Robotics & Automation

Both. A single replacement gripper finger or a production run of mounts: there’s no minimum order, and one-offs are quoted the same way. Ask for more than one quantity, such as 1, 25 and 100, and the quote shows each.

Any file type is accepted. A 3D STEP (or STP) file plus a 2D PDF drawing with the critical fits (bearing bores, dowel locations, mating faces) is ideal, and a ZIP is fine for full assemblies. A STEP file of a machined part with no drawing is quoted to a ±0.005 in general tolerance, or whatever your notes name. A fully dimensioned 2D PDF is quoted without a CAD line. A sketch, a new sample part or photos can start a quote, and the CAD work is quoted as its own line.

Standard work runs around ±0.005 in, with bearing fits and locating features quoted tighter where the print calls for it. Call them out on the print. Position, perpendicularity and runout callouts are quoted from the print. Every part is inspected against your print before it ships.

Aluminum is the usual start for structural and tooling parts; Wikipedia calls 6061 “one of the most common alloys of aluminium for general-purpose use” (source 1). Steel is the choice where stiffness matters: Wikipedia’s table of Young’s modulus values lists 68 GPa for aluminium and 200 GPa for A36 steel (source 2), about three times higher. Engineering plastics like Delrin suit contact surfaces; acetal (POM) is described as an engineering thermoplastic for precision parts needing “high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability” (source 3). Stainless is quoted where the print calls for it. Other alloys and plastics quoted on request. Name the grade on the print.

Quotes come back in 24-48 hours. Rush: 1-2 weeks. Standard: 4-6 weeks (typical). Extended: 6-8 weeks, for jobs that aren’t time-sensitive. Rush is quoted at a premium. Rush 1-2 weeks applies to machined parts with no secondary operations. Heat treat, grinding, EDM and finishing add time, and the quote gives the real date. Lead time starts at order approval. Put your need date in the part description and the quote answers it. If a cell is down, say so there too.

Yes. Blanket orders are quoted too. Price, release schedule and lead time per release are set in the quote. Reorders at the same revision: send the last quote or PO number and it’s requoted.

Yes. Motor mounts and structural pieces are usually custom brackets. Pins are on shafts and pins, bushings and sleeve bearings on bushings, and frame spacers on spacers and standoffs. Name the part and the material on the print and the quote follows it.