How do I prepare my file for a quote?

Upload a STEP of a single part, drawn at real size and as it should look when finished. That gets you an instant price. If your part has tight tolerances, threads or special requirements, upload its drawing as a PDF too.

1. Export in the right format

• STEP (.step or .stp): Recommended for CNC machining and 3D printing. It keeps the exact geometry of the part and its units. Any CAD program exports it with “Save As” or “Export”.
• STL or 3MF: Work for 3D printing and get an instant price. For CNC machining they are accepted but go to engineering review, because a triangle mesh does not carry the exact dimensions of holes and faces.
• Native files (.SLDPRT, .IPT, .CATPART, .PRT, .X_T, IGES): We receive them and they stay with your quote, but they are not quoted instantly. Export your part as STEP.
• DXF or DWG: For flat parts or as a reference drawing.
• Limits: Up to 150 MB per model, 50 MB per drawing and 10 files at a time.

The full list is in What files do I need to quote a part?.

2. One part per file

• If your file has several solids, like an assembly, it goes to review. For an instant price, export each part separately and upload them together: they all go into the same quote.
• Do not include screws, bearings, inserts or other off-the-shelf parts. If they need to be installed, say so when you configure the part.
• If the part has loose bodies that do not touch, the DFM flags them as “loose parts”. Join or delete them before exporting.

3. Real size and correct units

• Draw the part at 1:1 scale, with its final dimensions.
• A STEP keeps the units of your file. Check that your document is in millimeters or inches before exporting.
• An STL does not store units and we read it in millimeters. If you exported it in inches, the part comes out 25.4 times smaller.
• After uploading, check that the dimensions shown in the viewer match your part. If not, fix the units and export again.

4. A closed solid, not surfaces

• Export the solid body, not loose surfaces, sketches or wireframes.
• If your model has gaps, faces that do not close or geometry errors, the DFM flags it under “Model fidelity”. Repair it in your program and export again.
• A cavity closed on the inside, which no tool can reach, shows up under “Internal voids”. For CNC machining it has to be opened or the part split; for 3D printing, add holes to remove the support.

5. Draw the finished part

• Model the part as it should turn out, with no extra stock for machining. We work out the stock allowance and bar size.
• Draw holes without the thread, at the nominal or drill diameter. The thread is specified when you configure the part and on the drawing: How do I specify threads, inserts and hardware?.
• If the part has text, engraving or knurling, model it as you want it to look.

6. Add the drawing when needed

The 3D model is enough for most parts. Upload the drawing too if your part has:

• Dimensions tighter than the general tolerance, fits or geometric tolerances (GD&T).
• Threads, with their designation and depth.
• A special surface roughness or a finish on certain faces only.
• Marking or part numbers.

PDF is preferred for drawings; we also accept DWG, DXF or an image. If the drawing and the model disagree, the drawing rules what it specifies and the model everything else. Parts with a drawing go to engineering review before the price is confirmed. More in When do I need a 2D drawing in addition to the 3D model?.

7. What happens when you upload it

• In seconds you see your part in 3D with its dimensions.
• The DFM analysis runs 8 checks: file type, loose parts, size, model fidelity, shells, size for the finish, internal voids and wall thickness. If one flags something, it tells you what to fix.
• You choose process, material, finish, tolerance and quantity, and the price is calculated instantly. If the part needs review, engineering finishes the quote and we email you.

Quick checklist before uploading

• STEP of a single part.
• 1:1 scale and correct units.
• Closed solid, no loose bodies.
• Holes without modeled threads.
• PDF drawing if it has tolerances, threads or special finishes.