The honest answer: the right file makes quoting faster — but you can get a real quote with no file at all. Here's what helps, and what's genuinely optional.
A 3D STEP file is ideal — it's universal, unambiguous, and machines quote and program from it directly. But "ideal" is not "required." Plenty of good parts are quoted every day from a PDF drawing, a marked-up sketch, or a photo of the worn original. The file format only changes how fast we quote, not whether we can.
| What you have | Format | How well it quotes |
|---|---|---|
| 3D solid model | STEP (.step/.stp), IGES (.igs), Parasolid (.x_t) | Best — direct to quote & machining |
| Native CAD | SolidWorks, Fusion, Inventor | Great if we share the software; STEP is safer |
| 2D drawing | DXF / DWG / dimensioned PDF | Good for flat or simple turned parts |
| Mesh | STL / OBJ | OK for shape; lacks exact dimensions — pair with sizes |
| No file | Photo + reference dim, sketch, or sample | Works — we build the CAD for you, free |
One caution on STL: it describes a surface mesh, not exact geometry, so it's fine for overall shape but not for precise dimensions or tolerances. Send sizes alongside it, or a STEP if you can export one.
Not always. A 3D STEP machined to standard ISO 2768-m tolerances is enough for many parts. You add a 2D drawing the moment something specific must be controlled — a press-fit tolerance, a thread class, a surface finish on one face, a critical datum. The drawing's real job is to tell us what matters most, not to repeat the model.
No file? That's our specialty. Send a photo with one known dimension, a sketch, or the physical part — we create and confirm the CAD for free. See ordering with no CAD file or sketch & photo orders.
A 3D STEP file is the most universal and easiest to quote and machine from. IGES and Parasolid also work. For 2D parts, a dimensioned DXF or PDF is fine; add a drawing when tolerances or threads must be controlled.
Yes. We quote from a photo with a reference dimension, a sketch, or a sample, and build the CAD for free before machining.
Material (or application), quantity, critical tolerances, finish/coating, and thread callouts. Those five turn a rough quote into a firm one.
Not always — a STEP to ISO 2768-m suits many parts. Add a drawing when specific tolerances, thread classes, finishes or datums must be controlled.
STEP, PDF, sketch, or just a photo — we'll quote it. Engineers reply within 24 hours.
File optional · Files kept confidential