The Xometry Instant Quoting Engine can automatically quote thousands of different shapes, features, and configurations! However, it has its own limitations:
If the computational geometry algorithms of the Instant Quoting Engine can analyze your design and give you a reasonable market price you will get an instant quote
If the algorithms cannot analyze your design, the line item quantity or value is high, or you added custom features, your part will require additional review by our engineers.
What parameters require manual quoting?
File type
Instant Quoting Formats
STEP, STP, SLDPRT, STL, SAT, 3DXML, 3MF, PRT, IPT, CATPART, X_T, PTC, X_B, DXF
Solid/Parasolid file types like STEP, SLDPRT, IPT, PRT and SAT can quote in any process.
Mesh-based formats like STL, 3MF, and 3DXML can quote 3D printing services. These formats may require an inch (in.) or millimeter (mm) unit input based on their export unit.
2D X_B and DXF files are specific to sheet cutting services.
Model-Based Definition (MBD) or Part Modeling Information (PMI) is not supported at this time and should be captured with an attached technical drawing on the quote.
Upper-level assembly files can be uploaded in an STP format but will require individual part files uploaded for quoting. Native CAD assembly files like SLDASM and IAM do not have solid model information and will not load on Xometry’s platform.
Please remove or suppress any multi-body features, such as installed inserts, before uploading part models.
Manual Quoting Formats
DWS, DWF, DWG, PDF
File design
The list below features the most common reasons why files may not auto-quote and some recommendations on how to address them:
Floating Parts
The file contains multiple disconnected bodies or parts that must be uploaded as separate files.
Recommendation: Check for design errors and connect any independent bodies to the rest of the model. Separate each component into individual part files if the design is correct. Each part file will need to be re-uploaded to be quoted.
Assembly File
The uploaded file is being detected as an assembly containing multiple components.
Recommendation: Upload only the individual part files; you may need to separate the components in your design software into individual files first. Check for and suppress hardware bodies such as COTS or inserts; you can specify insert requirements in your quote. If you don’t need an actual assembly and want a single part, such as a mock-up, you will need to combine all components into a single body and re-upload to be quoted.
Confined Hollows
The part contains a hollow area that cannot be fabricated using the selected process.
Recommendation: For subtractive processes such as CNC machining, the hollow area will need to be removed from the design; consider re-designing the single part into multiple parts. For additive processes such as 3D printing, add or widen exit holes to allow the removal of support material.
Part Size
The part is either too small or too large to fit the chosen process.
Recommendation: First, verify the dimensions of the uploaded file to ensure it’s at the intended scale.
Manufacturing process
Manufacturing Process | Quoting |
CNC machining | ⏱️ Instant Quote |
Sheet metal fabrication | ⏱️ Instant Quote |
3D printing | ⏱️ Instant Quote |
Injection moulding | ⌛ Manual quote |
Die casting | ⌛ Manual quote |
Vacuum casting | ⌛ Manual quote |
Compression moulding | ⌛ Manual quote |
Part configuration
High line item value or quantity
For projects with a line item value higher than €7000 and a line item quantity higher than 1000 pcs, a manual review helps us to offer the best price.
Custom selection
If a custom material or finish was selected it will require manual review. Submitting for manual review with a custom request does not guarantee a quote.