Step 1: Upload Your File or Submit Your Project
Most projects begin in one of two ways.
For straightforward parts, customers can use Rapid Quote to upload a supported file, select process options, materials, quantities, and finishes, and move quickly toward pricing and order review.
For more involved projects, customers can submit a Manual Quote Request for team review. This is often the better path for fabrication, welding, multi-process work, non-standard materials, special drawing requirements, or projects that need added discussion before quoting.
Rapid Quote: How It Works
- Upload Your File – Start by uploading your part file directly into our system. Our quoting workflow is designed to work with supported CAD and drawing file types so we can begin reviewing your project quickly. For best results, upload STEP / STP files for CNC machined parts and DXF files for laser cut parts.
- Choose Your Process – Choose the manufacturing process that best fits your project, such as CNC laser cutting or CNC machining, depending on the part and workflow available through the system. In many cases, our system will identify the most appropriate process by evaluating the part geometry and file type.
- Select Material & Finish – Choose from the available material and finish options supported through the online workflow. Depending on the process, this may include material type, edge quality, and finish selections.
- Specify Quantities – Let us know how many parts you need, whether it’s a prototype, a small batch, or a larger production run.
Pro Tip #1: For best results and the fastest review, use STEP / STP files for CNC machined parts and DXF files for laser cut parts. If you need help converting a file or creating a simple 2D part drawing, visit our CAD/CAM Tips page in the Resource Center.
Pro Tip #2: Review our Design Guidelines for laser cutting and CNC machining to help improve manufacturability, reduce unnecessary review, and support better pricing and turnaround times.
Step 2: Automated Review and Manufacturability Check
Once your quote is generated, our system begins an automated review of the part based on the selected process, uploaded file, and available project information. This early review helps identify potential manufacturability concerns before the order moves further into production.
Depending on the project, this may include checks related to:
- Part geometry and process suitability
- Feature accessibility
- Material compatibility
- Bend requirements
- Drawing-based requirements when provided
- Other factors that may affect manufacturability, quality, lead time, or cost
This automated review helps catch potential issues early and supports a smoother path from quote to production.
Step 3: Manual Review if Needed
Some parts move directly through the standard workflow, while others require additional review.
If your project includes more complex geometry, specialty materials, tighter requirements, multiple manufacturing processes, or other details that fall outside the standard workflow, our team may step in for a closer review.
In these cases, we may:
- Review drawings, notes, and project details
- Clarify tolerances, threads, finishes, or special requirements
- Recommend a design adjustment or alternate process
- Route the project into a Manual Quote workflow when appropriate
This added review helps ensure the project is understood clearly before moving forward.
Step 4: Final Quote Review and Order Approval
Once pricing and project details are ready, you can review the quote and confirm the order.
Depending on the project, this step may include:
- Material and process confirmation
- Quantity review
- Lead time estimate
- Shipping options
- Final pricing
- Payment or order approval
For standard parts, this process can move quickly through the online workflow. For more involved jobs, quote confirmation helps ensure the scope is clear before production begins.
Step 5: Final Internal Review and Production Planning
After an order is approved, our team performs a final internal review before production begins.
This step may include:
- Confirming the manufacturing method
- Programming and setup planning
- Tooling and fixturing review
- Bend sequence planning
- Fabrication planning
- Finish coordination
- Quality planning for critical features or documentation requirements
This helps ensure the project is set up correctly before it reaches the shop floor.
Step 6: Production
Once planning is complete, your project moves into production.
Depending on the job, this may involve one or more of the following:
- CNC laser cutting
- CNC machining
- CNC bending
- Fabrication and welding
- Deburring and finishing
- Laser engraving or marking
- Outside finishing processes where required
Some projects involve only one process. Others move through multiple stages before reaching final completion.
Step 7: Finishing, Inspection, and Shipment
Before shipment, parts are reviewed based on the requirements of the job.
This may include:
- Dimensional verification of critical features
- Visual inspection
- Finish review
- Edge condition checks
- First-article inspection when requested
- Documentation support where required
Once complete, parts are packaged and prepared for shipment based on the selected delivery method.
