Get a CNC Machining Quote for Custom Parts
Upload your 3D CAD files and drawings to request CNC machining pricing, lead-time information and engineering feedback for prototypes and production parts.
More Than a Price
A CNC quote from Goldcattle is a manufacturing assessment, not just a number. Every RFQ returns the information your team needs to make a sourcing decision.
Transparent Pricing
Estimated or engineering-confirmed pricing based on your actual CAD, material and quantity.
Lead-Time Information
Prototype, low-volume and production timelines confirmed against current capacity.
DFM Feedback
Manufacturability notes on tolerances, features and setups before production begins.
Engineering Review
Complex geometry and tight tolerances checked by manufacturing engineers.
Inspection Options
Dimensional inspection and documentation scoped to your requirements.
Repeat Order Support
Approved drawings and process plans kept for fast, consistent reorders.
How CNC Quoting Works
From file upload to shipped parts — a clear, engineering-led path.
Upload
Send CAD and drawings.
Configure
Material, qty, finish.
Quote
Price + lead time.
Engineering Review
Feasibility + DFM.
Manufacture
CNC milling / turning.
Inspect
Verify dimensions.
Ship
Deliver to you.
What to Upload for an Accurate Quote
The more complete your files, the more accurate the quote. The two essentials are a 3D model and a 2D drawing.
Tip: Not sure about material or tolerance? Use “recommend” or “according to drawing” — our engineer will confirm the best option for your application.
| Input | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| 3D CAD | Geometry, dimensions, machining complexity, material volume, setups and tool access. |
| 2D Drawing | Tolerances, GD&T, threads, surface roughness, critical dimensions, inspection and cosmetic needs. |
| Material | Grade and temper affect raw material and machining cost. |
| Quantity | Impacts setup allocation and unit cost. |
| Finish | Adds post-processing cost and lead time. |
| Tolerance | May require extra machining or inspection. |
| Delivery | Required date and destination for scheduling and freight. |
What Determines CNC Machining Cost
Understanding the drivers helps you scope a part and read your quote with confidence.
Material
Grade, stock size and availability set the raw material baseline.
Geometry & Machining Time
Features, toolpaths and machine setups drive the largest cost block.
Quantity
Setup cost is spread across larger runs, lowering unit price.
Tolerance
Tighter or critical tolerances may add processes and inspection.
Finishing
Anodizing, plating, polishing and passivation add cost and time.
Inspection & Lead Time
Documentation scope and priority scheduling adjust the total.
Fast Estimate vs. Engineering-Reviewed Quote
We separate automated estimates from confirmed quotes so you always know which number you are looking at.
| Project type | Quote method |
|---|---|
| Standard CNC geometry | Fast estimate |
| Standard materials & finishes | Fast estimate |
| Complex multi-axis parts | Engineering review |
| Tight GD&T / critical features | Engineering review |
| Special materials | Engineering review |
| Assemblies & special inspection | Engineering review |
| Customer-supplied material | Engineering review |
CNC Processes We Quote
From simple brackets to 5-axis components — tell us the part, we plan the process.
3 / 4 / 5-Axis Milling
3-axis, 4-axis and simultaneous 5-axis milling for complex geometries.
CNC Turning
Precision turning and turn-mill for round and rotational parts.
Drilling & Tapping
Hole patterns, threads and secondary machining operations.
Secondary Operations
Deburring, assembly and value-added finishing.
Common Materials We Machine
Standard grades for most applications. Need something else? Tell our engineer in your RFQ.
Aluminum
Stainless Steel
Steel
Brass & Copper
Engineering Plastics
Not listed?
Quality & Inspection
Your quote includes more than a price — it includes a plan to hold your requirements.
Engineering Review
Geometry and manufacturing requirements checked before production.
Process Control
Production under one ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.
Dimensional Inspection
Inspection performed according to the agreed requirements.
Documentation
Inspection reports, material certificates and test reports available on request.
Your CAD Files Stay Confidential
Uploading a design is a trust decision. We treat customer files as confidential by default.
