Requesting a Quote for Precision Machining Services? Here’s What to Include

Resources

May 8

At KCSP Machine, we’re equipped to work with whatever resources our clients provide in their RFQ. While we hope for a complete package, our team has the flexibility to work with just the basics when necessary.

Let’s walk through common examples of request for quote packages we receive from our customers.

The Full Package

In a perfect world, a customer will send along a complete package, which consists of:

Engineering print or drawing (PDF or SOLIDWORKS .SLDDRW file)
3D CAD model (such as a SOLIDWORKS .SLDPRT file or .STEP file)

With access to as much information as possible, our team knows precisely how to make the part. The result is less back-and-forth with our customers, faster quoting and more accurate production!

Partial (but Accurate) Packages

While a complete package yields the fastest results, we can work with the information you’ve got. No model? No problem!

Print Only

Many of our customers just send us the PDF print. This is typically fine; the print generally gives us the information we need. However, some information, such as precise hole diameters, gets left off the PDF print. For that reason, we may request customers send us a CAD model we can use to fill in any blanks.

CAD Model Only

When customers only send along a CAD model, our team can collaborate with the customer to create a print. While this method is a bit more time-consuming, it can still result in exceptional components.

Inconsistencies Between the Print and Model

While we look at the model to verify some specifications, our rule of thumb at KCSP Machine is to take the print as the master document. If there’s a significant discrepancy between the print and model, we will contact the customer to ensure the discrepancy is addressed before we begin production. Good communication with the customer ensures we’re making the part right the first time.

Hand-Drawn Designs or Photos

It’s not unheard of for customers to approach us with photographs or hand-drawn sketches of components they’ve worked with for a long time. Our team approaches this in one of the following ways:

We request that the customer’s engineers develop a print and/or model of the piece. We’re glad to offer our CAD expertise to ensure accuracy!
We ask for a sample piece that we can reverse engineer. Our team will take measurements and create a corresponding CAD model and print. Once we verify these dimensions with our customer, we will have an accurate print to reference as we proceed into production. (Plus, this helps us when we machine this part again!)

Examples of Inaccurate Packages

Accidents happen, and we absolutely don’t want to play the blame game. We merely wish to provide cautionary examples to ensure we’re on the right page and delivering components on schedule and exactly as specified.

Outdated Print Revisions

Our team is flexible and willing to support customers, so we’ll gladly reach out when we see discrepancies in the print. However, things have gone wrong when we’ve received outdated part revisions that have since been adjusted. While we can certainly rework pieces and salvage what we can to reduce scrap, this issue can add to waste and lead times.

Incorrect Attachments

An even more significant issue arises when we receive the wrong print altogether. This has happened a handful of times, with customers accidentally providing the wrong file in their request for quote. We always advise customers to double-check (and possibly triple-check) that they’ve included the right attachments in their quote package.

Request a Quote for Exceptional Precision Machining Services

At KCSP Machine, we’re incredibly flexible and committed to customer success. No matter the level of detail, we’re eager to bring your vision to fruition.