Question 1

I need a CNC routing/machining quote; what kind of machining services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We do CNC routing 2D or 3D on wood or plastic sheet goods, metal and plastics milling, turning, drilling, threading, tapping, part design, prototyping, reverse engineering, low volume or one-off part machine runs, modification of an existing part, material sourcing assistance, limited material warehousing and parts dispatching.  To receive a quote, just send a CAD file via email to precisionfablab@gmail.com

Question 2

I'm looking to create several prototypes and I have my CAD drawings exported to DXF format.  Is this sufficient for getting a quote/proceeding?

Accepted Answer

Yes in most cases, especially with better software like AutoCAD®.

Question 3

What is your lead time?

Accepted Answer

This will depend on several conditions that we can chat about once we have a clear understanding of what needs to be done.  We work on a first come first serve basis, consequently our work load will factor in.  After the receipt of a purchase order in writing, file completed, and materials are available, we could say five business days to six weeks lead time.  This will be subject to the complexity of the parts and quantities of the parts ordered.
 
We only respond to RFQ emails that include a telephone number.  We receive a high volume of inquiries therefore having the option to call or email is appreciated.

Question 4

Why do you need a CAD drawing to cut a simple rectangle, circle or letters?"

Accepted Answer

Even the simplest of shapes require a CAD drawing.  That CAD drawing will be imported into CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software.  From that drawing, we would utilize the geometry to apply toolpath to all entities intended to be machined.  We also want to avoid the liability of cutting something that wasn’t approved by you.
A CNC machine is a computer-controlled cutting machine used in the manufacturing world.  It involves the use of computers to control the machine tools via G-code.  G-code is the universal name for the most commonly used numerically controlled (NC) programming language.  This language is used by CNC programmers directing the machine tool to execute the desired actions and movements in order to cut precision parts.  Therefore only a CAD drawing could be used in the CAM software that both gives us a visual representation and controls the machine.

Question 5

I do not have a CAD drawing; will you still work with me?

Accepted Answer

If you do not have a CAD drawing, consider our relationship as client designer collaborative interaction.  We would have to create a CAD drawing which would generate an upfront designer fee.

Question 6

What type of files do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept DXF - DWG - IPT SLDPRT - X_T - STEP – IGES

Question 7

What modeling software do you prefer to use?

Accepted Answer

Inventor, SolidWorks™, and Solid Edge.  For the more inexpensive modeling software consider Rhino or Autodesk® Fusion360™ which is a robust, modeling software with huge save/export options.  If you find yourself working with companies that use CNC machining centers, turning centers, routers and 3D printers a lot, you might want to make a switch.

Question 8

Do you use SketchUp?

Accepted Answer

Exporting a DXF/DWG from SketchUp is ok, but please be aware that the arcs and circles created in that software would be segmented when brought into our CAM software.  When the arc/lines are segmented the material will be cut segmented as well and not as a true arc or circle unless we re-draw the entity.

Question 9

What materials can be CNC routed/machined at your machine shop?

Accepted Answer

We CNC cut solid woods such as Alder, Beech ,  Birch, Cedar, Cherry, Cypress, Elm, Fir, Hickory, Mahogany, Maple, Oak, Pine, Poplar, Red Oak, Redwood, Rosewood, Ash, Spruce, Sycamore, Teak, Walnut, White Oak, and Reclaimed Live Edge Wood Slabs.  As far as plywoods & engineered sheet we machine Softwood Plywood, Hardwood Plywood, Hardboard (HDF), Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), Extira, Melamine Particleboard, Paper Composite Panel, Lumber Core, Laminated Veneer, Veneer Core MDF and Ply, Richlite, Bamboo Ply, Ultra Gloss Panels and Flakeboard.  We also CNC route plastics & specialty materials like Alumalite, Aluminium (ACM), Solid Surface, Acrylic, Acetal, Delrin, PVC, Renshape, Epoxy Board, Nylon, Acrylic/Plexiglas, Polycarbonate/Lexan, High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Sintra, Styrene, Polyurethane Sheet, High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Kydex, High Density Urethane (HDU), Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethyelene (UHMW), Cross-link Polyethylene Foam (XLPE) Sign Foam, Gator foam, Sheet Insulation, Expanded Polystyrene Styrofoam (EPS), Extruded Polystyrene Foam(XPS), Natural & Synthetic Rubber and Cardboard.  We also machine aluminum, brass, copper, carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy or plastics like: Acetal, CPVC, Delrin®, Duratron, PAI®, ETFE, FEP, Fluorosint®, Halar®, Kynar®, Neoflon®, Nylatron®, Nylon, PCTFE, Peek, Polyimide, PPS, Polyurethane, PVC, Rulon®, Ryton®, Semitron®, Techtron®, Tefzel®, Torlon®, Turcite®, UHMW, Ultem®, Vespel®, Kel-F®

