How To Submit a Request for a Quote
When requesting a quotation from CNC machining companies, it can seem daunting at first, especially for someone new to manufacturing and your idea now is at point to go from your laptop to physical mechanical manufacturing. It’s not that difficult to submit, but the details are what makes the experience in communication with your selected service provider an enjoyable and positive one. Believe me, when I say contract manufacturers welcome inquiries about their capabilities and how they can support projects. This is the foundation for new collaborations and of course business relationships that keep technological advancements going forward. CNC machine shops are part of the industrial complex of solution providers for precision parts out of plastics, metal alloys and other materials. If you’re a one-person start-up or an established OEM, the key to submitting an RFQ or request for quote, is data and information about your project. The following list is what will be best for a complete review of your project and determination of cost, feasibility and lead time:
- Data and Design: CNC Machine shops need CAD or computer aided design files for your project. This digital information is used to program the selected CNC machines that will produce your component. They are available in numerous CAD software.
- Material: Material is one determining factor on how your project will be manufactured by CNC methods and what tools will the manufacture need to use. Aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, copper or tungsten for example will all have different tools settings to cut or drill through. CNC Milling, CNC Turning and CNC drilling may be needed to produce a precision component.
- Quantity and Scope: It is important to convey to your service provider the quality of your project and scope. A onetime need of a few parts will be processed and done. For potential volumes beyond R&D or prototype, manufactures will account for time, throughput and material cost to offer the best pricing and lead times for volume production.
- Post Finishing Processes: Will your precision part need any post processing like anodizing, powder coating, passivation, and tumbling? If not known, you can ask for recommendations from the CNC machined components manufacturer whose knowledge and experience will give you the best options available.
RFQ’s are a daily occurrence and from a CNC manufacturer’s perspective, the more, the better. As we use online means more than ever before, many CNC machined components manufacturers have online portals to submit your request and include portals for ITAR restricted projects. The process is straight forward and usually taking a few minutes to complete. Please do not hesitate to contact your preferred provider if you have any issues or prefer submitting your project by direct email or in person. The focus in all manufactures is to provide service to customers by beginning with the review of your machined component project and answering any questions or concerns you may have.