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Why STEP Files Go to Manual Review

Manual review on a STEP file usually means the part is pushing a rule or the geometry is not confident enough for an instant price.

File Preparation 6 min read Published 2026-03-15

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2026-03-15 Published

File Preparation

Why STEP Files Go to Manual Review: a practical quoting checklist.

Core considerations for why step files go to manual review

Review is a routing decision, not a failure state.
Brake length, tonnage, thickness, and geometry confidence are common triggers.
Flat STEP files should not be treated like failed formed parts.

Checks before quoting why step files go to manual review

Verify the model is either truly flat or truly formed, not a placeholder in between.
Check whether the part is longer, heavier, or more complex than the online rules support.
Make sure the model has a believable thickness and a clear finished shape.

Cost and review factors for why step files go to manual review

Long bends or high tonnage push formed parts out of the instant path.
Ambiguous geometry can make bend or wall detection unreliable.
Out-of-range thickness or blank size can move the part into review even if the model is clean.

Next actions for why step files go to manual review

Use review as the right path for edge cases instead of forcing a bad instant quote.
If the part is actually flat, upload it so it can route as a laser-cut part.
When the geometry is solid, keep the model simple and representative.

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