"Instant" quoting versus hands on "Online quoting"
Posted by Robert Kiser on Wed, Apr 01, 2009 @ 09:43 AM
Some rapid prototyping services offer "instant" quoting where you upload your 3D Stereolithography files and you receive an instant price quote. However, most Rapid Prototype, or 3D Printing service providers have an "online quoting" page on the website and "online quoting" should not to be confused with "instant" quoting. The "Online quoting" process takes your uploaded file and puts it directly in the hands of a person who accurately quotes your job per their standards then sends you a printed quote. "Instant" quoting takes your uploaded file, scans the volume that exists within a box that surrounds the entire part, then issues an instant quoted based on the volume inside the box. There may be empty space within the box that the 3D model doesn't occupy that you are paying for. If you used the instant quoting services before, you have probably noticed that when you upload larger, or complex parts, you don't get an instant quote right back. This is because the larger, or more complex parts require personal attention to perform an accurate quote. I am not a recommender of "instant" quoting because I don't see it as an accurate method to qualify a job and I have seen large differences in quoted prices from "instant" quoting services and they are always higher than a quote from the more accurate "online" quoting method. Instant quoting is more a marketing tool. Real hands on analysis of every job is needed to accurately quote a 3D Model. See example here:
"Online quoting" services for rapid prototyping and 3D Printing offer the accuracy needed because of the human factor involved. We take your rapid prototype project and place it into our rapid prototype OEM application software where the entire 3D model is scanned, the surrounding box empty space is ignored, and an accurate material usage and build time is displayed to the analyst performing your quote. Online quoting doesn't take much time, so just because a rapid prototype service doesn't have an "instant" quoting service, don't be alarmed, but rather be assured you will receive an accurate quote.