How ordering works

The CNC machining process, step by step

Ordering custom parts from an overseas supplier should not feel like a gamble. Every step below exists to catch a problem before it costs you time: a missing tolerance before quoting, a misread feature before the batch, a bad dimension before the box is sealed.

1. Upload your files

Use the quote form to send your files. We accept STEP/STP, IGES/IGS, STL, X_T, DWG, DXF, PDF and ZIP, up to 50 MB each. The best package is a 3D model (STEP is the most reliable) plus a 2D PDF drawing. The model gives us geometry; the drawing tells us what matters: tolerances, thread callouts, surface finish, material, and which features are critical.

Tell us the quantity, material, finish, ship-to country and whether you need standard or expedited lead time. If several quantities interest you (for example 5, 50 and 200), say so in the notes and we will price each. If your files need an NDA first, tick the box and we will send ours or sign yours before anyone opens them. Our guide on preparing CAD files for a CNC quote has a checklist.

2. Quote and DFM notes within 12 hours

An engineer reviews the files, not just a pricing algorithm. Within 12 hours you receive an email with:

• Unit price per quantity for each quantity you asked about, so you can see where setup cost stops dominating.
• DFM notes: features that add cost or risk, such as deep pockets with small corner radii, tolerances tighter than the function needs, thin walls, or threads that would be cheaper as a standard size.
• Lead time for standard (≤7 days) or expedited (3–4 days) production.
• Shipping cost to your country, and DDP pricing if you asked for it.

DFM notes are suggestions, not conditions. If a corner radius or a ±0.01 mm tolerance is there for a reason, keep it; we will quote it as drawn. If you want to know what moves the price, see how much CNC machining costs and CNC machining tolerances.

3. Confirm and pay

Reply to approve the quote, including any changes you accepted from the DFM notes. We send an invoice in USD or EUR. You can pay by PayPal, by credit card through PayPal, or by international bank transfer (T/T). The pay page handles PayPal and card payments. Production starts once payment is confirmed.

4. First-article approval

Before the full batch runs, the first part is machined and checked. You receive photos and measurements of the critical dimensions. If something is wrong, it is caught on one part, not on a hundred. Once you approve, the batch runs to the same setup. For a single prototype, the first article is the order, and the inspection report covers it.

5. Machining, finishing and inspection

Parts are made in partner machine shops in China on 3/4/5-axis mills, lathes and mill-turn machines, or on laser cutters and press brakes for sheet metal. Finishing such as bead blasting, anodizing or powder coating follows machining. Our team then inspects the parts against your drawing and records critical dimensions in an inspection report. Standard production is 7 days or less; expedited is 3–4 days. More detail is on the quality and inspection page.

6. Shipping

Parts are cleaned, protected and packed, then shipped by DHL, FedEx or UPS express with tracking, typically 3–5 days in transit. By default, import duties and taxes are paid by the receiver when the courier delivers. If you prefer to receive parts with duties already paid, ask for DDP pricing in your request. You get the tracking number, photos and the inspection report when the parcel leaves.

Communication, revisions and repeat orders

All communication is by email in English, 7 days a week, with an engineer who has seen your drawing. Questions about a feature are asked before machining, not after.

Revisions. If your design changes after you receive a quote, send the new revision and we will re-quote. If it changes after production has started, tell us right away: depending on how far the parts are, we can stop, rework or quote the change. The approved drawing revision is the one we make and inspect to, so always mark revision letters on your files.

Repeat orders. Reorders use the same approved drawing, material and process as the first run, so they are quicker to quote. Reply to the original quote email with the new quantity. This is how many customers move from a prototype to low-volume production without requalifying a new supplier.