QuotedPartAnswers · Updated 2026-10-31
What can a STEP file tell me for a quote, and what can’t it?
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.
A STEP file can reveal nominal geometry, stock envelope, holes, pockets, and modeled threads; it cannot establish every tolerance, material, finish, or acceptance criterion.
See how QuotedPart connects to your workflow with its API, MCP server, autonomous quoting and shop-specific learning.
The direct answer
A model may show a 10 mm bore but no fit class. Quote a review assumption, request the drawing, and mark any critical dimension as pending instead of inventing a tolerance.
Test the decision against the shop evidence in this example: A model may show a 10 mm bore but no fit class.
Carry the measurable input from the worked case into the estimator's notes: A model may show a 10 mm bore but no fit class.
Evidence from a shop floor
the pricing model’s fictional bracket model produces 191.0 setup minutes, 13.5 cycle minutes, $464.53 for one, and $83.77 each at ten under named assumptions. Request the PDF drawing or obtain written acceptance of a model-only default before calling the price firm.
Keep the commercial decision tied to the evidence, including a model may show a 10 mm bore but no fit class.
The handoff is complete only when the owner can restate the route without losing a model may show a 10 mm bore but no fit class.
Build the quote route
Inspect units, scale, revision, solids, feature access, modeled threads, material, finish, datum scheme, and missing notes.
A useful review question is whether the current RFQ still matches this route: inspect units, scale, revision, solids, feature access, modeled threads, material, finish, datum scheme, and missing notes.
The next estimator should be able to challenge the assumption behind this route: inspect units, scale, revision, solids, feature access, modeled threads, material, finish, datum scheme, and missing notes.
Use the source notes to date the assumption and record why this route was selected: inspect units, scale, revision, solids, feature access, modeled threads, material, finish, datum scheme, and missing notes.
Release and learn
Treat model-only pricing as conditional until the customer accepts assumptions in writing.
If the buyer asks for a different outcome, explain the boundary in these terms: treat model-only pricing as conditional until the customer accepts assumptions in writing.
Before changing the total, verify whether the caveat applies: treat model-only pricing as conditional until the customer accepts assumptions in writing.
A customer-facing explanation should make the risk legible: treat model-only pricing as conditional until the customer accepts assumptions in writing.
Close the loop by noting the evidence that would make this estimate obsolete: treat model-only pricing as conditional until the customer accepts assumptions in writing.
Keep the commercial decision tied to the evidence, including a model may show a 10 mm bore but no fit class.
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.
Related QuotedPart guides
Answers
Can I ship 10% more or fewer parts than ordered?
Only when the purchase order or customer has agreed a quantity tolerance; there is no universal right to ship ten percent extra or short.
Answers
Can I use Xometry or Protolabs instant quotes as a price check?
Use an instant quote as a dated comparison point after matching quantity, revision, finish, inspection, freight, and delivery scope; it is not a neutral market index.
Answers
Customer sent a STEP file but no drawing — what tolerance do I quote?
Use a written model-only default only when the customer accepts it; a practical example is to model with ±0.005 inch unless a drawing states otherwise, while calling out material, finish, threads, and inspection as open.
Answers
Customers make us re-enter quotes in their supplier portals — how do other shops handle it?
Treat portal re-entry as measurable quote administration: export the approved quote, time the work, and decide whether the effort is included or charged.