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How We Process Parts Without 3D Drawings？-CFM
🌟 Our Promise: No 3D Drawings? No Problem!
🌟Important Notice: Drawing Requirements for Production
- If you do NOT have a 3D model, we offer a 3D modeling & drafting service, with fees based on part complexity.
- No 2D drawing = No inspection report can be provided.
- No 3D drawing = Production cannot be scheduled.
We typically provide this service exclusively to product design clients and studios that require custom CFM sample boards for internal use. It is also possible to provide services for some customers who have simple processing requirements for parts.
These clients commission a batch of samples to be stored at our studio.
During our daily production, we will produce various surface finishes alongside their other orders, or create fully customized samples upon request—this service is generally at a premium cost.
📋 What You Can Provide
- 2D/PDF engineering drawings (with dimensions, tolerances, material specs)
- Hand drawing/sketches (even rough ones, with key dimensions & functional notes)
- Physical samples/photos (we can reverse-engineer and draft 2D/3D from them)
Hand drawing/sketches
1. Delivery & Lead Time
Q: What files will you deliver after converting hand sketch / 2D drawing into 3D model? A: We will deliver neutral 3D files (STEP AP214 or X_T), plus 2D PDF engineering drawing. SolidWorks source file is available upon extra agreement.
Q: How many revisions are free? How to charge for extra changes?
A: X minor revisions free of charge. Major structural changes will be charged by working hours. We send PDF preview for your confirmation before machining.
2. Tolerance & Technical
Q: There is no tolerance on hand sketch. Who defines the tolerance? A: We will confirm tolerance standard (ISO2768 / ASME) with you before modeling. We will NOT define tolerance by ourselves without your approval.
Q: What if there are missing dimensions or conflicting dimensions on hand sketch? A: We will flag all issues and wait for your confirmation before proceeding modeling.
Q: What is the modeling accuracy? Can you add GD&T geometric tolerances on drawing? A: Modeling matches confirmed dimensions. GD&T / feature tolerances can be added on 2D drawing as your requirement.
Q: Will you add manufacturing features such as chamfer, undercut, bend relief automatically? A: We strictly follow your sketch. Any manufacturing optimization will be proposed and confirmed by you first.
3. Cost
Q: How do you charge for hand sketch to 3D modeling service? A: The modeling fee is quoted based on part complexity and working hours.
Q: If we confirm the model but finally do NOT place machining order, do we still need pay modeling fee? A: Yes, modeling labor is consumed once finished.
Q: Can the modeling fee be deducted from mass production order? A: Yes, we can negotiate to deduct modeling cost from your subsequent bulk order.
Q: How will you charge for drawing revision after mass production starts? A: Minor tweaks are free; large redesign will be re-quoted.
4. Machining & Risk
Q: Can the converted 3D and 2D drawings be used directly for CNC / EDM machining? A: Yes, files are ready for machining once you confirm drawing.
Q: Who takes responsibility if original hand sketch has wrong dimensions and causes scrap? A: We follow your approved drawing. If error comes from your original sketch, you bear the related risk.
Q: Can you provide first article inspection report? A: Yes, FAIR first article inspection report can be provided.
5. IP & Document Format
Q: Who owns the intellectual property of 3D model? Can you sign NDA? A: We can sign NDA. The IP ownership will be defined in agreement. We won’t share your drawing to any third party.
Q: Can drawings be bilingual English & Chinese? Unit mm or inch? A: Bilingual drawing is available. Unit can be set as mm or inch as requested.
Q: What 3D formats can you export? A: STEP AP214, Parasolid X_T, IGS, SolidWorks SLDPRT.
Reverse Engineering
Q: What is the scanning accuracy and achievable tolerance for reverse modeling?
A: Our optical scanner reaches an accuracy of ±0.05 mm. We can dimension the model per ASME / ISO standards. Final machining tolerances will be confirmed separately based on manufacturing capability.
How will you handle the sample if it has wear, dents or deformation? A: We will inspect and notify you of worn / deformed areas first. Two options available: ① Scan as-is and keep the current physical condition of the sample. ② Reconstruct an ideal theoretical CAD model with geometry repair (extra charge). You choose the solution.
Q: Can you run motion simulation to check for hinge interference during rotation? A: Yes. Motion simulation can be completed after modeling to verify opening/closing movement and check assembly interference. Simulation screenshots can be provided.
Can GD&T geometric tolerances be added on the reverse-engineered drawings? A: Yes, GD&T and datums can be annotated following ASME Y14.5 standard for inspection and FAIR.
How many free revisions are included? What is the charge for extra changes? A: 3 minor revisions are free of charge. Major structural changes or surface reconstruction will be charged by working hours.
Q: Who bears the risk of damage during sample transit? A: You take responsibility for shipment damage when sending the sample to us. We will securely pack the master sample when returning it; freight and transit risk for return shipment can be negotiated.
Does reverse modeling include surface finishes like brushing, polishing, PVD or coating? A: Scan-to-CAD only captures geometric shape. Surface treatment is a separate post-machining process and quoted separately.
Can the scanned CAD model be 100% identical to the old physical sample? A: The original sample already contains manufacturing tolerance and wear from usage. The scanned model replicates the physical sample as measured. If you require an ideal theoretical CAD model, additional geometry repair work will be needed.
🔧 Our Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Review & Feasibility Check
- Our engineers evaluate your files within 24 hours
- Confirm material, critical dimensions, tolerances, surface finish, quantity, and lead time
- Clarify any ambiguous details with you upfront
Step 2: 3D Modeling & 2D Drawing Generation
- We build a high-precision 3D model from your input
- Export a complete 2D PDF drawing with all dimensions, tolerances, and technical notes
Step 3: Customer Approval & Sign-Off
- Send you 3D preview images + full dimensioned PDF drawings for review
- You can request revisions until the design matches your requirements
- Final written/sign-off confirmation locks the design for production
Step 4: Production & Quality Control
- Manufacture parts using CNC, sheet metal, or other processes per the approved drawing.
📞 Get Started
- Send your 2D/PDF, sketch, sample, or photos to us
- We’ll respond with a feasibility check and quote within 24 hours
- Approve the final drawings, and we’ll start production
No 3D drawings? We turn your ideas into precision parts—with full approval before manufacturing.