Fabricators rely on clear details to calculate costs, machine time, and delivery. Vague or incomplete details often result in padded estimates or mid-project revisions that impact timelines and costs. Keeping projects on budget and on schedule depends on reliable and accurate fabrication quotes. Discover how to get an accurate fabrication quote in this quick guide.
1. Accurate Drawings
Fabricators carefully review drawings. The more precise and detailed these files are, the quicker the shop can provide an accurate estimate.
Drawing File Types
Hand sketches are useful in the early stages of scoping a job or when you need a rough budgetary number. They communicate the basic concept but fail to provide the precision required for a final quote. If you’re planning on moving forward with a drawing, transition those sketches into one of the following:
- 3D computer-aided design (CAD) files, such as drawing exchange format and standard for the exchange of product data, contain exact measurements that a fabricator can import into their computer numerical control (CNC) programming system to create an accurate quote.
- 2D PDF drawings provide the fabricator with a clear overview of your design intent, displaying dimensions, tolerances, and assembly views at a glance. They’re an easy format that project stakeholders can open and review, making them a reliable reference point throughout the quoting process.
Fabrication Drawing Requirements
Here’s what your drawing package should cover:
- Dimensions and measurements
- Required tolerances to inform how tightly parts must fit together
- Locations and specifications for holes, bends, or threads
- Weld specifications, if applicable
- Assembly views for multi-part designs
2. Exact Material Requirements
Material selection impacts a fabrication project’s cost, performance, and timeline. Different types of metal exhibit different behaviors during cutting, bending, and welding, and each has its own cost per pound or sheet. Detailed material information for a fabrication estimate ensures your fabrication partner knows what they’re working with to provide accurate pricing.
Material Type and Grade
When requesting a quote, specify the type and grade of the material. Some are easier to weld, others resist corrosion better, and some may require specialized tooling or slower processing speeds. If applicable, include special sourcing requirements, such as acquiring from domestic or foreign steel suppliers.
Stating the exact grade allows the fabricator to choose the right approach from the start.
For example:
- Steel such as A36 or A572 is widely available for framing and support components.
- Carbon steels such as 1018 or 1045 are common for machined parts that need strength and durability.
- Stainless steel grades such as 304 or 316 are ideal for environments that need better corrosion-resistant structures.
- Aluminum alloys such as 6061 or 5052 ensure weight savings and provide strength.
Material Thickness
Equally important is material thickness. A slight change can impact costs because it affects cutting time, weight, and the material’s performance once installed. As part of the metal fabrication quote requirements, consider:
- Sheet metal: Thickness is typically measured in gauge, which defines how heavy-duty the sheet is and influences cost and bendability.
- Plate sheet: Thicker plates are specified in inches or millimeters. These often require more cutting power and slower feed rates, which adds machine time.
- Tubing or piping: Specify the outside diameter, wall thickness, and length, since each factor determines material cost and fabrication methods.
3. Project Scope and Quantity
The setup process, tooling, and efficiency strategies vary depending on the order size, and these changes affect the quote.
Make sure you communicate:
- One-time orders: A custom piece may carry a higher per-unit cost, since the fabricator will likely spread the setup and programming time across a single item.
- Prototypes: If you’re testing a design before committing to larger production, your metal production partner may recommend cost-efficient ways to create a test piece that validates your design.
- Anticipated production runs: If planning to scale production later, fabricators may factor in future volume pricing and keep tooling setups ready for repeat orders.
- Recurring orders: For recurring orders, shops may offer preferential pricing and reserve materials and machine time for quicker delivery.
4. Finishing Requirements
The final product may need some type of finishing for protection, appearance, or compliance purposes. Finishing options include the following:
- Powder coating provides a durable, even finish in a wide range of colors.
- Painting is more flexible for small batches or specialty colors. While not always as durable as powder coating, it can be the right choice for touch-ups or low-volume runs.
- Galvanizing adds a protective zinc layer to steel, making it rust-resistant.
- Sandblasting cleans and smooths the surface, preparing it for coatings or creating a consistent matte texture.
Include specific details such as:
- Desired color
- Preferred finish
- Interior or exterior use
- Standards or certifications required for your industry
5. Assembly and Packaging Needs
Some projects may involve assembly before delivery. For example, a bracket of cut tubes may need to be bolted into a frame. If you require parts to be shipped as complete subassemblies, state this in your request.
Packaging matters equally. Consider whether you need individual wrapping or bulk crating. Communicate with the fabricator if you want them to label or bundle the product for specific installation stages, and include delivery notes.
6. Your Timeline Needs
Let fabricators know when you expect them to complete the project so they can plan machine availability, schedule labor, and source material.
Be specific when outlining your expectations:
- Project deadlines: State the date you need parts.
- Phased deliveries: If you only need part of the order sooner, inform the fabricator.
- Lead time flexibility: If your timeline is adjustable, communicate that.
Checklist for a Faster and Accurate Fabrication Estimate
When you’re ready to request a quote, a clear package of information will save you time and minimize the need for revisions. Here’s a checklist you can use:
- Finalized drawings
- Complete dimensions
- Material type and grade
- Material thickness
- Quantity
- Finishing requirements
- Assembly instructions
- Timeline needs
Partner With a Fabricator Who Understands Your Project
Mid-Atlantic Steel Fabrication offers custom metal fabrication, backed by D1.1 structural certification, CAD design capabilities, and the latest technology, including CNC machinery, for unmatched accuracy. When you share clear drawings, material specifications, and finishing requirements, we can provide precise pricing.
We also provide laser cutting, metal forming, and welding, and outsource powder coating to trusted partners. Contact us at 717-687-7313 today to learn how we can turn your project requirements into finished solutions.
