Myth-Busting the Precision Machining Quoting Process
Quoting manufacturing jobs might seem relatively straightforward, but there’s much more to it than meets the eye. Customers often harbor misconceptions about quoting that are far from the truth.
We want to set the record straight on a few pervasive quoting myths to demystify the precision machining quoting process—and help you save valuable time.
3 Common Myths about Precision Machining Quoting
Myth #1: There are standard prices and lead times for everything
Customers occasionally become frustrated when they receive different quotes for the same parts. But due to current market volatility, it’s more complicated than ever to predict the costs and lead times of materials and outside services.
Still, we always do our best to deliver precise and consistent quotes at our MA machine shop. Providing sufficient information in your initial RFQ helps us ensure quoting accuracy.
Be sure to include a 2D drawing and 3D model denoting dimensional and tolerance specifications and details like heat treating, plating, and testing requirements to streamline the quoting process.
Myth #2: Engineering change orders during the RFQ process are quick adjustments
Due to supply chain unpredictability, many customers submit RFQs before their designs are finalized to get the ball rolling on their projects.
This approach works in theory, but in reality, every time you update a tolerance, add a new feature, or make any other changes to your design, it could trigger a complete re-quote, even if you’ve already awarded the contract to a manufacturer. The extra quote time can delay your project.
At our precision machine shop, we’re happy to discuss projects before they’re ready to quote and even provide verbal ballpark pricing. We can also price out and purchase materials for our customers ahead of time, but we can’t deliver a formal quote until the part design is finalized.
Myth #3: Faster quoting is always better
It takes time to generate precise quotes. At Peerless Precision, we dedicate time up front to ensure the quotes we provide are accurate and fair.
The more complex a part is, the more planning is involved on our end. Quoting requires contacting individual vendors, determining tool cutting feed and speed rates for different materials, and other important considerations.
We prioritize precision in our entire manufacturing process, and we always turn quotes around as quickly as possible. But as an ISO certified machine shop, we never sacrifice quality and accuracy for speed.
How to Streamline the Precision Machining Quoting Process
Although the quoting process is more complex than many people think, there is one thing customers can do to ensure that they receive quotes promptly:
Provide as much information as possible with your RFQ.
The more we know about your part, the easier it is to deliver fast, accurate estimates. Reducing back and forth communications saves everyone time. Here’s a quick checklist of information to include in your RFQ:
- A 2D drawing and 3D model conveying critical dimensions and tolerances
- Specifications and requirements for special processes, like heat treating or plating
- Any quality considerations or requirements, like non-destructive testing (NDT) or first article inspection (FAI)
- Assembly requirements, such as hardware we need to purchase or additional parts we need to make for a subassembly
Ready to get a quote for precision machining services? Submit your information using our highly secure quoting form, and we’ll respond within 24 hours.
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