Technical Reference
EDM Quote Preparation Guide Technical Reference
EDM quote preparation is the process of turning geometry, material, quantity, quality targets, and inspection into one manufacturable package. Quote preparation fails when the model and drawing disagree or leave material, tolerance, finish, quantity, revision, and inspection open.
Quick Answer
EDM quote preparation is the process of turning geometry, material, quantity, quality targets, and inspection into one manufacturable package.
RFQ Preparation Points
What to Send
Over-tolerancing the whole part or omitting material condition produces a slow, assumption-heavy quote. The consequence changes fit, function, or service performance for the Quote Preparation decision; it is not only a change in surface appearance.
How to Use the Files
Mark the few features that control function, state the actual material condition, and include process access and post-process needs before requesting price. When planning Quote Preparation, apply the requirement only to the dimensions and faces that control fit, function, service life, or documented release.
What Causes Delays
Quote preparation fails when the model and drawing disagree or leave material, tolerance, finish, quantity, revision, and inspection open. The resulting price may exclude the work needed to meet the actual release requirement.
What Each Input Does
A controlled EDM review separates geometry files from requirement files. The model defines shape; the drawing defines material, tolerances, functional surfaces, datums, revision, and inspection. Missing either one forces assumptions that must be resolved before production. This mechanism explains the limits and behavior that matter when planning Quote Preparation.
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 |
How the Review Uses the Information
Use a preliminary marked sketch for budget guidance, then release a controlled model and drawing before production. Quote preparation fails when the model and drawing disagree or leave material, tolerance, finish, quantity, revision, and inspection open.
Inspection and Surface Inputs
The drawing should identify which dimensions, surfaces, edges, and reports are required. Missing surface or inspection information should be listed as a quotation assumption, not silently converted into a default requirement. For Quote Preparation, tie the accepted condition to the feature and inspection method named in the drawing.
Quote Preparation Drawing and Release Checkpoints
- Identify the controlled feature, material condition, access direction, and functional datum for this Quote Preparation decision.
- Separate dimensional requirements from texture, edge, recast, corrosion, fatigue, or post-process acceptance.
- State the inspection method, sampling or first-article requirement, drawing revision, quantity, and any documentation needed for release.
Practical Next Step
Send the 3D model for geometry and the released 2D drawing for material, datums, tolerances, functional surfaces, quantity, revision, and inspection. List any missing item as an explicit quotation assumption.
What to Remember
EDM quote preparation is the process of turning geometry, material, quantity, quality targets, and inspection into one manufacturable package. Quotation and production should use the same controlled revision, material, quantity, process scope, and inspection requirements.
Technical Reference
Use the values as planning references and define the functional requirement on the controlled drawing.
Use This Guide to Prepare Your RFQ
Contact us when your drawing and requirements are ready for 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
Is a 3D model enough?
No. It does not release material, tolerances, surfaces, or inspection.
Can a sketch be quoted?
Yes for a rough budget; production needs controlled files.
When should inspection be defined?
Before quotation and setup.
What causes the most delays?
Missing material condition, datums, functional callouts, quantity, or report scope.