Fast, Accurate Cost Estimates for Your Fabrication Projects
Need a quote you can count on? Herold Precision Metals (HPM) delivers fast, detailed fabrication cost estimates that help you plan confidently, avoid surprises, and keep your projects moving forward. With years of hands-on experience in the fabrication industry, we leverage advanced software and best practices to deliver accurate numbers and zero guesswork.
What Goes Into a Fabrication Cost Estimate?
Accurate fabrication cost estimation requires more than just adding up materials. We take a holistic approach that includes:
Material Costs: Based on your exact specifications for aluminum, stainless, carbon steel, copper, or other specialty metals.
Labor & Setup: Calculated from the complexity of the part, secondary operations, and batch sizes.
Tooling & Machining: Whether laser cutting, punching, forming, or welding, we match your job to the most efficient process.
Engineering Time: For complex jobs, our engineers review prints and offer DFM suggestions upfront.
Overhead & Equipment Usage: We factor in wear, depreciation, and machine time.
Our Fabrication Estimating Process
Initial Review: We proactively and transparently exchange information to ensure mutual alignment of expectations. This is where we’ll clarify drawing, file types, material specs, and volume targets as needed.
Single Point of Contact: One estimator will manage your quote from start to finish.
CAD & Specification Analysis: We accept SolidWorks, STEP, CAD, and traditional PDF files. Our team and software analyze tolerances, features, and geometry for compatibility and understanding of your requirements.
Process Evaluation & DFM Input: We’ll review manufacturing methods and options that meet or exceed print requirements and flag cost-saving opportunities early with DFM feedback.
Comprehensive Quote Generation: Send a quote that includes all materials, labor, finishing, and freight if needed.
Follow-Up: We follow up promptly and answer questions so you can make informed decisions.
Why Choose Herold Precision Metals for Estimating?
Experience: Our team brings years of industry expertise to every estimate, ensuring you receive reliable and well-informed quotes.
Speed: Most quotes are turned around in 1–2 business days for standard jobs.
Technology: We leverage advanced fabrication estimating software, AI tools, and Industry 4.0 best practices to translate your drawings into actionable manufacturing processes.
Partnership: We prioritize clear and proactive communication, addressing any potential issues before they affect your project timeline.
FAQs: Fabrication Cost Estimation Explained
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Fabrication costs include all direct and indirect expenses tied to producing a part, including materials, labor, equipment use, engineering time, finishing, and overhead.
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There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, but most estimates are built from: Total Cost = Materials + Labor + Equipment + Overhead + Finishing + Profit Margin
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Common stages include:
Order of Magnitude (OOM) Estimate
Feasibility/Schematic Estimate
Preliminary/Design Development Estimate
Substantive/Construction Document Estimate
Detailed/Bid Estimate
But we go through all these stages within our estimating process, so you only have to worry about the final detailed estimate.
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For standard jobs with complete specs, 1–2 business days. Complex or incomplete RFQs may take longer.
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Clear drawings (PDF, STEP, or SolidWorks files)
Material specs
Quantities
Tolerances
Finishing needs
Delivery deadlines
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Absolutely. By collaborating early, we can reduce part complexity, consolidate operations, and streamline tooling, cutting costs before production begins.
Learn More About Cost-Saving Strategies
Explore tips, case studies, and process insights to help you quote smarter and manufacture better.
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How Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Saves Time and Money
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How to Cut Sheet Metal Efficiently and Reduce Material Waste
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Get An Accurate Estimate For Your Fabrication Project
Let’s take the guesswork out of estimating. With decades of experience and the latest tech on our side, Herold Precision Metals is ready to quote your next project with speed, transparency, and precision.