2023/10/12
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6 min read
Complicated ordering processes paired with long supplier lead times have become the norm in aerospace and defense. At ProtoSpace Mfg, we don’t think that’s right.
That’s why we created our unique, mass custom manufacturing system that can make what you need with an unmatched 2-3-day base lead time, while offering AS9100D certification, traceability, ITAR & CGP compliance, AS9102 inspection services and more.
In this blog, we’ll be going through the ordering process for getting your custom parts, components, panels and enclosures built at ProtoSpace Mfg.
The first step in getting your designs manufactured is to know how much they are going to cost. There are a few ways you can get a quote with us.
Quote Using Protocase Designer
If you’re using Protocase Designer, you can use the Instant Quote feature in the software to quote your design. You can choose to get a quote for selected parts as well, if you like.
Protocase Designer is the design software developed in-house by our parent company, Protocase, Inc. You can design custom electronic enclosures for your test labs and other projects, as well as panels and brackets.
It is a huge timesaver because you start with a template and then you simply customize it to fit your needs. In addition to quick and easy designing, the software’s Instant Quote and Instant Purchase tools will save you time and prevent back-and-forth with our engineers and Account Managers.
Using Our Request-For-Quote Form
Our one-stop shop for custom manufacturing includes sheet metal parts, enclosures, panels, machined parts, custom gaskets, copper bus bars and more. No matter what you are designing, you can use our Request-for-Quote Form to send us your design and provide all kinds of relevant details about your needs.
Our quoting team will review everything you submit in the form, and provide a price quote for what you need manufactured. And, if there are details that are unclear or missing, we will reach out to you for clarification before quoting your design.
Your ProtoSpace Mfg Account Manager is always ready to help too, via phone or email!
Get an Instant Quote in My Account
If you’re using any other CAD software to create a sheet metal design, you can get a quote within seconds by using the Instant Quoter feature on My Account for STEP and IGES files. But please note that there are situations when your design might require a revised quote or the Instant Quoter might be unable to give you a price estimate right away.
We have discussed why this could happen and explained the aforementioned feature in greater detail in a Proto Tech Tip video.
Once you are good to order your design, you will let your Account Manager know.
If you use Instant Quoter and get a quote without any warnings, you'll get an option to purchase right away.
If you’re using Protocase Designer, you can place an order using the purchase option on the top-right side of the screen when you’re on the 3D view.
Once you have confirmed your order, our Engineering & Design Services team is going to process your design. A member of our engineering team will take your file and prep it so that we can manufacture your design. There may be slight adjustments that need to be made in terms of material thickness, bend radii and more.
Once this process is complete, you will be emailed by a member of the Engineering and Design Services team who worked on your design. The email will contain the same file type as you provided us initially, as well as a link to download E-Drawings, which enables you to view a 3D model of your enclosure.
E-Drawings gives you the ability to inspect every aspect of your design – you can and should verify dimensions, view the part or enclosure from all angles, view section cutaways to inspect the inside and dissemble the enclosure to view each part that makes up the assembly.
When you approve your E-Drawing, your order moves to the BuildSheet process. Our Engineering & Design Services team takes your approved design and creates the work instructions for our Production team. This ensures that our team manufactures the design as you approved it!
After the BuildSheets are completed, your order is queued up for our Production team. Then, we make your design vision a reality by building your parts and enclosures. This happens in 2-3 days for priority orders wherein in-stock materials and in-house services are available.
There are some instances where E-Drawings are not required. Specifically, if you create your custom design in Protocase Designer with no design errors flagged, your order will go straight to production.
For more info on this process, we recommend this Proto Tech Tip for E-Drawings.
The final step of this process is shipping your fully finished design to you. If you want to have a high-level view of where your order currently is, you can check out your My Account Portal.
The final step of the process is shipping your parts and enclosures to you. If you want to have a high-level view of your current orders at ProtoSpace Mfg, you should check out My Account.
Using this portal, you can submit reorders quickly and easily at any time, and schedule your blanket-order releases.
You can also check the status on a current order. An order usually goes through five stages:
With My Account, you can track your job status at any time of the day. My Account is free and available for all ProtoSpace Mfg customers.
Contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable account managers to get started with us today.
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