Technical Reference
Edm Quote Drawing Files
Send a 3D model for geometry and a released 2D drawing for material, datums, tolerances, functional surfaces, inspection, quantity, and revision control.
Quick Answer
Send both files whenever possible: STEP or STP for geometry, plus PDF, DXF, or DWG for controlled requirements. A model alone does not release material, tolerance, finish, or inspection; a drawing alone can require geometry reconstruction.
What Each File Does
3D Model
A 3D model tells us what the part looks like. A 2D drawing tells us what must be controlled. Missing either source creates assumptions that delay feasibility review, change programming time, or trigger re-quotation.
2D Drawing
Use the model to verify geometry and feature relationships. Use the drawing to release material and condition, datums, tolerances, functional surfaces, quantity, inspection, and revision. Mark any unknown item explicitly instead of leaving it ambiguous.
Process and Inspection Notes
The quote can be based on the wrong material, revision, tolerance, quantity, or inspection scope. Production may then stop for clarification or require a revised quotation even when the geometry itself is machinable.
Why One File Is Not Enough
The model supports geometry import, feature access review, and programming. The drawing controls engineering requirements and acceptance. Together they establish which dimensions and surfaces are functional, how they will be inspected, and which assumptions remain open before quotation.
File Roles
| Input | What it defines | What is missing without it |
|---|---|---|
| 3D model (STEP/STP/IGES) | geometry and feature relationships | geometry may need to be rebuilt or interpreted from dimensions |
| 2D drawing (PDF/DXF/DWG) | material, datums, tolerances, finishes, notes, and revision | quotation must carry assumptions that can trigger re-quote |
| Process notes | access, post-process, inspection, packaging, and end-use constraints | the technically correct feature may still be quoted with the wrong release route |
Missing-Input Consequences
| Missing item | Immediate consequence | Quotation treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Material grade or condition | speed, support, surface, and post-process cannot be planned | hold for clarification or state a material assumption |
| Tolerance / functional faces | no way to separate critical from noncritical work | quote a standard allowance and flag re-quote risk |
| Quantity | setup and batch economics cannot be calculated | quote prototype quantity only |
| Revision | risk of quoting or producing the wrong design | hold until revision is confirmed |
What Happens When Information Is Missing
Complete packages can move directly into feasibility and pricing. Missing material or condition stops process planning; missing tolerance and functional surfaces forces standard assumptions; missing quantity prevents batch pricing; an uncontrolled revision risks quoting the wrong design.
Inspection Inputs
For Wire EDM, include section height, entry path, taper, slot width, corner radius, and finish faces. For Sinker EDM, include cavity depth, rib width, access direction, floor and wall finish, and corner requirements. For Small Hole and Micro EDM, include feature size, true depth, aspect ratio, edge condition, and inspection method.
EDM Drawing and RFQ File Checkpoints
- 3D model: STEP/STP preferred; IGES accepted where geometry is clean.
- 2D drawing: material and condition, datums, critical tolerances, functional surfaces, inspection, quantity, and revision.
- Process details: section height or cavity depth, start-hole/access direction, edge condition, post-process, and required reports.
Practical Next Step
Send the 3D model, released 2D drawing, material grade and condition, controlled dimensions, functional surfaces, quantity, inspection requirements, and revision number. Identify unknown items so the quotation can state them as assumptions.
What to Remember
A complete EDM quotation package combines geometry, controlled requirements, quantity, inspection, and revision. Missing information should be stated as an assumption, not silently guessed.
Need Help Reviewing an EDM Drawing?
Send a question or drawing for a compact technical review.
- Drawing or part sketch
- Material grade
- Thickness / part size
- Quantity
STEP/STP, DXF, DWG, PDF, IGS/IGES or ZIP.
Confidential drawing review. NDA support available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What files do I need to send for an EDM quote?
Send a STEP or STP model for geometry and a released PDF, DXF, or DWG drawing for material, datums, tolerances, finishes, inspection, quantity, and revision.
Is a 3D model enough, or do I also need a 2D drawing?
A model is not enough for production release because it normally does not define material, tolerance, finish, inspection, or revision. Send the drawing as well.
What happens if I send only a sketch?
A sketch can support budget guidance, but final feasibility and production quotation require controlled geometry and requirements.
Which file formats are accepted?
STEP/STP and IGES are accepted for 3D geometry. PDF, DXF, and DWG are accepted for drawings. ZIP can be used to group the package.
Can I send a PDF drawing without a 3D model?
Yes, but complex geometry may need to be rebuilt or clarified, which adds programming time and interpretation risk.