An accurate quote comes down to a handful of specifics. Provide them all up front and you will receive a firm price within 48 hours, rather than a request for the information still outstanding.
What to send — and why each item matters
| Send this | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| 3D model (STEP / IGES / X_T) | The exact 3D geometry we cut the part from |
| 2D drawing (PDF) | Tolerances, threads, critical dimensions and GD&T (geometric dimensioning & tolerancing) — it tells us which features actually matter |
| Quantity (plus annual usage / EAU) | Drives the price, the process we choose and the tooling we plan for |
| Material + finish | Affects cost, lead time and whether the stock is on hand |
| Target price (optional) | If it is close to our own estimate, we can often meet it |
| Destination country | So we can quote shipping, the Incoterm (who pays freight and duties) and customs |
| Need-by date | So we can schedule production and flag early if you'll need a rush |
| NDA (if required) | We sign it first, before any file is exchanged |
One money-saving tip: avoid tightening every dimension. Specify a tight tolerance only on the few features that are truly critical, and leave the rest at general tolerance (ISO 2768-m). This keeps the part affordable and shows us where to concentrate effort — the same part held tight everywhere can cost up to ten times the general-tolerance version. Our DFM review (design for manufacturing — a check for whether the part is practical to machine) flags the major cost drivers we identify, but it cannot audit every callout on every print. The fastest savings come from a quick review of your own drawing: does each tight tolerance, fine finish and sharp corner genuinely serve a function?
From our shop floor: the single biggest cause of a slow quote is a STEP file with no 2D drawing. The model shows the shape, but only the drawing identifies which dimensions are critical, along with the threads and the finish — without it, we must follow up before we can price the part. The reverse also applies: if only the 2D drawing is available, we will quote it as an estimate and confirm the price once the 3D model is received.
Three quick mistakes to avoid
- STEP file only, no 2D drawing — we can't tell which dimensions are critical.
- Tightening every tolerance — you pay for precision the part doesn't need.
- Leaving out quantity or destination country — both move the price.