- Secure file submission used only for quotation and engineering review.
- Customer files are not displayed publicly.
- Access is controlled internally on a need-to-know basis.
- An NDA can be arranged on request before upload.
- Files are handled according to your data-retention preference.
Direct manufacturing support: Your RFQ is reviewed by our engineering and manufacturing team. From drawing review and process planning to inspection and shipment, you get one direct point of communication for your custom CNC parts.
What a CNC Quote Looks Like
An anonymized example of how a request is assessed — no fabricated prices.
| Item | Example |
|---|---|
| Part | Aluminum mounting bracket |
| Process | 5-axis CNC milling |
| Material | Aluminum 7075-T6 |
| Quantity | 20 pcs |
| Finish | Anodizing |
| Tolerance | According to drawing |
| Inspection | Dimensional inspection |
| Quote status | Engineering reviewed |
Quote review steps
- CAD geometry reviewed
- Material and temper confirmed
- Machining process selected
- Surface finishing reviewed
- Inspection requirement confirmed
- Lead time and price confirmed
Final price provided after RFQ review.
From Prototype to Production
One supplier across the whole lifecycle — start with a sample, scale to volume.
Prototype
MOQ 1 piece. Validate fit, function and finish quickly.
Low Volume
Bridge production with consistent quality and fast turns.
Production
Repeatable process plans and inspection for ongoing supply.
CNC Quote FAQ
What files do I need for a CNC quote?
A 3D CAD model (STEP, STP, IGES, X_T, SLDPRT or similar) for geometry and dimensions, plus a 2D PDF drawing for tolerances, GD&T, threads and inspection notes. A STEP file alone lets us estimate; the 2D drawing confirms critical requirements.
Can I get a quote with only a STEP file?
Yes. A STEP or STP file lets us evaluate geometry, material volume, setups and machining time to produce an estimated price and lead time. For tight tolerances, threads or inspection, the 2D drawing is needed to confirm a final, engineering-reviewed quote.
What information affects CNC machining price?
Price is driven by material grade, part geometry and machining time, order quantity, tolerance requirements, surface finishing, inspection level and required delivery date.
Is the quote a final price?
Standard parts with clear CAD and drawings receive a fast, engineering-confirmed quote. Complex geometry, tight GD&T, special materials, assemblies or special inspection move to a manual engineering review before the confirmed price and lead time are issued.
What happens if my part is too complex for an instant estimate?
It moves to manual engineering review. Our manufacturing engineers evaluate process planning, fixturing, tolerance feasibility and inspection, then return a confirmed quote with lead time and DFM feedback.
Can you machine both metal and plastic parts?
Yes. We machine aluminium, stainless steel, carbon and alloy steel, brass, copper and engineering plastics such as POM, PA, PEEK and ABS. If your material is not listed, describe it in the RFQ and our engineer will advise.
Can you quote a single prototype?
Yes. MOQ is 1 piece for prototypes. Prototype, low-volume and production quantities are all supported, and the per-unit price typically improves as quantity increases because setup cost is spread across the order.
Can I request an NDA before uploading my CAD?
Yes. Files are used only for quotation and engineering review, are not displayed publicly, and are access-controlled internally. An NDA can be arranged on request before you upload sensitive designs.
Do you provide inspection reports?
Dimensional inspection is available according to the agreed requirements, with inspection reports, material certificates and RoHS/SGS test reports provided on request. Specific inspection scope is confirmed during the quote.
How are shipping costs calculated?
Shipping depends on destination, package size, weight and chosen Incoterm. Lead time shown in the quote covers manufacturing and inspection; freight is confirmed separately based on your delivery address and terms.
Can you quote repeat production from a previous order?
Yes. We keep approved drawings, process plans and inspection records so repeat orders and revisions can be quoted quickly with consistent quality from prototype through production.
Ready to Quote Your CNC Part?
Upload your CAD and drawings and get engineering review, pricing and lead-time feedback for prototypes and production.
