Tabs and Bridges: Keep Cut Parts Attached Until You Want Them Free

Why this matters

Use small uncut connections to stop released parts from shifting, falling or being disturbed before the job is complete.

How it works

• Tabs intentionally leave small uncut connections along cut paths.
• They can keep parts attached to a sheet during cutting and reduce movement after outer contours are processed.
• Tab size and placement must match material strength and the way the part will be removed later.

Practical workflow

1. Identify parts likely to drop, tip or shift after cutting.
2. Add a small number of tabs in places that are easy to finish manually.
3. Preview the path and confirm the tabs appear where expected.
4. Test tab width on scrap material.
5. Remove and finish tabs only after the laser job is complete and safe to handle.

What to watch for

• Too-small tabs can burn through or break.
• Too-large tabs create unnecessary finishing work.
• Tabs do not replace safe support for parts that can fall into a honeycomb or moving mechanism.