CNC Machining FAQ — Quotes, Tolerances & Lead Times

CNC machining FAQ: quotes and MOQ

This cnc machining faq is the hub for the questions we get before an order. Start here, then follow the links to the detailed pages on drawing requirements, tolerances, materials and surface finishes.

How do I get a quote? Send your drawing — STEP, IGES, DWG, DXF or PDF — through the quote form or WhatsApp. We return DFM feedback and a price within 24 hours.

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)? From 50 pieces per style and material. A production run can build on the same setup as the sample batch.

Do you charge for quotes or samples? Quotes are free. Sample pricing depends on the part, quantity and material, and is stated in the quote.

Can you quote from a PDF or a sketch? Yes. A dimensioned PDF is enough to start; a 3D model plus a PDF answers most questions up front. See the cad file requirements.

Lead times

What is the sample lead time? 5–10 days after drawing approval.

What is the production lead time? 25–35 days after sample or drawing approval, depending on quantity and finish.

Can you expedite an order? We review each request against the schedule. A rush is easier when the drawing, material and finish are confirmed up front.

Materials

What materials do you machine? Aluminium (6061, 7075), stainless steel (303, 304, 316L), carbon and alloy steel (1045, 1215, 4140), brass and copper, and titanium.

Can you supply the raw material? Yes. We source the material to your specification and ship a material certificate (MTR) with every order.

Which stainless steel grades do you machine? 303, 304 and 316L, with the grade matched to your drawing. See stainless steel parts.

Which aluminium alloys do you machine? 6061 and 7075, machined and finished to your specification. See aluminium parts.

Tolerances

What is your general tolerance? ISO 2768-m for dimensions the drawing does not call out.

What precision tolerance can you hold? ±0.01 mm on the features the drawing requires, applied feature by feature.

What does “reviewed against your drawing” mean? Any dimension or tolerance we have not confirmed is checked and quoted from your file rather than guessed. See cnc machining tolerances.

Surface finishes

What surface finishes do you offer? Anodizing, plating, black oxide, passivation and more, listed on surface finishes.

Do you finish in-house? Finishing runs through our vetted partner network, managed under one quality process so the surface work stays traceable to your order.

How do I specify a surface finish? Name the finish and the area on your drawing, and note the roughness if it matters to your assembly.

Documents with your order

What documents ship with my order? A material test report (MTR) for the raw material, pre-shipment photos of the finished parts, and the packing list with carton markings.

Will I see the parts before they ship? Yes. We send pre-shipment photos before the box is closed and dispatched. See quality documents.

Do you send a material certificate? Yes — a material test report (MTR) accompanies every order, from a 50-piece pilot to a full production run.

Ordering process

How do I place an order? Send your drawing, approve the quote and the DFM feedback, then we machine the sample and the production batch. See how to order.

Can I order a sample first? Yes. A 5–10 day sample lets you check fit before committing to the production run.

How do you handle drawing revisions? You send the updated file and we re-quote the changed features, keeping the approved geometry unchanged.

Can I combine different parts in one shipment? Yes. Multiple part numbers can be machined and shipped together, with the packing list breaking down each carton.