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Holding Tabs

Holding tabs (also called bridges or tabs) are small uncut sections left along cut paths that keep parts attached to the surrounding material. This prevents cut pieces from moving during the job, which could cause misalignment, damage, or fire hazards.

Why Use Holding Tabs?​

When cutting through material, the cut piece can:

  • Shift position mid-job, causing subsequent operations to misalign
  • Fall through the bed grating or tilt if supported only at edges
  • Collide with the laser head as it moves
  • Catch fire if it falls onto hot scrap below
  • Get damaged from falling or vibration

Holding tabs solve these problems by keeping the piece attached until you're ready to remove it.

How Holding Tabs Work​

Rayforge implements tabs by creating small gaps in the cut path:

  1. You mark positions along the cut path where tabs should be
  2. During G-code generation, Rayforge interrupts the cut at each tab
  3. The laser lifts (or turns off), skips the tab width, then resumes cutting
  4. After the job completes, you manually break or cut the tabs to free the piece

Adding Holding Tabs​

Quick Add​

  1. Select the workpiece you want to add tabs to (must be a cut/contour operation)
  2. Click the tab tool in the toolbar or press the tab shortcut
  3. Click on the path where you want tabs:
    • Tabs appear as small handles on the path outline
    • Click multiple times to add more tabs
    • Typically 3-4 tabs for small parts, more for larger pieces
  4. Enable tabs if not already enabled (toggle in the properties panel)

Using the Add Tabs Popover​

For more control:

  1. Right-click on the workpiece or use Edit → Add Tabs
  2. Choose tab placement method:
    • Manual: Click individual locations
    • Equidistant: Automatically space tabs evenly around the path
  3. Configure tab settings:
    • Number of tabs: How many tabs to create (for equidistant)
    • Tab width: Length of each uncut section (typically 2-5mm)
  4. Click Apply

Tab Properties​

Tab Width​

The width is the length of the uncut section along the path.

Recommended widths:

MaterialThicknessTab Width
Cardboard1-3mm2-3mm
Plywood3mm3-4mm
Plywood6mm4-6mm
Acrylic3mm2-3mm
Acrylic6mm3-5mm
MDF3mm3-4mm
MDF6mm5-7mm

Guidelines:

  • Thicker materials need wider tabs for strength
  • Heavier parts need more and/or wider tabs
  • Brittle materials (acrylic) can use smaller tabs (easier to break)
  • Fibrous materials (wood) may need wider tabs
Tab Width vs Material Thickness

Tabs must be wide enough to support the part but small enough to remove cleanly. Too narrow = part may break free; too wide = difficult to remove or damages the part.

Tab Position​

Tabs are positioned using two parameters:

  • Segment index: Which line/arc segment of the path
  • Position (0.0 - 1.0): Where along that segment (0 = start, 1 = end)

Manual placement tips:

  • Place tabs on straight sections when possible (easier to remove)
  • Avoid tabs on tight curves (stress concentration)
  • Distribute tabs evenly around the part
  • Place tabs on corners for maximum support if needed

Equidistant Tabs​

The equidistant feature automatically places tabs at even intervals:

Benefits:

  • Even weight distribution
  • Predictable breaking pattern
  • Quick setup for regular shapes

Working with Tabs​

Editing Tabs​

Move a tab:

  1. Select the workpiece
  2. Drag the tab handle along the path
  3. Release to set new position

Resize a tab:

  • Use the properties panel to adjust width
  • All tabs on a workpiece share the same width

Delete a tab:

  1. Click the tab handle to select it
  2. Press Delete or use the context menu
  3. Or clear all tabs and start over

Enabling/Disabling Tabs​

Toggle tabs on/off without deleting them:

  • Workpiece properties panel: "Enable Tabs" checkbox
  • Toolbar: Tab visibility toggle icon

When disabled:

  • Tabs are not generated in G-code
  • Tab handles are hidden in the canvas
  • The path cuts completely through

Use case: Temporarily disable tabs to test the cut, then re-enable for production.

Removing Tabs After Cutting​

Tools:

  • Craft knife or box cutter
  • Flush-cut pliers
  • Chisel (for wood)
  • Fine saw for thick materials

Technique:

  1. Score the tab from both sides if accessible
  2. Gently bend the part to stress the tab
  3. Cut through the remaining material
  4. Sand or file the tab remnant flush with the edge

For brittle materials (acrylic):

  • Use minimal tabs (they snap easily)
  • Score deeply before snapping
  • Support the part while breaking tabs to avoid cracks

For wood:

  • Tabs may require cutting (don't snap cleanly)
  • Use a sharp knife or chisel
  • Cut flush, then sand smooth