Getting a fast, accurate quote on a machined part comes down to one thing: giving the shop enough information to price it right the first time. Missing details don't just slow things down — they lead to a quote that has to get revised once the real requirements come out, which costs everyone time. Here's what to send.

The Checklist

7 Things Your Quote Request Should Include

1

A Drawing or File — In Whatever Format You Have

A full CAD model gives the most accurate quote, but it's not a requirement to get started. Shops that work with manufacturers regularly accept a range of formats:

  • PDF — fine for 2D drawings with title blocks and GD&T callouts
  • DWG / DXF — standard AutoCAD 2D drawings
  • STEP / STP — 3D solid models, the most universal exchange format
  • IGES, STL, or X_T — additional 3D formats most shops can still work with

No file yet? A hand sketch with rough dimensions is enough to start a conversation, especially for a first prototype.

2

Material

Specify the exact material and grade if you know it (6061 aluminum vs. 7075, 304 stainless vs. 316, mild steel vs. 4140) — different grades machine differently and price differently. If you're not sure what you need, describe the application (load, environment, corrosion exposure) and ask the shop for a recommendation.

3

Quantity

Price per part often changes significantly between a single prototype and a production run of 50 or 500 — setup and fixturing costs get spread across more parts. Tell the shop your real number, and if you expect to reorder, mention that too; it can change how they approach fixturing.

4

Critical Tolerances

Don't just say "tight tolerances" — call out which dimensions actually need to be tight and what they're mating with. A part with one critical bore and otherwise generous tolerances quotes (and machines) very differently than a part where every dimension is specified to ±.001". Not sure what's reasonable? See our tolerance guide.

5

Surface Finish and Secondary Processes

Mention any requirement for a specific surface finish, anodizing, powder coating, plating, or heat treatment. These are often handled as part of the job or coordinated with an outside finisher, but the shop needs to know up front — it affects both price and lead time.

6

Your Timeline

If you need the part by a specific date, say so. Most shops can expedite when they know it's needed — but a rush request discovered on day three of a two-week job is a much harder problem than one stated up front. "Fast" means different things to different jobs — see our guide on lead times for how to say what you actually mean.

7

Context on the Application (Optional, but Useful)

You're not obligated to explain what the part is for, but a sentence of context — "this is a prototype bracket for a conveyor system" — lets an experienced shop flag potential issues or suggest a better approach before you've committed to a design.

The bottom line: the more specific you can be about material, quantity, tolerances, and timeline, the faster and more accurate your quote will be — and the less likely you are to get a number that changes once the full picture comes out. If you're not sure about some of these yet, that's fine too; a good shop will ask the right questions and help you fill in the gaps.

Not sure what tolerance to call out, or whether your part is a good fit for a prototype run first? We're happy to talk through it before you send a formal drawing.