To get a quote for machined parts, send a machine shop a dimensioned drawing, a 3D model if you have one, the material, the quantity, and any finishing or documentation requirements. The more complete the package, the faster and more accurate the quote.
Buyers often ask how to get a quote for machined parts without a long back-and-forth. The answer is to front-load the information an estimator needs. This page lists what to send, how shops build a quote, and how the process works at Wexmar.
What to include when you request a machining quote
| Item | Required? | Why the estimator needs it |
|---|---|---|
| PDF drawing | Yes | Tolerances, finishes, notes, and revision control |
| STEP model | Strongly recommended | Geometry for cycle time and programming estimates |
| Material and condition | Yes | Material cost and machinability |
| Quantity breaks | Yes | Setup is spread across the lot |
| Finish or coating | If applicable | Outside processing cost and lead time |
| Heat treat | If applicable | Sequencing and outside processing |
| Documentation | If applicable | Certs, CMM reports, FAI add inspection time |
| Need date and ship-to | Yes | Scheduling and freight |
How a machine shop builds your quote
An estimator reviews the drawing, decides which machine will run each operation, estimates programming and setup, calculates cycle time, prices material, and adds inspection and outside processes. At a direct shop, this is done by someone who knows the equipment on the floor. At Wexmar, that means deciding between our CNC lathes with live tooling, our horizontal machining centers for 3- and 4-axis milling, and our Maier Swiss machines for small-diameter parts. Our capabilities page summarizes each department.
Ways to get a quote from Wexmar
Instant estimate
Upload a PDF drawing or STEP model at our instant quote page. An AI estimator reads the file and returns a preliminary price range with a live 3D view of the part. This is useful for budgeting and early design decisions.
Human-confirmed quote
Every instant estimate is reviewed by a Wexmar estimator before any firm price is issued. The estimator checks tolerances, material, finish sequencing, and inspection requirements, and contacts you if anything on the drawing is unclear.
Email or phone
Send drawings to ron@backwell.com or call (315) 400-2654. Multi-part packages, assemblies, and annual-volume RFQs are welcome by email.
How to get a faster machining quote
- Use the current revision and say so in the RFQ
- Give realistic quantity breaks instead of one very large or very small number
- Call out the controlling tolerance features clearly
- State whether dimensions apply before or after coating
- Specify material certification and inspection report needs up front
- Name a technical contact who can answer drawing questions
What a good quote should tell you
A useful quote lists the unit price at each quantity, any one-time charges, lead time from order, material and finish assumptions, and the documentation included. If a quote omits assumptions, ask. An assumption about material condition or finish thickness is a common source of later disagreement.
Common reasons machining quotes are delayed
Most quoting delays come from missing or conflicting information rather than shop workload. The frequent causes are a model and drawing at different revisions, a material called out only as "steel" or "stainless," a finish note without a specification, and quantities that are not stated at all. Another is a drawing that references a separate specification document that was not included. Each of these requires an email and a wait before the estimator can finish. If you are unsure about a requirement, say so in the RFQ and ask the estimator to quote an assumption. That keeps the quote moving while the question is answered.
Why a human reviews every quote
Automated tools are good at estimating geometry and cycle time. They are less reliable on drawing notes, unusual tolerance schemes, or finish sequencing. At Wexmar, a person reads the drawing before we commit to a price, so the number you receive reflects how the part will actually be made and inspected. Inspection capability is described on our inspection and quality page.
Quote request checklist
- PDF drawing, current revision
- STEP model
- Material, condition, and any DFARS or domestic sourcing requirement
- Quantity breaks and annual usage
- Finish, heat treat, and documentation requirements
- Need date and delivery address
Getting a quote
The quickest way to start is to upload a drawing for an instant estimate. A Wexmar estimator will confirm the price before it is firm. For larger packages, call (315) 400-2654, Monday through Friday, 7 to 4 Eastern.