Frequently Asked Questions

Upload your DXF or STEP file to our instant quote page and get a price in seconds. Select your material, thickness, and quantity — the price updates in real time. For complex parts or custom requirements, contact our team to request a manual review.

For laser cutting (2D parts): DXF files are preferred. For 3D parts and sheet metal with bends: STEP (.step, .stp) files. We also accept 3MF files for 3D printing. Preview your files with our free DXF Viewer before uploading. If you only have a PDF or sketch, request a manual quote and our team can work from your drawing.

No minimum order quantity — we cut single parts. Our minimum charge is $47.25 ex GST for sheet metal and laser cutting, $26.25 for 3D printing, and $15.75 for hydraulic fittings. This covers setup, material handling, and machine time for small orders.

Our system analyses your CAD file in real time — calculating cut length, material usage, pierce count, bend complexity, and nesting efficiency. Prices are based on actual CypCut laser parameters (cutting speed, gas type, pierce time) for each material and thickness, not estimates. You see the exact price before ordering.

Yes! Use our Sheet Metal Cost Estimator — enter the shape, dimensions, material, and quantity to get a rough price instantly. For the most accurate pricing, upload your CAD file for an instant quote.

Yes. Our pricing automatically accounts for batch efficiency — nesting multiple parts on shared sheets reduces material waste and per-unit cost. At higher quantities (10+), per-unit prices can drop 30-50%. Try our Cost Estimator to see volume pricing at different quantities. Business customers can also apply for a trade account for additional discounts.

Instant quotes are valid for 30 days from the date of quoting. Material prices can fluctuate, so if your quote expires, simply re-upload your file for an updated price. Custom manual quotes state their validity period in the quote document.

We cut mild steel (up to 16mm), stainless steel 304 and 316 (up to 8mm), aluminium 5052 (up to 8mm), copper (up to 6mm), and brass (up to 6mm). Our fibre laser handles all common engineering metals. Compare material properties with our Material Comparison Tool, or calculate part weight with the Material Weight Calculator. Contact us for exotic materials or thicknesses outside these ranges.

Our laser bed is 3000mm x 1500mm (3m x 1.5m), which is standard full-sheet size. Parts can be up to this size minus a small border for sheet clamping. For parts larger than a single sheet, we can discuss multi-piece fabrication with welding or mechanical fastening.

Typical tolerance is +/- 0.1mm for cut features on thin material (up to 3mm), widening to +/- 0.2-0.3mm on thicker material (6-16mm). Hole positions are typically within +/- 0.1mm. For tighter tolerances, CNC machining may be more appropriate. See our Tolerance & Design Guide for detailed specs per material, thickness, and process.

Yes. Upload a STEP file to our instant quote page and our system automatically detects bends, calculates the flat pattern, and includes bending in your quote. Use our K-Factor Calculator to calculate bend allowance and flat pattern dimensions. Minimum bend radius depends on material and thickness — typically 1x material thickness for mild steel.

Yes. We have an Okuma LB200MW CNC lathe for precision turning work, handling cylindrical parts with features like steps, bores, threads, grooves, and chamfers. For milling and complex 3D parts, request a manual quote. Learn more on our CNC machining services page.

Yes, we offer FDM 3D printing for prototypes and functional parts. Upload an STL or 3MF file to our instant quote page for a price. Materials include PLA, PETG, ASA, and engineering plastics. Not sure whether to 3D print or laser cut? Check our Process Selection Guide. Contact us for large-format or specialist material prints.

Pricing depends on material, thickness, cut length, and quantity. As a guide: a simple 200x100mm bracket in 3mm mild steel starts from $51.98 inc GST for a single part. At qty 10, the per-unit price drops to around $6.30–8.40 inc GST thanks to nesting efficiency. Try our Sheet Metal Cost Estimator for a quick estimate, or upload your CAD file for exact pricing.

Yes — all prices shown on the website are GST-inclusive. Your invoice and order confirmation show the GST component separately. We are registered for GST (ABN displayed on invoices).

We accept credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) via Stripe, and PayID bank transfer ([email protected]). PayID payments are confirmed manually and typically processed same day.

