Introduction
Thank you for taking the time to read our article on getting a fast and accurate quote. This guide covers everything you need to know to help turn a DXF file, hand-drawn sketch or sample into a fully scaled, laser-cut part.
The Enquiry Process
We accept enquiries via phone, email and in person. We can work with samples, sketches and technical hand drawings. However, for a faster quote turn around, we recommend sending the following file types:
DXF, DWG, SLDPRT, IPT, STP, IGES
The sales team read and interpret sketches and engineering drawings to produce profile drawings using an AutoCAD 2D type software package. When the enquiry is a sample, we reverse engineer a DXF from a scan of the part. This service is useful for one-off replacement parts such as gaskets and fans.
These drawings are then imported straight into our forming software. We check scale, allocate quantities, materials and thicknesses before nesting them in the sheets to obtain a price.
How We Quote
Quotes are based on:
Material used
Cut time taken
Delivery costs
Any additional operations (e.g forming)
The quote is produced with each part shown on an individual line. Additionally there are dimensions, material information and indication of secondary processes.
An example of our quotes with additional information in the customer ref column is shown below. There are different part references which include 2D Cut – Bend and 2D – Cut with notes to say FLAT ONLY.
Although we prefer to receive all the information at the enquiry stage, it’s not always essential.
“We can quote a plate with holes in from the overall size, we don’t need to know where the holes are located for costing. This part would then be set to DRAFT and hole locations can be sorted by production at order stage.” Lucy Taylor, Lead Estimator.
Forming Enquiries
All formed laser-cut parts are checked before they are quoted. This ensures our machines have the tonnage and tooling to bend them accurately. For quoting purposes, the part is drawn flat then set to DRAFT for production to draw accurately when the job is ordered. A price is included in the quote to cover the bending process, and the reference is set to 2D Cut – Bend.
Once we complete the quote, it is sent to the customer. The quote includes clear details of the parts we’re able to cut, along with solutions or alternatives for any we can’t. It is important to understand customer drawings from this early stage so there are no potential mix-ups after ordering. It is always helpful to receive as much information during this stage and we encourage all customers to read their quotes thoroughly.
Our experienced sales team turn around over 70% of all enquiries in 2 hours. They are also on hand to answer any questions.
Lead Time
Our current lead times are:
- 2–3 working days for flat parts
- 7–8 working days for formed parts
These times apply unless otherwise stated on your quote. Lead times may occasionally be extended due to material availability or job size but we will always advise this on the quote. And sometimes jobs are done a bit quicker!
Where To Send Your Enquiry
If you’d like to receive a quote for your next laser cutting or forming project, simply send your enquiry to sales@midthermlaser.co.uk, use the Contact Us form on our website, or give us a call.
The more information you can provide, such as file types, quantities, material specifications, and any forming or finishing requirements, the faster and more accurately we can respond.
Our experienced sales team are always happy to help with any questions or guidance you need during the enquiry stage.
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read about our processes for getting a fast and accurate quote. Hopefully, it will help answer any questions you may have for requesting a quote.
In short, the best way to get a quote is to:
- Send a clear drawing with dimensions or a CAD file (e.g.DXF, DWG, SLDPRT, IPT, STP, IGES).
- Clearly state quantities, material and thickness required
- Let us know if forming or secondary processes are required
- Let us know if delivery is required or if you will collect
Want to learn more about our cutting, forming, or quality processes? Please follow the links below:
Join Our Team
We currently have a vacancy for an Estimator / 2D CAD Engineer live on our website. For more information and details of how to apply, click below.
Thank you for reading
