Nesting sign letters for a Laguna router or laser
Laguna makes both CNC routers and lasers used in sign shops. NestSigns nests the letters once and exports a file that fits either machine: DXF for router CAM, or LightBurn and SVG for the laser.
Start free: 20 runs, no credit cardWhere NestSigns fits
| Step | Tool |
|---|---|
| 1. Design the letters | Illustrator, CorelDRAW or FlexiSIGN |
| 2. Nest the letters on the sheets | NestSigns: open the .ai, .cdr, PDF, DXF or SVG file, pick the sheet |
| 3. Make toolpaths | Your router CAM software, or LightBurn for a laser: import the nested DXF |
| 4. Cut | The Laguna controller |
NestSigns exports DXF R12 with true arcs on one layer, so curves stay smooth when you import them for toolpaths. It also exports PDF and AI, one file per sheet or all sheets together.
Router or laser: set the gap to match
On a router, type the bit diameter and NestSigns sets the spacing from it. On a laser the cut is much thinner, so you can set a much smaller gap and fit more letters on each sheet. Either way NestSigns measures the smallest gap after nesting and shows it.
Files for each machine
Export DXF for router toolpaths, or LightBurn (.lbrn2) and SVG for a laser, in inches or millimeters, one file per sheet or all sheets together.
What else it does for letter jobs
- True-shape nesting by the real letter outlines: any angle, 0/180° only, or no rotation.
- Exact spacing. Type the gap or your bit diameter; every layout is checked and shows the smallest gap measured.
- Parts inside letter holes. Small pieces go inside O, A, B and D, and holes stay with their letter.
- Leftovers first. Full sheets and leftover pieces per material, smallest leftovers used first, stock updated when the job is done.
- Oversize letters left out, divided, or divided with a 1 in joining strip, pieces labeled A1, A2…
- Every part numbered on the sheets and on the original artwork in the layout summary PDF.
See also LightBurn nesting for letters and RDWorks nesting.
Questions
Is NestSigns made by Laguna?
No. NestSigns is separate software and is not affiliated with Laguna Tools. It works with any router or laser that can cut from a DXF, SVG or LightBurn file.
Does NestSigns run the laser?
No. NestSigns does the nesting and exports the layout. You run the job from LightBurn or the software that came with your machine.
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