QuotedPartComparisons · Updated 2026-10-30
Welding estimating software: compare complete joints and fit-up
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For welding and fabrication, choose estimating software that keeps preparation, fit-up, welding and cleanup separate. A weld-length formula alone can miss the largest labor item on a small assembly. Costimator documents welding cost models; CutQuote covers welding alongside cutting and forming; SecturaFAB and SigmaQUOTE support configurable fabrication operations. The right choice depends on whether you need detailed joint calculations, nest-driven cut parts or a complete assembly workflow.
See how QuotedPart connects to your workflow with its API, MCP server, autonomous quoting and shop-specific learning.
Ask for three different welding jobs
Bring a repeat fillet-welded frame, a one-off repair and a drawing-controlled assembly with inspection. On the frame, the method is known and quantities matter. On the repair, access and preparation are uncertain. On the controlled assembly, acceptance criteria and paperwork can dominate. A supplier should show where each uncertainty becomes an explicit allowance or a request for clarification.
| Candidate | Why test it | Welding-specific proof |
|---|---|---|
| Costimator | Machining/fabrication cost models | Joint inputs, setup and editable time assumptions |
| CutQuote | Welding, folding, coating and machining together | Assembly quantity and every secondary operation |
| SecturaFAB | Configurable calculators, machine times and added operations | Workholding and fit-up separated from arc time |
| SigmaQUOTE | Parts, assemblies, services and process plans | Parent/child quantities and total labor basis |
A joint calculation is only the beginning
For a fictional workholding assembly with 120 in of specified fillet weld, assume effective deposition travel of 10 in/min. Arc time is 12 minutes. At $90/hour, that is $18. Now add 18 minutes preparation/fit-up ($27 at the same rate), six minutes repositioning ($9), and ten minutes cleanup/inspection ($15). Labor becomes $69, not $18. The $51 difference comes from named activities, not an arbitrary welding multiplier.
Add $40 material and $100 workholding setup per lot. For ten assemblies, cost is 10 × ($69 + $40) + $100 = $1,190; a 25% markup gives $1,487.50, or $148.75 each. Exclude freight, tax and coating; assume consumables and normal overhead are already included in the loaded labor rate. These are teaching inputs, not a tested weld procedure or a quote from any vendor.
Change what changes the method
Repeat the test with restricted access, a heavier section and a distortion-sensitive tolerance. Ask the estimator to justify extra passes, sequencing and a workholding change. A weld procedure or drawing requirement should control those inputs. Do not carry over the assumed travel speed to a different joint without a manufacturing review.
Also quote one assembly. The full $100 workholding setup belongs to that one piece unless the commercial agreement explicitly spreads it over future releases. Compare this with ten pieces to expose software that treats every cost as proportional. Make inspection and outside testing visible rather than charging them both in a loaded rate and as separate lines.
Choose the operating model after the estimate works
If cut yield dominates, favor a demonstrated nest and material policy. If the shop mainly welds from drawings, prioritize cut lists, purchased parts and labor review. QuotedPart can price drawing-based weldment cut lists with editable rates; specialized welding models or production-linked nesting may be stronger reasons to choose the other tools. Finally, ask a welder to review the proposed method before the owner judges how quickly the quote was produced.
Sources and limits
Claims are dated where they can change. Product calculations are examples from the stated inputs, not a promise about a customer's quote. Competitor wording is attributed to the source shown.
- Costimator: Feature-based cycle-time and cost models cover machining, sheet metal, laser cutting and welding; optional 3DFX reads solid-model features. — source (checked 2026-10-30)
- CutQuote: Folding, welding, coating and machining priced in the same quote (their words: “Include folding, welding, coating and machining, with process settings for the way your shop works.”) — source (checked 2026-11-04)
- CutQuote: Professional $249/month (annual $2,241/year): extra users $125/month each, up to 10 users; assemblies and BOM; vector PDF import; customer self-serve portal (their words: “1 user · extra users $125/mo each”) — source (checked 2026-11-04)
- SecturaFAB: Parts-file upload, true-shape nesting, machine run-time calculation, material requirements and additional operations. — source (checked 2026-11-04)
- SecturaFAB: Configurable calculators and rules, customer/vendor CRM, inventory pricing, dashboards and implementation support. — source (checked 2026-10-30)
- SigmaTEK / SigmaQUOTE: SigmaQUOTE uses inventory, remnants, processing time and customer settings; supports parts, assemblies, stock and services. — source (checked 2026-11-04)
- SigmaTEK / SigmaQUOTE: Process plans and cost templates are configurable; quote history, work-order conversion and customer-supplied material costing are described. — source (checked 2026-11-04)
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