Question 10

What kind of material do you stock?

Accepted Answer

We do not stock material we do order the material once we receive a purchase order or if you purchase the material, we can receive it from material distributors.  If you prefer, you may also bring the material to our shop.

Question 11

Can you provide finishing for my existing or custom parts?

Accepted Answer

Precision Fablab does not supply finishing options in our shop.  However we have vendors we do outsource to fulfill your powder coating, anodizing, heat treating, plating, abrasive blasting, metal brushing, tumbling and grinding needs.  We are not a work brokerage and everything we promote that we do, is in fact done in-house.  Other companies claim to do everything in their shop.  If we can’t do what you need, we’ll tell you upfront that we don’t.  We will point you in the direction of how you’d want to do it and who can do it for you, if possible.

Question 12

Do you accept small quantity jobs?

Accepted Answer

We are geared toward production but we gladly accept small quantities.  You may order one part or thousands.  We do view each order individually therefore larger orders will automatically receive a price reduction.  We do have a $300.00 USD minimum amount per order to cover basic CAD file prep and physical setup.

Question 13

Do you accept credit cards?

Accepted Answer

For your convenience we do accept cash, company checks and all major credit cards.

Question 14

Can you make a replica of a part I have?

Accepted Answer

We can duplicate a part in certain instances but we would have to see it and determine so.  Feel free to send us a picture of your part via email.  If you are in our area, you are welcome to set up an appointment to bring us your part.  If you are outside our area then just mail the part to us.

Question 15

Can you modify a part that I have?

Accepted Answer

We would need to see it.

Question 16

Do you do work on site?

Accepted Answer

All work is done in our shop at this time.

Question 17

What places are you able to ship to?

Accepted Answer

We offer Continental US Shipping.

Question 18

What are your hours of operation?

Accepted Answer

We work Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm EST.  You may always email your CAD (computer-aided design) files along with the necessary information to precisionfablab@gmail.com

Question 19

Why do you need to design and machine a workholding component to machine my parts?

Accepted Answer

CNC machines move at a very high rate of speed combined with a massive amount of torque.  Maintaining the desired fixed position throughout the force of cutting ensures repeatable results.  If the part moves while being machined, the high tolerances of the part will be compromised.  Therefore machining a “jig” or workholding fixture may be required in order to complete the part.

Question 20

Do you do manual machining or just CNC machining?

Accepted Answer

We do both types of machining; however a drawing needs to exist in order to machine the part no matter which process we use.

Question 21

Which industries use your CNC machine shop services?

Accepted Answer

We serve the architectural, engineering, event planning, trade show, design, food processing, hospitality, education sector, entertainment, movie, advertising, plant operations, repair and service, retail and of course, we are open to extend our CNC routing and machining services to more industries.

Question 22

Do you offer CNC machining for individuals or just companies?

Accepted Answer

We work with both individuals and manufacturing companies.

(404) 781-5256

Precision Fabrication Frequently Asked Questions │ CNC Routing & Machined Parts Manufacturing Answers

Precision Fablab has put together this FAQ page sourced by recurring inquiries like: Why do I need to provide a computer drawing (CAD) to get a quote? What is you lead time? If we have not addressed it below, do email or call us!