What to Include in a Quote Request

The fastest quotes start with complete information. When a shop has to guess at a tolerance or a finish, it either prices in the risk or comes back with questions, and either way you wait longer. This is what to include when you ask A8 MFG, or any shop, for a price.

1. A 3D CAD file

Send the 3D model as a STEP file (.step or .stp). STEP opens in nearly every CAD and CAM system, so nothing gets lost in translation. IGES works too. If you only have a sketch or a sample part, send photos with the key dimensions. We also offer design services and reverse engineering.

2. A 2D drawing with tolerances

A PDF drawing tells us what matters. Mark critical dimensions and their tolerances, threads, surface finish requirements and any GD&T. Dimensions without a stated tolerance are usually made to a general tolerance, so call out anything tighter, and only where it's needed. Blanket tight tolerances are one of the design features that add cost.

3. Material and finish

Name the exact material, not just the family: 6061-T6 or 7075-T6 aluminum, 304 or 316 stainless steel, a titanium grade, or the fiber, weave and resin for a composite part. Then the finish: anodizing type and color, powder coat, polish, or a gloss or matte clear coat on carbon fiber.

4. Quantity and timing

Tell us how many you need now and how many you expect later, for example 5 prototypes, then 500 a year. Volume decides the process and the tooling, so the same part can be priced very differently at 10 pieces and at 10,000. For molded parts it also decides the mold (see aluminum vs steel injection molds). Add your target delivery date.

5. How the part is used

A sentence on the application helps us suggest improvements: loads, temperatures, outdoor or chemical exposure, mating parts, and any certifications or inspection reports you need.

Where to send it

Fill in the quote form with the details, and email your CAD files and drawings to info@a8mfg.com. We work across prototyping, tooling, CNC machining and composites, from first prototype to production.

Quote checklist

• STEP file of the part
• PDF drawing with tolerances, threads and finishes
• Material grade and finish
• Prototype quantity, production quantity and yearly volume
• Target delivery date
• How the part is used