Include a 3D Model and a Drawing with Your RFQ
When you submit a Request for Quote (RFQ) to Baillie Fabricating and Welding, there are two files you should always remember to upload:
3D model
2D CAD file
Unfortunately, many customers send us only a PDF of their part and don’t include a 3D or 2D CAD file. No offense to PDFs, but these files simply don’t provide all the information we need to build a proper quote and, with your approval, make your parts.
Let’s take a look at why the 3D model and drawing (hopefully, a 2D CAD file!) are both so important when requesting metal fabrication services and CNC machining services from Baillie Fab.
2D vs. 3D Files: What’s the Difference?
3D models and 2D CAD files work together to provide all the information we need to process your quote and make your parts accurately.
Providing us with these two files from the get-go puts us in the best position to understand your requirements, identify potential issues, and provide you with the parts you’re looking for as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
Understanding 3D Models
The 3D model allows us to see how your part will work. We can rotate the model, measure it, unfold it, tear it apart (virtually, of course), and see how your part fits into an assembly. We can also review any weld positions and determine whether you’ve reserved enough space for the welds.
Understanding 2D CAD Files
Drawings include details that don’t appear on a model. They provide us with all the additional information we’ll need to quote and build your part accurately. We rely on a 2D CAD file to understand the following requirements for your part:
Tolerances
Material type
Material thickness
Grain direction
Finishing
These details typically appear in the bottom corner of a drawing’s title block.
The Benefits of Supplying Both a 3D Model and a Drawing
Supplying both a 3D model and drawing doesn’t just help us. It benefits you in a few important ways:
Get a fast and accurate quote
Our quoting software, Paperless Parts, interacts with 3D CAD files to provide a fast and accurate quote for metal fabrication services–no data entry required!
The software also reveals potential errors and challenging features that may make your part difficult to manufacture and ultimately affect your cost and lead time. With this information, we can provide a highly accurate quote so there are no surprises.
We can also work with you during quoting to modify your design for faster and more cost-effective manufacturing.
Avoid design fees
If we identify issues in your part design, such as an incorrect inner radius, we can usually correct it—but only if we have a 3D model.
With a model, we can often make the necessary adjustments easily (such as modifying the K factor) until we get the feature where it needs to be. With only a drawing, however, we have to completely remodel the entire part to arrive at the updated dimensions.
You can avoid paying for CAD modeling services by providing us with a 3D model!
Get assembly-friendly finishing
Your 2D file allows us to better understand your part’s aesthetic requirements, such as a requested stainless steel polish and the associated grain direction.
But without a detailed drawing with specifications, we have no way of knowing which side of the part will be visible in the assembly or which direction the grain should flow.
Of course, we’ll contact you if information is missing. But that’s just one more delay in the metal fabrication services process.
Send Your Part Files via Our Secure Quoting Portal
When you include a drawing and a 3D model up front, we can provide your quote quickly, turn your parts around faster, and help you save money on manufacturing!
Whether you’re a designer, an engineer, or a project lead, you’ll get the best results by communicating, communicating, and communicating some more. Tell us exactly what you’re looking for, and we’ll be set up to help you have a great manufacturing experience!
Talk to a specialist today at our metal fabrication shop for DFM guidance—or go ahead and get a quote!
