Answers · Updated 2026-10-31
Do fab shops price weldments by the pound, and does it work?
Price one of your own parts: Drop a STEP model or PDF drawing — about 90 seconds, no account.
Your part priced in about 90 seconds, no account.
Use $/lb only as a calibrated screen for a stable family; cut, fit-up, weld length, grinding, finish, and installation decide the final price.
See how QuotedPart connects to your workflow with its API, MCP server, autonomous quoting and shop-specific learning.
The direct answer
Two 100-pound frames can differ by hours: one may be laser-cut and jig-welded, the other may need hand fitting and paint. Track weight and labor minutes before setting a family rate.
Test the decision against the shop evidence in this example: Two 100-pound frames can differ by hours: one may be laser-cut and jig-welded, the other may need hand fitting and paint.
Carry the measurable input from the worked case into the estimator's notes: Two 100-pound frames can differ by hours: one may be laser-cut and jig-welded, the other may need hand fitting and paint.
Evidence from a shop floor
Three 50-pound weldments can all screen at $100 at $2/lb yet require illustrative complete prices of $420, $760, and $1,140 because labor differs. Review ten actual weldments by family before publishing a weight shortcut and keep a minimum charge.
Keep the commercial decision tied to the evidence, including two 100-pound frames can differ by hours: one may be laser-cut and jig-welded, the other may need hand fitting and paint.
The handoff is complete only when the owner can restate the route without losing two 100-pound frames can differ by hours: one may be laser-cut and jig-welded, the other may need hand fitting and paint.
Build the quote route
Price material, cut, fit-up, weld inches, distortion control, cleanup, finish, freight, and installation separately, then compare with actual jobs.
A useful review question is whether the current RFQ still matches this route: price material, cut, fit-up, weld inches, distortion control, cleanup, finish, freight, and installation separately, then compare with actual jobs.
The next estimator should be able to challenge the assumption behind this route: price material, cut, fit-up, weld inches, distortion control, cleanup, finish, freight, and installation separately, then compare with actual jobs.
Use the source notes to date the assumption and record why this route was selected: price material, cut, fit-up, weld inches, distortion control, cleanup, finish, freight, and installation separately, then compare with actual jobs.
Release and learn
Weight-based pricing fails when geometry, weld access, finish, or site work changes materially.
If the buyer asks for a different outcome, explain the boundary in these terms: weight-based pricing fails when geometry, weld access, finish, or site work changes materially.
Before changing the total, verify whether the caveat applies: weight-based pricing fails when geometry, weld access, finish, or site work changes materially.
A customer-facing explanation should make the risk legible: weight-based pricing fails when geometry, weld access, finish, or site work changes materially.
Close the loop by noting the evidence that would make this estimate obsolete: weight-based pricing fails when geometry, weld access, finish, or site work changes materially.
Keep the commercial decision tied to the evidence, including two 100-pound frames can differ by hours: one may be laser-cut and jig-welded, the other may need hand fitting and paint.
Price one of your own parts
Drop a PDF drawing or a STEP file. QuotedPart reads the print, measures the model and prices it in seconds, on default shop rates you can change.
Your STEP file or PDF drawingDrop a PDF drawing, a STEP file or both
Free. No account, no email. Priced at our default US rates until you set yours.
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Customers make us re-enter quotes in their supplier portals — how do other shops handle it?
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