Laser cutting holes on acrylic

[EEEnthusiast]

Friends,
I'm trying to cut some panels using acrylic sheets on laser machine. The panel is rectangular and has several holes in it. The laser will do multiple passes at speed of 100 to cut that shape. The problem is that sometimes, the entire panel falls off the sheet, before the holes are completely cut. This leaves the holes un-finished and has to be manually cut out from the panel.

If there any software which will ensure that the holes are cut first followed by the panel outline?
I am using EleksCAM software currently.

[moffy]

Can't you split the job into 2 parts?
1. Produce your drawing for the holes only and cut them out.
2. Produce a drawing for just the final outline then cut them out.

[EEEnthusiast]

Can't you split the job into 2 parts?
1. Produce your drawing for the holes only and cut them out.
2. Produce a drawing for just the final outline then cut them out.

Great and simple idea... Will try...

[Fred27]

I don't know EleksCAM but most CAM software will let you define what order to do operations in. You shouldn't have to split it into 2 jobs - just 2 operations within the same job.

[NivagSwerdna]

Use layers.... split your shapes into different layers in your DXF and then the cutter will cut the first layer, then the second layer etc...

So work you way outwards... cut the holes first...

likewise for etching... etch first... then cut... then cut outside... etc