1. Prepare Your Design Files
Before you contact any manufacturer, you need proper design files. The quality of your files directly impacts the accuracy of your quotes.
- 3D CAD files — STEP (.step, .stp) is the universal standard
- 2D drawings — Include tolerances, surface finishes, threads
- Material specification — Be specific (6061-T6 aluminum, not just "aluminum")
2. Choose a Manufacturing Method
CNC Machining
Best for metal/plastic with tight tolerances. Prototypes to medium runs.
Sheet Metal
Laser cutting, bending, welding for enclosures and brackets.
3D Printing
Fast prototyping, complex geometries. Limited materials.
Injection Molding
High tooling cost, low per-part cost at volume. Plastics only.
3. Find the Right Supplier
- Relevant experience — Have they made similar parts?
- Right equipment — 5-axis for complex, Swiss for small precision
- Certifications — ISO 9001, AS9100, ITAR as needed
- Communication — Quick responses, good questions
Praetore maintains a vetted network of U.S. shops. We match you so you don't have to cold-call.
Get matched4. Production & Quality
Request a First Article Inspection (FAI) before full production. Check critical dimensions when parts arrive. Document any issues immediately.
Common Mistakes
Over-tolerancing
Tight tolerances dramatically increase cost. Only apply where functionally required.
Choosing on Price Alone
Cheapest often becomes most expensive with quality issues and delays.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing specs lead to parts that don't meet needs.