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Small Orders & Prototypes — Answers for First-Time CNC Buyers

Most of what we make starts as a handful of parts. No minimum order quantity, a free quote in 24 hours, and an NDA before we ever see your drawing. Here are the questions first-time buyers actually ask — answered straight.

No MOQFrom a single piece
24hFree engineer quote
NDABefore file exchange
100%Inspected before ship
30+Countries served

You Don't Need a Big Order to Work With Us

A lot of first-time buyers hesitate because they only need a few dozen parts, or one sample to check a design. That is exactly the work we do every day. Big production runs are great, but they almost always start as a small order — a prototype, a validation batch, a replacement part for a broken machine. The small jobs are where most programs begin, and they get the same engineering attention as a ten-thousand-piece run.

If you are weighing up whether a CNC shop will take you seriously, the short answer is: send the drawing, get a real quote, and decide from there. No commitment, no minimum.

FAQ

Questions First-Time Buyers Ask

Written from the buyer's side — what you are probably wondering before you send a file.

I only have 50 small parts — can you really do such a small order?
Yes. There is no minimum order quantity. Prototype runs from a single piece are welcome, and 50–100 pieces is a normal order size for us. Small batches are priced fairly — we don't pad the unit price just because the quantity is low.
I want to make a sample first — how much will it cost?
Send the drawing (STEP, IGES, PDF, or even a sketch) and we'll quote it free within 24 hours — there is no charge to get a quote. The sample cost is simply the machining of those one or few pieces; we state exactly what drives it (material, size, tolerance, quantity) so there are no surprises.
Will my small order actually get attention, or am I a low priority?
Small orders are the bulk of what we do. Many programs start at 50–100 pieces and grow into steady monthly volumes. You get a reply from a real engineer, not an auto-responder.
I don't have a CAD file yet — just a sample part or a rough sketch. Can you help?
Yes, but we cannot quote from a photo or sample alone — we need a drawing. The fastest way is a PDF showing shape, dimensions, tolerances, material and surface finish. If you only have a sketch, mark the measurements on it and we will turn it into a production drawing before quoting. Without dimensions and tolerances we can only discuss the design, not give a reliable price.
How do I know my design stays confidential on such a small job?
We sign an NDA before any technical file is exchanged (use ours or yours), and drawings are deleted from our servers on request. Every customer drawing is treated as confidential whether or not an agreement is in place.
What is the lead time for a small batch?
Prototypes from existing stock typically run 5–7 working days; production orders of 100–10,000 pieces usually 2–4 weeks. We tell you immediately if anything needs longer.
Will quality be good enough on a tiny order?
Every shipment is inspected before it leaves, regardless of quantity. CMM reports, material certificates and full first-article inspection are available on request.
Can you do mixed parts in one order — a brass fitting plus an aluminum housing?
Yes. Mixed-material batches are handled in one quote through our prototyping and low-volume production services.
Do you ship small orders internationally, and what about shipping cost?
Yes — DHL, FedEx and sea freight to 30+ countries, with EXW, FOB and DDP terms. Small parcels ship economically, and we'll suggest the cheapest viable option for your situation.
How do I get a quote without committing to anything?
Upload your files on the quote page — no login, no obligation. We reply with a priced quote within 24 hours, and you decide from there.

What to Send for the Fastest Quote

  • A drawing or file — PDF, STEP, IGES, STL, XT, DWG, or DXF. If you only have a photo, sample or sketch, mark the measurements and we will create the production drawing first.
  • Material and grade, if you know it. If not, tell us the application and we'll recommend.
  • Quantity and whether this is a one-off, a sample, or the start of a recurring order.
  • Any tolerance, finish or deadline that matters to you.

That is enough for a real quote. We will come back with a price, a lead time, and any manufacturability notes — usually within a working day.

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Related: CNC prototyping service — samples and validation parts from your CAD file.

Related: Low-volume production — steady batches once your design is proven.

Ready to quote your small order?

Send the drawing — even a sketch. A real engineer replies with a priced quote within 24 hours, no obligation.

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