QuoteTool is an embeddable instant quoting widget for CNC machining shops. Customers upload a STEP file, select their material, tolerance and finish requirements, and receive an indicative price range within seconds — without the shop needing to review the file manually.
The estimate is typically within ±20% of the shop's final quote for standard parts. This accuracy is consistent with industry-standard feature-based cost estimation methods (Boothroyd & Dewhurst, 2011). Complex parts with unusual geometry or multiple setups may fall outside this range.
The price is always presented as a range, not a fixed number, to reflect this inherent estimation uncertainty.
An indicative price is an estimate based on geometry analysis — not a binding quote. It gives customers a realistic sense of cost before they invest time in a formal quoting process. The shop always reviews the part and confirms the final price before any order is placed.
QuoteTool supports STEP files (.step and .stp). STEP is the universal exchange format supported by all major CAD systems including SolidWorks, CATIA, Fusion 360, Inventor, and FreeCAD. Files up to 50MB are accepted.
Currently supported materials are Aluminium 6061/6082 T6, Steel S235/AISI 1020, and Stainless Steel 304/AISI 304. These cover the majority of CNC machining orders for Dutch and Belgian job shops. Additional materials will be added based on customer demand.
Tighter tolerances require slower machining passes, more inspection time, and higher scrap risk — all of which increase cost. QuoteTool uses a location-based tolerance model: you select the tolerance class and the number of features that require it. Standard ISO 2768-m has no surcharge. Fine (ISO 2768-f) and Tight (IT7/ISO 286) add a surcharge per tight-tolerance feature.
Finer surface finishes require additional machining passes with smaller stepovers, different tooling, and sometimes manual finishing operations. As-machined (Ra 3.2μm) has no surcharge. Fine (Ra 1.6μm) adds approximately 3%, Very fine (Ra 0.8μm) adds approximately 8%, and Mirror finish (Ra 0.4μm) is priced per surface location.
Higher quantities reduce the per-unit price through two mechanisms: setup and programming costs are amortised across more parts, and cycle time improves as the operator and machine settle into the job. QuoteTool models this using Wright's learning curve (learning rate 92%), which is standard in CNC machining literature.
QuoteTool automatically detects whether a part requires milling or turning based on its geometry. Milling covers prismatic parts, pockets, and flat profiles. Turning covers cylindrical parts, shafts, and threaded rods. Parts that require both processes are currently quoted as the dominant process, with the secondary operation reflected in the complexity score.
The shop configuration panel allows a machining shop to set their own hourly rates, setup fees, margin, and machine capability tier. When these values are adjusted, the price estimate updates in real time. This means every shop gets quotes that reflect their actual cost structure — not a generic industry average.
No. Your STEP file is processed in memory on the server to extract geometric data, and immediately deleted after the quote is generated. The file is never stored on disk beyond the duration of the request, and is never shared with any third party.
QuoteTool works best for standard prismatic milled parts (brackets, housings, plates, flanges) and turned parts (shafts, bushings, fittings) in common materials. Accuracy is highest for parts that can be completed in 1–2 setups. Very complex multi-axis parts, sheet metal, or parts requiring special processes like EDM or grinding are outside the current scope.
The indicative price is the starting point, not the final word. Once you have a price range you're comfortable with, contact the shop directly with your STEP file and requirements. The shop will review your part, confirm the price, and proceed with the order. QuoteTool eliminates the back-and-forth for simple parts — it doesn't replace the shop's expertise for complex ones.