBJ — common 3D format, works well for carving.
• F3D (Fusion 360) — our native format, ideal if you use Fusion.

Important: Vector vs. Raster

For 2D cuts, we need vector files (DXF, SVG, AI), not raster images (JPEG, PNG). Vector files define shapes as mathematical paths. Raster files are grids of pixels — they can’t be scaled without losing quality, and a CNC router can’t follow pixel grids.

If all you have is a JPEG or PNG, that’s okay — send it to us and we’ll redraw it as a vector. It’s part of our design service.

Tips for Better Files

If you’re creating files yourself:

1. Set your units clearly — specify whether dimensions are in inches or millimeters
2. Include dimensions — even a rough sketch with measurements helps
3. Note material thickness — this affects how we set up the cut
4. Specify quantity — “I need 1” vs. “I need 200” changes how we approach the job
5. Call out critical tolerances — if something needs to fit precisely into something else, tell us

How to Send Files

Upload them through our contact form (we accept file attachments), email them to info@mountainvalleymfg.com, or mention them when you call us at 801-252-5350 and we’ll tell you where to send them.

What Happens Next

Once we have your files (or your idea), here’s the typical process:

1. We review what you sent and confirm we can do it
2. If needed, we design or adjust the file in Fusion 360
3. We send you images for approval
4. You approve, we quote, you pay 50% deposit
5. We cut your project — typically done in 2-3 weeks

Have a project in mind? Get in touch — whether you have production-ready CAD files or just a sketch on a napkin, we’ll take it from there.