CNC Machining FAQ
Find what you need to start an inquiry, prepare useful files, and confirm quantity, delivery, and inspection requirements. You can ask questions before your CAD package is complete.
Start here: MOQ, response, and files
MOQ starts at 1 piece. You can send an inquiry before your CAD package is complete. The RFQ form requires a project summary, name, company, and email; drawings and technical details are optional.
See ordering, MOQ, and lead times for production schedules and quoting and file formats for upload limits and recommended files. The answers below also cover inspection records and NDA options.
Start a CNC machining quote request or contact Jaquent about company verification, cooperation, or an existing inquiry.
Ordering, MOQ, and lead times
What is your minimum order quantity for CNC machined parts?
Our minimum order quantity is 1 piece. Single prototypes and subsequent batches are reviewed against the drawing, material, processes, inspection requirements, and capacity. Quantities and commercial terms are confirmed for each quotation.
Do you offer discounts for larger quantities?
Quantity can affect how setup, fixtures, and machining costs are shared. Ask for pricing at the quantities you are considering; any price breaks depend on material, geometry, finishing, and inspection scope and are confirmed in the quotation. There is no fixed discount schedule for every part.
Can I order a single prototype and then ramp to production?
Yes, you can begin with a prototype and discuss later batches. For a repeat order, reconfirm the controlled drawing revision, material, quantity, finishing, and inspection requirements. Whether earlier programs, fixtures, or quality plans can be reused is reviewed for that order; a prototype does not by itself establish batch yield, capacity, or a delivery guarantee.
What is your typical lead time?
Typical production lead times are 3–10 business days, depending on material availability, complexity, finishing, quantity, and capacity. The quotation confirms the production schedule and the conditions for starting it. Shipping and destination arrival are separate from production lead time. Rush production of 1–2 business days is only available when material and capacity allow and is confirmed in the quotation.
How do you handle urgent orders?
State your required date and destination in the inquiry. We review material, capacity, process sequence, and any additional expedite cost before confirming what is feasible. A requested date is not an accepted production or arrival commitment.
Quoting and file formats
How do I get a quotation?
Use Request a Quote with a project summary, your name, company, and email, or email [email protected]. CAD is optional. If available, include a STEP model and a marked PDF drawing; for assemblies, a BOM or assembly drawing helps. We clarify open requirements and review manufacturability before confirming quotation scope. With a complete RFQ, we typically respond within one business day. Complex multi-process projects may take 1–2 business days.
What information makes a quote accurate?
Include as much of the following as you can:
- Material type and grade
- Quantity
- Surface finish / treatment
- Individual feature requirements and any general tolerance standard, class and edition; apply the general note to its stated scope
- Target delivery window
- Inspection needs (standard check, FAI, MTR, CoC)
Share what you have and identify open questions for DFM. Where no individual or general drawing tolerance applies, ±0.10 mm is a common delivery basis, to be confirmed in the quotation. These are recommended inputs; attachments, quantity and material remain optional form fields.
Is quotation free? Will my design stay confidential?
Quotations are free and no-obligation. Design files are limited to engineers assigned to your project and to permitted manufacturing and finishing recipients under our NDA. Download our standard NDA (PDF), email your agreement to [email protected], or attach it with the RFQ upload. We may use desensitized machining-process or in-process photos that do not identify you or your part; email to opt out.
What CAD formats do you accept?
The RFQ form directly accepts .stp, .step, .igs, .x_t, .prt, .sldprt, .pdf, .zip, and .rar. Prefer STEP geometry with a marked PDF drawing where available. Attach up to 5 files, totaling 25 MiB (26,214,400 bytes).
.iges, .dwg, .dxf, and .sldasm are not direct upload extensions. Export suitable STEP/PDF files or contact [email protected] to confirm a delivery method and required dependencies. Allowed archives still count toward the limits; archive acceptance does not confirm native-file compatibility or automatic conversion. For larger or controlled files, agree how to share them before sending. Attachments remain optional.
I only have a 2D drawing. Can you manufacture from that?
Yes, if the 2D drawing is fully dimensioned. Complex 3D contours usually need a solid model for efficient toolpaths. We can discuss reverse-engineering from a drawing or sample when needed.
Capabilities, finishes, and quality
What services do you offer beyond basic CNC machining?
- Free DFM feedback before production
- Reverse engineering from samples or sketches (when scoped)
- Finishes coordinated when ordered: anodize, passivation, powder coat, blast, plating, laser mark, and related processes
- Sub-assembly / kitting with purchased hardware
- Packaging and labeling to your spec
- Specialty alloys and plastics with certs / FAI packages when specified on the PO
See Our Capabilities, Surface Finishes, and Quality Control.
Can you handle multi-process jobs with documentation?
Yes. Many robotics, medical, and aerospace parts need machining plus heat treatment, finishing, and documentation such as MTR or CoC. Customer-specified FAI forms and drawing-characteristic coverage are available when specified and quoted. Scope and paperwork must be stated on the RFQ/PO — we do not assume every job includes every certificate.
What if I’m not sure the design can be machined?
Send a sketch, model, or description. We provide a free feasibility / DFM review with practical options for cost and lead time. There is no charge for this consultation.
What tolerances should I expect?
Apply individual drawing requirements and any specified general tolerance to their stated scope and edition. Where neither applies, ±0.10 mm is a common delivery basis confirmed in the quotation. Selected milling/turning features may be reviewed to ±0.01 mm and designated critical five-axis features to ±0.005 mm, where material and geometry allow, confirmed through DFM. For plastics, about ±0.05 mm is a planning reference requiring material- and geometry-specific review. See functional tolerances and GD&T.
Still have a question?
Use Request a Quote for a machining requirement, even if CAD is not ready. For supplier or cooperation questions, contact Jaquent. With a complete RFQ, we typically respond within one business day. Complex multi-process projects may take 1–2 business days.