QuotedPartComparisons · Updated 2026-10-30
Is QuotedPart a good alternative to Micro Estimating Systems?
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.
QuotedPart can be a good Micro Estimating alternative when a small shop needs a fast, explainable quote without a full simulation and CAM-intelligence project. Micro Estimating is stronger for complex machining teams that want feature recognition, machine simulation, speeds and feeds, tolerances and process constraints modeled from actual manufacturing data. Micro Estimating's public site asks buyers to book a demo and does not publish a license price or trial length. QuotedPart publishes $199 per shop per month with unlimited users and a 14-day no-card trial.
See how QuotedPart connects to your workflow with its API, MCP server, autonomous quoting and shop-specific learning.
Compare the work, not the slogans
Micro Estimating describes a CAD-to-cost workflow: feature recognition identifies geometry, machine simulation uses speeds and feeds for the shop's machines, and the system then costs material, labor, overhead and other inputs before generating a quote. That is a serious advantage when a five-axis impeller, tight tolerance or unusual tool strategy changes the real cycle. The cost is the work of modeling those machines, tools, materials and process rules so the simulation represents your floor.
QuotedPart starts one level later. The estimator chooses the routing and rate assumptions, then calculates setup, cycle, material, secondary work and margin. For a 6061 aluminum clamp, that may be enough: 45 minutes setup at $90/hour ($67.50), 8 minutes each at $95/hour for 20 pieces ($253.33), $84 stock, and $40 inspection yields $444.83 before margin. The arithmetic is visible, and an estimator can change one assumption without rebuilding a CAM model.
| Question | Micro Estimating | QuotedPart |
|---|---|---|
| Input | Reads CAD and identifies features, tolerances and material. | STEP model plus PDF drawing and notes. |
| Time basis | Machine simulation, speeds and feeds and actual machining conditions. | Shop-entered setup and run assumptions. |
| Scope | Machining, fabrication, complex manufacturing and process management. | Quote arithmetic and branded customer quotes. |
| Price | Book a demo; no public license amount or trial length found. | $199/month per shop; 14-day no-card trial. |
| ERP handoff | The site says it can interface with ERP systems; confirm your system and version. | JobBOSS² and JobBOSS paths plus CSV/Excel export. |
Where Micro Estimating wins
Micro Estimating wins when a wrong cycle-time assumption can erase the margin on a complex part and the shop can invest in a manufacturing-aware model. Ask for a demo using a real part with a deep pocket, a tight positional tolerance and a tool-life constraint. The vendor should show which features were recognized, which machine and tool data drove the cycle, and how a revision changes the estimate. That is a better proof than a generic feature checklist.
Its public pages do not state a blanket price, so include implementation, machine-data preparation, training and maintenance in the business case. A simulation system may save an estimator hours while adding engineering work during setup.
Where QuotedPart wins
QuotedPart wins for a small job shop with repeatable rate tables, mixed PDF and STEP RFQs, and a need to send a quote today. It is also easier to hand to multiple estimators because the subscription is per shop, not per seat. The limitation is deliberate: it does not claim Micro Estimating's machine simulation, CAM intelligence or automatic feature recognition. For those jobs, an estimator must enter the process assumptions or use a separate engineering tool.
Choose Micro Estimating when simulation fidelity is the decision. Choose QuotedPart when speed, rate ownership and a clear audit trail are the decision. Quote one simple bracket and one complex cavity in both products; if the complex result depends on hidden defaults, ask for the model inputs before comparing totals.
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.
- Micro Estimating says it reads CAD, identifies features and uses machine simulation, speeds and feeds, materials, labor, overhead and process constraints to produce estimates. — source (checked 2026-10-30)
- Micro Estimating's public site asks prospects to book a demo and does not publish a license price or trial length on the page checked. — source (checked 2026-10-30)
- QuotedPart costs $199 per shop per month with unlimited users and a 14-day no-card trial. — source (checked 2026-10-30)
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
Comparisons
QuotedPart vs Oroox for manufacturing quotes
A dated side-by-side of Oroox and QuotedPart on online quoting, processes, pricing transparency and shop control.
Comparisons
Paperless Parts vs Costimator for manufacturing estimates
A dated comparison of Paperless Parts and Costimator on workflow, simulation depth, price disclosure, ERP export and shop fit.
Comparisons
Paperless Parts vs DigiFabster
A dated comparison of Paperless Parts and DigiFabster on online ordering, estimating depth, price, inputs and shop fit.
Comparisons
ProShop vs Epicor Kinetic for a manufacturing shop
A dated comparison of ProShop and Epicor Kinetic on ERP scope, quoting, quality, deployment and small-shop fit.