We now support both flat and formed workflows. DXF files and flat STEP files route into laser pricing. STEP and STP models can also be analyzed for bends, weight, brake fit, and 3D review.
Clear for first-time buyers, still useful for engineers.
The public pages should answer two questions at once: "Can I upload this part?" and "What rules are behind the quote?" This page now does both directly.
For new customers
You do not need to know our full shop logic before uploading. Start with your file and the quote table will tell you whether the part is ready for instant checkout or needs review.
Upload the CAD file you already have.
Review material, thickness, and quantity.
Use the 3D preview when you want a quick visual check.
For technical buyers
We expose the practical decision points that matter online: file type, size limits, bend detection, modeled thickness, brake limits, and when manual review is triggered.
Flat geometry routes to laser pricing.
Formed STEP parts are evaluated for bend count, weight, and brake fit.
Out-of-scope parts are flagged instead of being misquoted.
Step By Step
How the online quote flow works now.
Each stage is intentionally simple for the customer, even though the backend rules differ for flat parts and formed parts.
1
Upload CAD
Drop in DXF, STEP, or STP files. We build the part row and preview automatically.
2
Read the geometry
Flat parts are treated as laser-cut geometry. STEP models can also be checked for bends, thickness, blank size, weight, and brake constraints.
3
Set material and quantity
The customer selects material in the quote table. The system recalculates price and lead time for each row.
4
Checkout or request review
If every row is within the online rules, the order moves to payment. If any row needs judgment, the same flow becomes a review request.
Routing Logic
What gets quoted instantly, and what gets reviewed.
This is the most important distinction for customers and estimators alike.
Instant quote path
DXF files for flat laser-cut parts.
Flat STEP files that can be treated as laser-cut parts.
Formed STEP parts that fit the online brake and size limits.
Review path
Modeled parts that exceed brake length or tonnage limits.
Parts outside the supported online size or thickness rules.
STEP parts that need human interpretation before quoting.
Customer experience
The row is labeled clearly instead of failing silently.
The order summary switches from payment to staff review when needed.
The customer stays in the same guided flow either way.
FAQ
Quick answers before you upload.
Do I need a DXF for every part?
No. A DXF is ideal for flat parts, but you can also upload flat STEP files and formed STEP or STP files in the same online flow.
Can I preview formed parts?
Yes. STEP files include a 3D preview path so the customer can inspect the model instead of relying on a rough 2D image alone.
Will every formed part quote instantly?
No. Parts that exceed the online brake rules or need interpretation are routed to manual review so the quote stays trustworthy.
Explore Next
Keep moving from process understanding into service and prep pages.
Use the same quote page for flat laser parts and formed sheet-metal parts.
Start with the file you have. The system will guide the order into instant pricing or staff review without making the customer learn the backend first.