How to Request a Quote from a CNC Machine Shop: Complete Guide

Getting accurate quotes from CNC machine shops starts with providing the right information. A well-prepared Request for Quote (RFQ) saves time, reduces back-and-forth, and helps you get competitive pricing. Here's everything you need to know.

What Is an RFQ?

A Request for Quote (RFQ) is a formal document or inquiry sent to one or more machine shops asking them to provide pricing for manufacturing your parts. The more complete and clear your RFQ, the more accurate and competitive the quotes you'll receive.

Step 1: Prepare Your Technical Documentation

Before reaching out to any machine shop, gather these essential documents:

Engineering Drawings (2D)

- Include all dimensions with tolerances
- Specify surface finish requirements (Ra values)
- Call out critical dimensions
- Note any special features (threads, chamfers, radii)
- Include geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) where applicable

3D CAD Models

- Provide STEP (.stp) or IGES (.igs) files — these are universally compatible
- Native CAD files (SolidWorks, Fusion 360) are also helpful
- Ensure the model matches your 2D drawing

Material Specification

- Specify the exact material grade (e.g., "6061-T6 Aluminum" not just "aluminum")
- Note any material certifications required (mill certs, material traceability)
- Indicate if you'll supply the material or if the shop should source it

Step 2: Define Your Requirements

Quantity

- How many parts do you need?
- Is this a one-time order or recurring production?
- Are there future volume projections?

Timeline

- When do you need the parts delivered?
- Is there flexibility on the delivery date?
- Do you need a prototype before production?

Quality Requirements

- What certifications does the shop need? (ISO 9001, AS9100, ITAR)
- Do you require first article inspection (FAI)?
- What inspection documentation do you need? (CMM reports, material certs, CoC)

Surface Treatment

- Any post-machining processes? (anodizing, plating, heat treatment, painting)
- Should the shop handle these or will you arrange separately?

Step 3: Send Your RFQ

How Many Shops Should You Contact?

We recommend getting quotes from 3-5 shops. This gives you enough data points to evaluate pricing competitiveness while keeping the process manageable.

What to Include in Your Message

1. Brief project overview
2. All technical documents attached
3. Quantity and timeline
4. Quality and certification requirements
5. Any special packaging or shipping needs
6. Your contact information and preferred communication method

Step 4: Evaluate the Quotes

When comparing quotes, don't just look at the per-part price. Consider:

- Setup charges — One-time costs for fixturing and programming
- Lead time — Faster delivery may justify a higher price
- Minimum order quantities — Some shops have minimums
- Quality assurance — What's included in the inspection process?
- Communication — How responsive and thorough was the shop?
- Payment terms — Net 30, prepayment, or other arrangements

Common RFQ Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incomplete drawings — Missing tolerances force shops to guess, leading to inflated quotes
2. No material specification — "Steel" could mean dozens of different grades
3. Unrealistic timelines — Rush charges can double the cost
4. Not specifying quantity — Per-part pricing varies dramatically with volume
5. Ignoring certifications — Discovering a shop lacks required certs wastes everyone's time

Use Our Platform to Request Quotes

CNC Shops USA makes it easy to find and contact verified CNC machine shops across the United States. Browse our directory of 486+ shops, filter by capability and certification, and send RFQs directly through our platform. Start your search today and get competitive quotes in minutes.