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Quote a STEP file for flat parts, formed parts, and 3D review.

Use this page when you are starting from a 3D model and want the quote system to interpret whether the part is flat, formed, instantly quotable, or review-only.

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STEP and STP Primary quote path

Instant or review Two outcomes in one workflow

Ohio and the Midwest Primary service region

Best Fit

What this page is actually good for.

Use this path when the part type, file, and buying situation line up with the way the quote tool is built.

Typical parts

A strong fit for buyers starting from 3D models instead of flat patterns.

Flat STEP parts where the 3D model is the source of truth
Formed parts with bends that matter
Jobs where a useful 3D preview helps validate the part before checkout

Why buyers use this path

The goal is to price the part quickly without making the customer guess what to do next.

Supports both flat and formed STEP workflows in one public flow.
Builds a 3D preview for customer review.
Routes clearly into laser pricing or bend-aware review.

What this workflow already handles

The site can price clean jobs immediately and still keep edge cases moving.

Flat STEP files can route to the laser path.
Formed STEP files trigger bend count and brake checks.
Ambiguous parts are sent to review with a visible reason.

System Checks

What the quote tool is checking behind the scenes.

These checks keep the fast price believable and send riskier jobs to review before anyone trusts the wrong number.

What to confirm before upload

The file should represent the real part you want built, not a rough stand-in.

The system first decides whether the part is flat or formed.
Flat STEP files can route to laser pricing, while formed files go through bend-aware checks.
The model has to support confident thickness, bend, and size interpretation.

What usually moves the price

The number changes for manufacturing reasons, not arbitrary website rules.

Material and quantity.
Flat-part cut factors or formed-part bend factors depending on the geometry.
Weight, bend count, and brake fit for formed parts.

When review is the right outcome

Review is normal when the part no longer fits the safe instant-quote envelope.

STEP models that are ambiguous, incomplete, or too complex to classify cleanly.
Formed parts that exceed size, tonnage, or length limits.
Unsupported thickness or missing geometry confidence.

FAQ

Questions buyers ask before they upload.

Can a STEP file be quoted online for laser cutting?

Yes. Flat STEP files can be treated as laser-cut parts when they fit the supported rule set.

Can a formed STEP file quote online?

Yes, if the bend geometry, thickness, size, and brake requirements fit the online rules. Otherwise it is sent to manual review.

Why would a STEP file be reviewed instead of priced instantly?

The review path is used when the model is too large, too heavy, outside brake limits, or not clear enough for a confident instant quote.