Pathfinder Subtract from Line

[KingstonCK]

Hi Guys,

I wonder if anyone can help or offer a solution or even workaround to my problem. I have a laser engraver which can score lines rather than having to engrave a fill which dramatically speeds up the production of finished pieces. I have run into an issue when trying to use pathfinder to crop line work. 

I have read online about using expand to convert to a fill and then subtracting which works but then the laser won't recognise the artwork as a single line and it causes issues. I cannot just use a clipping mask either as the RIP software doesn't allow clipping masks to be used and causes an error. I can provide the artwork file to anyone who wishes to see what I mean or if it would make it clearer as to what I am trying to achieve here. 

Any help anyone could offer would be greatly appreciated, I am using illustrator 24.0

Regards,
Chris

[Jacob Bugge · Accepted solution]

Chris,

"I have read online about using expand to convert to a fill and then subtracting which works but then the laser won't recognise the artwork as a single line and it causes issues."

Indeed it causes issues: it destroys the line work.

A screenshot of what you have to start with, and a description of what you wish to end with, would be fine, please use the Insert Photo button to show it live in your post.