--- title: How CAD Files Streamline Precision Fabricating - Ameritex description: Recently, CAD files have become increasingly essential to the manufacturing process, streamlining everything from quoting to programming to quality control. image: https://blog.ameritex.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Amerimex-Enclosure-130603.png --- [Skip to content](https://blog.ameritex.com/ameritex-knowledge-base/2022/10/20/how-cad-files-streamline-precision-fabricating#main-content) [![Ameritex](https://blog.ameritex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AmeriTex%20Logo-1.png?width=450&height=85&name=AmeriTex%20Logo-1.png "Ameritex")](http://www.ameritexllc.com) Search - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. # How CAD Files Streamline Precision Fabricating [Zackery Fennell](https://blog.ameritex.com/ameritex-knowledge-base/author/zackery-fennell) Oct 20, 2022, 12:34:10 PM In recent years, CAD (computer-aided design) files have become increasingly essential to the manufacturing process, streamlining and improving everything from quoting to programming to quality control.    If you don’t provide a shop with a [CAD file](https://ameritex.com/blog/3d-vs-2d-cad-files-which-are-more-useful-for-sheet-metal-fabrication-services/?hsLang=en-us) right off the bat, chances are they have someone behind the scenes converting your PDF into a much more useful CAD file.    Still, you may wonder, *“What exactly are CAD files used for?”* And we’re happy to provide the answers. Read on to learn how CAD files help us quickly transform our customers’ concepts into tangible custom fabrications during a few touchpoints in the manufacturing process.    ## **Quoting **   ![Amerimex Enclosure 130603](https://blog.ameritex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Amerimex-Enclosure-130603-1024x550.png?width=1024&height=550&name=Amerimex-Enclosure-130603-1024x550.png "Amerimex Enclosure 130603")   When customers [request a quote from Ameritex](https://ameritex.com/get-a-quote/?hsLang=en-us), we ask them to provide a 3D model, which drives some of the powerful automation in [our quoting platform](https://www.paperlessparts.com/).    The platform analyzes a model for key details, including the total linear inches of cut, number of holes, weight, countersinks, counterbores, and much more.    Using the data gathered from the model, the platform performs these critical functions:   - Plugs the variables of our choice into formulas that produce a final price - Provides a default standard lead time based on labor hours and capabilities required - Automatically reviews the model against Design for Manufacturing (DFM) criteria, alerting us to issues with the design that an estimator could easily overlook   ## **Programming**   ![](https://blog.ameritex.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CAD-FILE-LASER-1-1024x841.jpg) ![](https://blog.ameritex.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CAD-FILE-TUBE-LASER-1-1024x554.png) ![](https://blog.ameritex.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Cad-File-Bending-1-1024x639.jpg)   Once we receive an order, our programming team members review the 3D model and drawings provided to identify potential discrepancies. They then use the model to program the [press brake](https://ameritex.com/blog/press-brake-forming-cheaper-than-stamping-for-low-volume-sheet-metal-parts/?hsLang=en-us) and [laser cutting](https://ameritex.com/blog/laser-cutting-services-for-thick-materials/?hsLang=en-us) services.    The 3D model allows them to evaluate the risk of collisions in the [equipment](https://ameritex.com/equipment/?hsLang=en-us) we plan to use so that they can adjust the tooling or even take steps to modify the model if needed.    ![](https://blog.ameritex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CAD-FILE-QC-1-1024x786.jpg?width=309&height=236&name=CAD-FILE-QC-1-1024x786.jpg)   ## **Quality Control**   With the type of low-volume manufacturing standard in sheet metal fabrication, not every detail makes its way to a customer’s drawing. When we have a customer-supplied 3D model to reference, we can keep the project moving forward in the event that the drawing is unclear or contains insufficient information.    ## **Provide CAD Files When Requesting Metal Fabrication Services**   There’s no denying that CAD files play a key role in streamlining manufacturing operations—and that role will only increase as shops of all sizes continue embracing [Industry 4.0 technologies](https://www.paperlessparts.com/blog/how-to-incorporate-automation-into-your-job-shop/).    When possible, provide a CAD file the next time you request a quote for metal fabrication services to set your project on the right track. If you need help reviewing your design, feel free to reach out for a [design consultation](https://ameritex.com/blog/how-your-fabricator-can-help-with-your-sheet-metal-fabrication-design/?hsLang=en-us) or [submit a quote](https://ameritex.com/get-a-quote/?hsLang=en-us), and we’ll respond within 24 hours!  [Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication](https://blog.ameritex.com/ameritex-knowledge-base/tag/precision-sheet-metal-fabrication), [Custom Manufacturing](https://blog.ameritex.com/ameritex-knowledge-base/tag/custom-manufacturing) ## Read On [![](https://blog.ameritex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Enclosure.png?width=352&name=Enclosure.png)](https://blog.ameritex.com/ameritex-knowledge-base/2023/02/22/what-is-a-manufacturable-model-and-why-is-it-important-for-metal-fabrication-services?hsLang=en-us) ### [What Is a Manufacturable Model and Why Is It Important for Metal Fabrication Services?](https://blog.ameritex.com/ameritex-knowledge-base/2023/02/22/what-is-a-manufacturable-model-and-why-is-it-important-for-metal-fabrication-services?hsLang=en-us) 3D models play a critical role in most manufacturing processes. Customers use 3D models to... ### [The Value of 3D Models in Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication](https://blog.ameritex.com/ameritex-knowledge-base/2021/03/10/the-value-of-3d-models-in-precision-sheet-metal-fabrication?hsLang=en-us) The next time you submit a project to a precision sheet metal fabrication shop, consider providing... ### [3D vs. 2D CAD Files: Which Are More Useful for Sheet Metal Fabrication Services?](https://blog.ameritex.com/ameritex-knowledge-base/2022/08/18/3d-vs-2d-cad-files-which-are-more-useful-for-sheet-metal-fabrication-services?hsLang=en-us) Have you ever wondered why a sheet metal fabrication shop needs CAD files to make parts and how the... 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