STL to Laser Cut Layers

What this makes

A stack of laser-cut layers that rebuilds your 3D model. The tool slices the model horizontally, one layer per sheet of material, compensates the cut for your laser's kerf, and packs every layer onto sheets of the size you choose. You download the sheets as SVG or DXF and cut them. If you are looking for a free alternative to Autodesk's retired Slicer for Fusion 360, this does the stacked-contour part of that job in the browser.

How it works

1. Upload an STL, OBJ or 3MF, check which way is up and set the size you want it to be.
2. Pick your material, or type its real thickness and your laser's kerf, and a sheet size.
3. Download the SVG or DXF sheets, cut them, and glue the layers together in number order.

Tips

• Thickness sets the layer count. A 90 mm model in 3 mm plywood is 30 layers. Thicker material means fewer layers and a chunkier, more stepped surface.
• Measure your material. Plywood is rarely exactly 3 mm. Measure a sheet with calipers and type the real number, or the stack comes out the wrong height.
• Kerf makes parts fit. The laser burns away a thin line. The tool grows each outline by half the kerf so the finished part is true to size. If you are not sure, cut one test square and measure it.
• Glue and dowels. Wood glue and a few clamps hold a stack well. For tall models, leave the alignment outlines on: each layer shows where the next one sits, so you can line them up without guessing.
• Numbers face up. The engraved layer number is on the top face of each part. Cut with that side up and the numbers read in order as you build.

Common questions

Is it free?

Yes. Slicing runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded. Slicing and previewing are free for everyone, and downloads come with a free account and a weekly allowance. No card.

Does it work with Glowforge, xTool and LightBurn?

Yes. The files are in millimetres with cut lines in red and engraving in blue, which Glowforge, xTool Creative Space, LightBurn and Inkscape all read. Check the scale once on your first file, because a few programs apply their own import scale.

Should I download SVG or DXF?

SVG for Glowforge, xTool and Inkscape. DXF for LightBurn, CAD programs and cutters that prefer it. Both carry the same outlines.

Why is my stack too tall, or why are there too many layers?

The layer count is the model height divided by the material thickness. Shrink the model with Size, or use thicker material. A very tall model is capped at a maximum number of layers, and the stack card tells you when that happens.