Yes. Business customers with regular orders can apply for a trade account with Net 14 or Net 30 terms, volume discounts (up to 15% off), and a dedicated account manager. Apply for a trade account with your ABN and business details.

Orders over $200 inc GST qualify for free standard shipping within Australia. For orders under $200, shipping is calculated at checkout based on weight, dimensions, and destination. Pickup from our Jimboomba workshop is always free.

Standard turnaround is 5-7 business days from payment. Express turnaround (2-3 business days) is available for +50%, and Rush (next business day) for +100%. Actual cutting time is usually hours — the turnaround includes queue position, material prep, quality checks, and packing.

Yes, we ship to all Australian addresses via our carrier partners. Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your location. Metro areas typically receive orders in 1-3 business days after dispatch; regional areas may take 3-5 days.

Yes. Select "Pickup" at checkout for free collection from our workshop at 45 Cerina Circuit, Jimboomba QLD 4280. We will notify you when your order is ready for collection.

You will receive email updates at each stage: order confirmation, production started, shipped (with tracking number), and delivered. You can also check your order status on our website using the link in your confirmation email.

Export your 2D drawing as a DXF file from your CAD software (AutoCAD, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, FreeCAD, etc.). Ensure all geometry is on a single layer, dimensions are in millimetres, and there are no overlapping or duplicate lines. Read our complete DXF preparation guide for detailed instructions, or preview your file with our free DXF Viewer.

Absolutely! Use our Cost Estimator to get a quick price from basic dimensions — no CAD file needed. You can also send us a sketch or drawing and our team will create the CAD file for you as part of a manual quote. Contact us with your requirements.

A STEP file (.step or .stp) is a 3D CAD format. You need one for parts with bends (sheet metal folding), CNC machined parts, or any 3D geometry. Our system analyses STEP files to detect bends, calculate flat patterns, and generate accurate pricing. Most CAD software can export STEP files.

Minimum hole diameter is typically 1x material thickness (e.g., 3mm hole in 3mm steel). Minimum slot width is 1.5x thickness. Features smaller than these are possible but may have reduced edge quality. See our Tolerance & Design Guide for complete design rules per material and thickness, or read our Laser Cutting Design Guide for comprehensive DFM tips.

We currently offer tumble deburring ($5.25/part) to remove sharp edges and laser oxide, and powder coating ($15.75/part estimated, outsourced) for a durable painted finish. Select finishing options during the quoting process. More options (anodizing, zinc plating) are coming soon.

Fibre laser cutting produces minimal burr on mild steel with nitrogen assist gas. Some materials and thicknesses may have light dross on the underside. Our tumble deburring option removes this for a clean, safe-to-handle finish. For precision applications, we recommend adding deburring to your order.

Yes — we offer powder coating as an add-on through our partner network. Standard colours are available with 3-5 day additional turnaround. For custom RAL colours or large batches, contact us for specific pricing. Powder coating provides a durable, UV-resistant finish ideal for outdoor applications.

We are based at 45 Cerina Circuit, Jimboomba QLD 4280 — south of Brisbane in the Logan/Scenic Rim region. We serve customers Australia-wide through our online ordering system and shipping network.

Yes. JDL Innovations is 100% Australian-owned, family-run, and all manufacturing is done on-site at our Jimboomba facility. We are not a broker — your parts are cut, bent, and finished by our team on our machines.

We serve a wide range of industries including automotive and 4x4, agriculture, mining, construction, marine, solar and renewables, signage, food and beverage, and general engineering. Our instant quote system and flexible capabilities mean we handle everything from single prototypes to production runs. See our full services page for details.

Yes — we welcome visitors by appointment. Contact us to arrange a time. We are happy to discuss your project in person, show you our equipment, and help with design decisions. Workshop pickups are also available for completed orders.

We offer several free engineering tools: Sheet Metal Cost Estimator, Material Weight Calculator, Material Comparison Tool, DXF Viewer, K-Factor Calculator, Tolerance Guide, and Process Selection Guide. All tools are free with no signup required. Browse them all on our tools page.

No. All our free tools and the instant quoting system work without an account. You can get a quote as a guest. Creating an account is optional and lets you save order history, access trade pricing, and reorder with one click.