Requesting a laser cutting quote should be straightforward. In reality, many quote requests turn into a series of follow-up emails because important details are missing.
The good news is that most delays are easy to avoid. A complete RFQ gives us the information we need to evaluate your project accurately and prepare a quote with fewer questions and less back-and-forth.
At Elliott Metal Works, we prefer DXF and STEP files because they provide the information needed for production. If you don’t have those, don’t worry. PDF drawings and even hand sketches are perfectly acceptable for quoting.
Here are the details that help us prepare an accurate quote as quickly as possible.
Start Your Laser Cutting Quote With Your Drawing
Every quote starts with the drawing.
Whenever possible, send one of the following:
- DXF
- STEP
- PDF drawing
If your design is still in the early stages, a clear sketch with dimensions is enough for us to begin reviewing the project.
A complete drawing reduces guesswork and helps prevent unnecessary back-and-forth before the quoting process can begin.
If your drawing has multiple revisions, be sure to send the latest version. Quoting from an outdated drawing can lead to unnecessary delays if changes are discovered later.
Tell Us What Material You Need
The material affects both manufacturing requirements and cost, so it’s one of the first things we’ll need to know.
The materials we commonly fabricate include:
- Stainless steel
- Carbon steel
- Aluminum
If you know the exact material, include it in your RFQ. If you’re still deciding, tell us how the finished part will be used. That gives us a good starting point for the discussion.
Include the Material Thickness
Material thickness is just as important as the material itself.
Two parts can look identical on a drawing but require different manufacturing methods simply because the material thickness is different.
If you know the thickness, include it with your drawing. If you’re replacing an existing part and aren’t sure of the exact thickness, let us know. We can review your drawing or discuss the application to help determine the correct thickness before preparing your quote.
Tell Us How Many Parts You Need
Quantity affects pricing, so be sure to tell us how many parts you need. Whether you’re ordering a single prototype or planning a production run, knowing the quantity helps us prepare an accurate quote.
We don’t require a minimum order, so whether you need one part or many, we’ll be happy to review your project.
Mention Any Additional Fabrication
Many projects involve more than laser cutting alone.
If your part also needs CNC bending, welding, a #4 brushed finish on stainless steel, or powder coating through our finishing partner, mention those requirements in your RFQ. Seeing the complete scope of the project from the beginning helps us prepare a more accurate quote.
Let Us Know Your Timeline
If your project has a deadline, tell us.
Knowing when you need the parts helps us understand your priorities and schedule the work appropriately.
We provide quotes within 48 business hours, and same-day quotes are often possible for rush requests submitted before noon.
A Quick RFQ Checklist
Before sending your request, make sure you’ve included:
- Drawing, PDF, or sketch
- Material
- Material thickness
- Quantity
- Additional fabrication requirements
- Desired delivery date
- Contact information in case we have questions
A complete RFQ saves time for everyone involved. It helps us prepare an accurate quote, and it gives you a clearer picture of your project’s cost and timeline.
